How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? - what worked for you?

My résumé shows a gap from a layoff and some health issues. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. What do you say in interviews?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 12 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.