Poynter is reporting that it has launched a new program with PolitiFact called "Well Informed," designed to help consumers and news organizations navigate health and wellness information.
Rebecca Catalanello, PolitiFact's assistant managing editor and editor of Well Informed, said the service targets anyone confused by health news and advice, including social consumers, family leaders and young people. Catalanello said Well Informed covers a broad range of topics, from emerging diseases and vaccines to trending wellness advice. This includes examining claims about hot water for digestion, vibration plates for weight loss, the safety of vitamin K for newborns, Tylenol use and dietary protein intake.
PolitiFact has a history of covering health-related topics, with healthcare claims frequently receiving its annual Lie of the Year award. Catalanello said Well Informed applies the same rigorous deep reporting and transparent sourcing as PolitiFact's traditional fact checks, but with a distinct consumer-oriented focus. The program explains research findings through videos, text stories and social media posts to empower audiences to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
Catalanello emphasized that Well Informed also serves as a valuable resource for local journalists, offering shareable stories and videos. Newsrooms interested in utilizing this content or collaborating can contact wellinformed@poynter.org. The program's content is accessible at politifact.com/well-informed and on various social media platforms, with its most robust presence on Instagram at @wellinformedfacts.