North Country Health Nuggets October 19

Health Literacy

Health information is all around us.  We see it on TV, in newspapers, on websites, and on social media.  Some information is helpful, but some may be false or misleading.  Health literacy helps us understand health information and make good choices for ourselves and our families.

Why Is Health Literacy Important?

Health literacy means being able to find, understand, and use health information.  It helps people make choices about food, exercise, medicines, and medical care.

For example, reading a medicine label can help someone take medicine safely.  Understanding health information can also help people learn how to prevent illness and stay healthy.

When people understand their health, they can ask questions and work with their doctors to make good decisions.

Where Can We Find Trusted Information?

Not everything we read online is true.  Some websites share information that is not based on facts.  Others may try to sell products that do not work.

Trusted sources include well-known hospitals and health organizations, such as:

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): www.chop.edu - Offers health information, especially about children and families.
• American Academy of Pediatrics: www.healthychildren.org - Offers a symptom checker as well as information for children of all ages.
• Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org - Provides information about diseases, symptoms, treatments, and healthy living.
• MedlinePlus: medlineplus.gov - Explains health conditions, medicines, and medical tests in easy-to-understand language.

How Can We Improve Our Health Literacy?

Improving health literacy starts with learning a little each day.  Here are some ways to get started:

• Read and learn: Learn to read, interpret, and evaluate health materials, including prescription labels, nutrition information, and online resources.
• Visit trusted websites like those listed above.
• Ask questions: Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand.
• Check the facts: Compare information from more than one trusted source before believing or sharing it.
• Learn new words: Ask what medical words mean so you can better understand your health.
• Take a class: Look for health education classes at local hospitals.
• Bring someone along: A trusted family member or friend can help you listen, take notes, and remember instructions during a medical visit.

Be careful with claims about miracle cures or products that promise to fix every health problem.  If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Check with a healthcare professional.

Everyone Can Learn

Health literacy is an important skill for people of all ages.  Families, schools, libraries, and healthcare workers can help people find and understand reliable information.

When we know where to look and feel comfortable asking questions, we can make better choices and help protect our health.

Remember: Check the facts, use trusted sources, and ask questions when you are unsure.  Learning about your health is a step towards a healthier life.

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)