Empower Your Health: Health Literacy Awareness Month

October is a busy month when it comes to health awareness campaigns, and among them is Health Literacy Awareness. This observance is dedicated to the importance of acquiring and comprehending health-related information and using that knowledge to make informed decisions about one’s well-being.

I’ve frequently been in situations where I’ve left a medical appointment with little comprehension of what my doctor was discussing. As a result, I’ve resorted to searching online for information, only to encounter a sea information that may not be creditable. This has left me uncertain about important information like is it safe to combine a specific medication with a particular medical condition or whether I should refrain from taking specific vitamins while on the medication. It’s a frustrating experience.

In recent years, improvements have been made in enhancing the readability of nutrient and medication labels, as well as improving educational materials. Nonetheless, the need for further progress is needed. Inadequate health literacy can exacerbate health conditions and lead to increased medical costs. So, the question arises: What actions can we take to advance health literacy?

Health literacy begins with healthcare professionals’ ability to deliver information to patients in a language and format that is accessible and easily understood. This includes the provision of simplified materials related to health and medical conditions, as well as the skill to respond to patient questions in a manner that ensures clarity and comprehension.

Patients should actively participate in their healthcare by openly communicating when they have trouble understanding, and by confidently posing questions. It can be helpful for patients to prepare a list of questions before their appointments and to take notes during discussions to better digest the information. Some individuals, like myself, have found it valuable to have family members attend appointments to ask questions and aid in post-appointment information processing.

Furthermore, patients should make the most of health literacy workshops provided by their healthcare institutions, as these can be a valuable source of knowledge. Finally, if you receive a survey from your physician’s office or healthcare facility, consider completing it and sharing your thoughts on the effectiveness of the information sharing. Your feedback can have a significant impact on enhancing health literacy practices.

For more information about health literacy and how to bring awareness to it, visit the Institute for Healthcare Advancement website.