During my training for Health Literacy as a Community Health Worker, I learned much about how difficult it is for some to use health information effectively. Therefore I’ve decided to blog about it here.

Do you sometimes find it hard to understand what your doctor is saying? Are you unsure about the side effects of your medications or which medicines might not go well together? Do those confusing acronyms in your blood test results leave you puzzled? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Understanding health information can be tricky for everyone, no matter how smart or educated they are.

You might think that having trouble with health information is only a problem for people who struggle with reading or lack health education, but that’s not true. It can be challenging for anyone. It becomes even more challenging, especially when you’re already dealing with an illness.

Even in developed countries like ours, health literacy seems to be a widespread issue. According to the World Health Organization, more than 50% of adults in the United States have difficulties understanding and using health information effectively.

Health literacy is more than just reading; it involves understanding numbers, percentages, risks, diagrams, and proficiency in the language used. It’s like a puzzle that we all need to figure out to care for ourselves and make good health decisions.

The US Department of Health and Human Services defines health literacy as the ability to get, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make the right choices about our health.

Why is health literacy critical? Well, it can help you in many ways:

1. Communicating with Healthcare Professionals: With good health literacy, you can talk confidently with your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. You’ll understand what they’re saying and can ask questions to clarify doubts.
2. Finding Reliable Health Information: The Internet is full of health information, but not all of it is trustworthy. With good health literacy, you can identify reliable sources and get the correct information.
3. Making Informed Decisions: Understanding health information helps you make informed decisions when facing treatment options. You’ll know the pros and cons of each option and choose what’s best for you.
4. Knowing Risks and Benefits: Every treatment or medication has risks and benefits. Health literacy allows you to grasp these and make choices that consider both.
5. Dealing with Paperwork: Health insurance and medical history forms can be confusing, but not for someone with good health literacy. You’ll fill them out efficiently and accurately.

There are things you can do to improve your health literacy. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions and seek clarification if something is unclear. Take the time to understand your medications, possible side effects, and potential interactions. Familiarize yourself with the acronyms and terms used in your health reports. It’s also crucial to know the details of your health insurance policy to avoid surprises later on. Remember, being proactive about your health and understanding medical information is essential for making informed decisions about your well-being.

So, don’t hesitate to seek help and take charge of your health. We must all work on health literacy, regardless of background or education. By improving our health literacy, we can care for ourselves and make smarter choices. So, let’s start learning and understanding more about our health today!