October is designated as Health Literacy month. For the last 13 years, the message worldwide has been stressing the importance of understandable health information.
Health Literacy is a person's ability to process and understand basic health information in order to determine how to self-manage certain conditions, grasp general illness prevention, and make educated decisions about health and well being.
People that have difficulty understanding health information that's commonly available have a hard time managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and tend to visit the emergency room more frequently. To turn this around, the hope is to provide everyone with accurate health information, delivering health information and services personally, and supporting learning and skills for a lifetime of good health.
Educating yourself and your loved ones about common illnesses and lifestyle related diseases is important! Taking responsibility for the Nation's health care crisis starts at home!
Here are some helpful tips to help you get started:
1. Know your data! When the nurse or PA checks your blood pressure, ask what it is. Remember that number and be sure to mention it to the doctor. Ditto with blood lab results. Ask for a copy and do some homework to find out what those numbers mean.
2. Ask questions! If you aren't sure about something, get clarification. Be proactive about looking up health care info. It is important to double check facts and make sure your information is coming from reliable sources.
3. Know your family history. There is a genetic link to most lifestyle related diseases. This information shouldn't be an excuse, but a call to action. If high cholesterol runs in your family, it is YOUR responsibility to take action.
4. Discuss alternatives. Doctors are trained to treat disease with medicine, not prevent it in the first place. If your doctor prescribes something, ask about all side effects and whether there are healthier ways to combat the issue. Don't be afraid to get several opinions.
5. Pass it on. Information is only useful when you share it and only valuable when you use it. Discuss your health with people you trust and share what you know with them! This is especially important with your children.
The United States is sick, poor, and uneducated. Sad, but true. In order to once again become a strong nation, we must be a smart one...it starts with YOU!
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