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samuelanimates.bsky.social
Sam Mendez, PhD
@samuelanimates.bsky.social
2.7K followers 1.9K following 53 posts
Research: health literacy, media, and tech
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Portfolio: https://samuelanimates.com/
Public Health 🛟 feed: https://bsky.app/profile/samuelanimates.bsky.social/feed/aaaarylo7rb2e
Public Health starter pack: https://go.bsky.app/EgMQxe9
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samuelanimates.bsky.social
New paper out! We studied how different ways to count words can changes reading grade level estimates. Bottom line: Don't take reading grade estimates at face value. AND show your work when you do them! More info in thread below.

Feeds: #commsky 🛟 🧪 #PhDsky
Link: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/MGCTE...
Readability scores don't just vary due to "error", they vary due to context-specific decisions. The example text reads: "The deluge in new cases is fueling a sharp rise in #COVID19 hospitalizations. as of this morning, there were 276 virus-stricken patients in our state's hospitals. Thats a 39% increase over the past week and a 109% increase since 3/17" The hashtag is highlighted an annotated with the question, "Count as a 4-syllable word? Count at all?" The date is highlighted and annotated with the question, "Count as a 1-syllable word and 3-syllable word? Count as "March 17"? Count at all?"
November 13, 2025 at 7:28 PM
samuelanimates.bsky.social
Summary graphic for these steps to tell your public health story
Infographic titled "Tell Your Public Health Story: 6 Steps to Amplify Community Impact" from the Public Health Communications Collaborative. The six steps are: 1. Outline the Changes - Document budget, staff, and program shifts. 2. Map the Impact - Show where changes affect health services. 3. Humanize Your List - Identify people and personal stories. 4. Plan for Action - Define what you want readers to do. 5. Write Your Piece - Connect big picture to local issues. 6. Share Widely - Use media, partners, and community channels.
October 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
samuelanimates.bsky.social
Communicating about vaccines can be a challenge. Public Health Communications Collaborative has developed a library of vaccine resources so you don’t have to go it alone, such as the flyer below.

You can find more resources here: publichealthcollaborative.org/communicatio...
Flyer with two cartoon faces of young children: Your Quick Guide to the Flu Vaccine for Kids Who? Everyone ages 6 months and older. When? Between September and October, before the flu season starts. Why? Flu vaccines prevent flu infection, reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms and illness, and save lives. Where? The flu vaccine is available at pharmacies, health clinics, and from healthcare providers. Some kids are also eligible for FluMist, an at-home nasal spray flu vaccine. If you're interested in this vaccination option for your child, you should talk to a healthcare provider about it.
October 7, 2025 at 6:21 PM
samuelanimates.bsky.social
👋 I am excited to announce that I am part of a new cohort of Public Health Communications Collaborative Ambassadors this fall. Follow along as I share new, timely resources for #PublicHealth professionals as a #PHCCAmbassador

#medsky #episky #scicomm
I'm a Public Health Communications Collaborative Ambassador. Follow along as I share new, timely resources for #PublicHealth professionals Line-drawing self-portrait: person with long dark hair and glasses, with colorful layered clothes. Public Heath Communications Collaborative graphic, with #PHCCAmbassador as the heading
July 15, 2025 at 8:34 PM