Did you know that October is officially known as Health Literacy Month? Here at Montes Medical Group, we work hard to ensure our patients understand their health and the best ways to manage their well-being. We do this by sharing details of their health, insights into potential problems, and the best ways to manage their overall health. Our goal is to ensure our patients have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to stay healthy for years to come.
To ensure this is possible, our patients need to have a good understanding of health literacy. Unfortunately, many are still unfamiliar with health-related topics and definitions that are critical when making important decisions about one’s mind and body. So, what exactly does health literacy mean, and why is it so essential to our well-being? Keep reading to learn more about this topic and important health literacy basics!
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy is defined as a person’s ability to obtain, comprehend, and utilize basic health information to make informed decisions about their health. Outside of their reading capabilities, health literacy calls on people to understand medical instructions, interpret lab results, follow treatment plans, and successfully navigate our current healthcare system.
For example, health literacy includes the ability to understand medication labels. These labels have important information such as dosages, instructions, and potential side effects. Being health literate also requires a person to be able to follow their doctor’s advice, recognize symptoms that may need medical attention, and navigate health insurance policies.
These are just a few examples of health literacy that empower people to engage with their healthcare providers, manage chronic diseases, and improve their overall wellness.
The Importance of Health Literacy
The benefits of health literacy can be incredible for someone looking to stay healthy in the long run. In fact, people with higher levels of health literacy tend to have better overall health outcomes. Since they are more likely to understand their medical conditions, their odds of sticking to prescribed treatment plans go up.
On the flip side, people with low health literacy have been linked to higher hospitalization rates, lower utilization of preventative services, and increased difficulties in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. As you can see, people need to be capable of fully understanding their health and the methods required for managing it. When this happens, it is much easier to take control and make smart choices that can positively impact their well-being.
Health Literacy’s Impact on Prevention & Early Detection
Health literacy also plays an important role in preventive care tactics such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle changes. Being highly health-literate makes it easier for people to understand why these tactics are so important for the prevention and early detection of serious conditions like cancer or heart disease. By catching these conditions early, healthcare providers can increase the chances of successful treatment.
In contrast, if a person doesn’t know what prevention tactics are and how they can be beneficial, they are more likely to develop undetected health problems, fall sick from preventable viruses, or damage their bodies from years of living an unhealthy lifestyle.
Ways to Improve Your Health Literacy
Thankfully, there are many ways for people to improve their health literacy. To start, don’t be afraid to ask questions when meeting with your healthcare provider. There is no need to hesitate if you need clarification on any aspect of your health or treatment plan. It may also be helpful to take notes during your visit or to ask for printed or digital materials that you can refer to at home.
It can also be helpful to bring a friend or family member to your medical appointments. These people can help you catch important details that may have been missed during the visit. In addition, be careful of the sources you utilize to get your health information. There is a lot of misinformation online so it is essential to stick to reputable sources such as government health websites, medical associations, or your healthcare provider.
Here at Montes Medical Group, we strive to improve health literacy amongst our patient population. Our providers use plain language when discussing diagnoses, treatments, and medical procedures to promote clear communication. We also provide easy-to-understand resources that patients can refer to when they have time. Our team always encourages patients to ask questions and share concerns during their appointments.
Conclusion
As you can see, health literacy is an essential component of staying healthy in an ever-changing world. The more a person is capable of understanding their health, the more empowered and confident they will feel when it comes to managing it successfully. In fact, everybody benefits when health literacy improves, including patients, providers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Our team is committed to ensuring patients have the tools and information needed to make the best possible decisions about their health. Knowledge is truly power, especially when it comes to our health and well-being.