Health literacy is like jazz
Kristine S?rensen ??
Empower professionals to promote Health Literacy by Design; Executive Advisor & Founder of Global Health Literacy Academy, Past-President of International Health Literacy Association. Let's connect!
I am a jazz lover. One of the reasons is that I am deeply fascinated with the way that jazz standards can be played as part of improvisation in ways that sounds so smoothly, although the music is created in the moment based on hours of individual practice by the musicians on the multiple instruments.
Peter Vuust is a unique combination of a renowned scientist and a world class jazz musician. As a researcher, he is Denmark’s leading expert in the field of music and the brain. He made me think of health literacy and jazz after reading his book on musical leadership and a presentation in my Rotary Club on health and the brain.
It is fascinating how just as jazz musicians improvise and adapt to the music around them, individuals with strong health literacy can adapt to changing health information, medical advice, and new research and apply it to real-life situations.
Moreover, jazz relies on effective communication between musicians, just as health literacy requires clear communication between patients and healthcare providers. Miscommunication in either setting can lead to confusion—whether it's a botched performance or misunderstanding a prescription.
Jazz, like health literacy, has cultural dimensions. The way people understand and engage with music is influenced by their backgrounds, just as health literacy is shaped by cultural norms, language, and personal experiences.
Just like a musician moves effortlessly through chord progressions, a person with good health literacy knows how to navigate information smoothly, Both require practice and lifelong learning to stay sharp.
Jazz tells stories through music. A doctor explaining a diagnosis in an engaging way also helps to make the message more meaningful and memorable.
According to Peter Vuust, listening to music can actually improve health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing cognitive function—so, think about it, maybe jazz itself is a form of health literacy in action!
On another note, I'll share insights on Health Literacy Transformation 27 February 2025. If you are a leader, manager or health professional responsible for health literacy development, this webinar may be relevant for you. Find the registration link here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/64qpgt0
By the way, if you have any jazz favourites, let us know. Music heals the world.
Empower professionals to promote Health Literacy by Design; Executive Advisor & Founder of Global Health Literacy Academy, Past-President of International Health Literacy Association. Let's connect!
4 天前Thank you for the enlightment. Irish music certainly has this quality too. It brings people together ????
Professor at University College Dublin
1 周I entirely agree. It is about communication at the level of heart and soul. The connection for us who speak the Irish language, this is about what we call sean nós (old style) singing, all heart and soul. Our understanding is that in the really poor times in America, the lowest in society were labourers: black and Irish who had emigrated in a rush, and had not learnt English / American. After work they sang together. When the Irish liked a song or some music they would say "tá sé sin deas", meaning "that is nice" with "deas" rhyming with "jazz". That is what we think is the origin of "jazz": deep soul communicating.
Consultor de Oncologia Médica na ULS ALGARVE-PORTIM?O | Pesquisa em cancer, Ensaios clínicos
1 周I am a lover of Jazz too. Yes it is an excelent analogy!
Full Professor of Accounting
1 周What a fantastic analogy??