Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy Month is observed every October to promote awareness and understanding of health literacy and its importance in improving healthcare outcomes. Health literacy refers to the ability to obtain, process, understand and apply health information to make informed decisions about one’s health and healthcare (1). The goal of Health Literacy Month is to empower individuals to become more active and informed in their healthcare.
How to improve your health literacy
Ask questions. When meeting with your healthcare provider, ask questions to ensure that all important topics are addressed and you fully understand your health. If something is unclear, ask your doctor to further explain to help build your health literacy.
Be open with your healthcare provider about your habits. Be honest with your healthcare provider so they can best care for you. Furthermore, voice other concerns to your doctor, such as major changes or stresses in your life. This can help your provider understand you and what your life is like.
Be informed about your medication. If your healthcare provider prescribes a drug for your condition, make sure you know the name of the drug, why it’s being prescribed and how often and for how long you should take it. Additionally, note any special instructions such as whether it’s needed to be taken with food, any potential side effects and interactions with other medications, foods or beverages (2).
Know your medical history. Knowing both your personal and family medical history is important to understanding the risks of certain conditions and can help you lead a healthier life. Awareness of your medical history can also help healthcare providers offer you quality care based on your individual needs.
Sources:
“What Is Health Literacy?”, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Jul. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html
“A Guide for Older Adults, Talking With Your Doctor”, National Institute on Aging, Mar. 2021, https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/talking-with-your-doctor.pdf