How Healthcare Works, LLC

Have you ever felt like every step forward is met with someone trying to pull you back? Recently, I mentioned a goal I was working toward, and instead of encouragement, I was met with a suggestion to consider a generic retail job. It wasn't the first time someone’s comment made me feel less than, but this time, it struck a deeper nerve. It made me realize how little this person thinks of me.  Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH  The truth is, comments like these can feel deflating and make you question everything—your goals, your dreams, and even your self-worth. You may start to feel like others think you don't deserve anything in life.  And if you’re already struggling with self-doubt, it can feel like confirmation of your worst fears. For me, this comment was especially hurtful because it reminded me of a fear I’ve carried for years: that I’ll never get to live my dreams. Writing books is one of the few dreams I’ve achieved, but even that often feels diminished. Sure,...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, someone has something negative to say about it and no one has your back? That’s been my reality for as long as I can remember. From my personal choices to my professional achievements, there always seems to be a critique, a dismissal, or an outright insult waiting around the corner. It’s exhausting and, honestly, disheartening. Let me share some examples that might resonate with you or at least shed light on how constant criticism affects those of us who face it. In this photo, I am promoting a top for Shijiali “Blessed in this Area” Recently, I made an offhand comment about liking how my shirt fit because, as I put it, "I am blessed in that area." The comment wasn't out of line because I was reviewing a shirt -- a product I had been sent by a company, Shijiali .  Instead of taking it as a lighthearted, self-affirming moment, someone found a way to turn it into a point of contention and a way to...

Goal setting is a transformative practice that can help you clarify your vision, stay focused, and track progress. The right journal can make all the difference by offering prompts, structure, and inspiration. With so many options available, finding the perfect journal can feel overwhelming. To help you get started, here’s a curated list of the best goal-setting journals available on Amazon, with a special spotlight on a standout choice that’s perfect for anyone looking to achieve their dreams. Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison  1. Bragging About You: A Guided Journal If you’re looking for a guided journal that’s more than just a place to jot down your thoughts, Bragging About You is the ultimate choice. This journal is designed to help you celebrate your accomplishments, set meaningful goals, and track your progress with intention. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stay motivated while building confidence. With reflective prompts, space for planning, and sections to acknowledg...

What Does a Public Health Policy and Planning Professional Do? Did you know I have a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Policy and Planning? This degree, combined with over 25 years of experience in health and education—and now as the owner of How Healthcare Works —is the foundation of the work I do. My background and training allow me to design programs and strategies that make a real difference in people’s lives and in the systems that impact their health. But what does a public health policy expert and planner actually do? Let me share how it all comes together in my business. BTFBM is represented as a sponsor in this photo.  Public health policy and planning focus on the "big picture" of health. It’s about designing strategies, implementing programs, and influencing systems that impact entire populations. The work involves: Developing health policies to address systemic challenges and improve access to care. Creating strategic plans that ensure programs ...

  As the New Year approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect, plan, and set meaningful goals that align with your values and aspirations. In this blog post, I'll walk you through actionable steps to create a vision for 2025 and achieve your goals with confidence and clarity. Step 1: Reflect on Your Accomplishments Why it matters: Recognizing what you’ve achieved helps build confidence and shows you what’s possible. Take a moment to list five accomplishments you’re proud of from the past year. Reflect on what made these successes possible. Was it persistence, creativity, teamwork, or something else? By understanding the strengths and skills that contributed to your achievements, you’ll know what to lean on as you set new goals. Reflection Prompt: What strengths or skills helped you achieve these accomplishments? Write them down and keep them in mind as you move forward. Step 2: Define Your Goals Why it matters: Clear, focused goals make it easier to create a plan ...

by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH This is my fifth Christmas in Idaho, and once again, I will be spending it alone with my dog . Over the years, my holiday experiences here have varied. One year, I spent most of the season with friends. During my first Christmas, however, I sat alone in my apartment, feeling blamed for how others treated me. It didn’t seem to matter that I was going through an incredibly stressful time in my life. I was literally starving that year, barely able to afford food.  The next holiday season was the best I’ve had in Idaho. I spent most of it with a close friend and attended several holiday gatherings. Still, I spent Christmas day alone.  Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison However, the following year, Christmas took a darker turn. That weekend, I was in a car accident when another driver ran a red light and hit another car, causing a chain reaction. I wasn’t included in many holiday festivities that year, and the accident felt like a sour cherry on top of an a...

When people face financial difficulties, one of the most common responses they hear is, “Why don’t you just go on assistance?” It’s often said without malice, but it reflects a misunderstanding of what it means to truly help someone. At How Healthcare Works, LLC , we believe in building people up—not dismissing their struggles.   Let’s unpack why telling someone to rely solely on assistance is problematic, and how our lifestyle coaching program offers a more empowering alternative.  Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH  The Problem with “Just Go on Assistance” 1. It Dismisses Individual Agency  People facing challenges often want solutions that allow them to regain control of their lives. Telling someone to “go on assistance” oversimplifies their situation and implies that their only option is dependence on a system, rather than exploring their strengths and potential.   2. It Ignores the Bigger Picture Financial struggles often stem from systemic issues—such...