Between well-child visits, medication instructions, and the occasional late-night google search when your child isn’t feeling well, parents have a lot of health information to sort through! Knowing how to find reliable information, understand it, and use it to make decisions is an important skill for everyone. That’s why October is Health Literacy Month!
This information is brought to you in partnership with The Tuscarawas County Health Department.
What is Health Literacy?
Health Literacy is being able to understand, and use health information and services to make decisions about your health. As parents, these skills may be especially important to us. Whether you’re trying to understand medication instructions, decide when your child needs to see a doctor, or learn more about recommended vaccines, being able to make sense of health information can help you feel more confident in your decisions.
Why Does Health Literacy Matter?
Health information can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it’s filled with unfamiliar medical terms or conflicting advice from different sources. Even a simple doctor’s appointment can leave you with questions once you get home!
Good health literacy helps you better understand your healthcare options, follow treatment instructions, manage health conditions, and make informed decisions for yourself and your family. It also helps you recognize when you need more information or assistance.
The good news is that you don’t have to know all the answers. Learning to ask questions, find reliable resources, and speak up when something doesn’t make sense can go a long way toward improving your health literacy.
Five Ways to Improve Your Health Literacy
1. Come prepared to appointments. Before your next appointment, write down any questions you have and make a list of medications you or your child take, including dosages. This can help you make the most of your time with your healthcare provider.
2. Bring a friend or loved one. Sometimes it’s hard to remember everything discussed during an appointment, especially when you’re worried about your child. Bringing someone you trust can help. They may be able to take notes, help you remember important details, and offer support.
3. Ask for resources that help you understand. If you’re having trouble understanding a diagnosis, treatment plan, or other health information, ask whether your provider has materials that could help. Pamphlets, pictures, online resources, and other visual aids may make complicated information easier to understand. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider to explain something another way!
4. Ask about additional support. Some healthcare offices have patient educators or nurses who can help coordinate care and connect you with health services. Ask whether this type of support is available if you need help understanding your care plan or figuring out your next steps.
5. Look for reliable health information. It’s tempting to turn to social media or a quick internet search when a health question pops up, but not everything you find online is accurate. Look for information from trusted sources, such as your healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other reputable health organizations. If you’re unsure whether something you read is accurate, ask your provider more questions before making health decisions.
Everyone Can Improve Their Health Literacy
Health literacy isn’t just an individual responsibility. Healthcare providers and organizations also play an important role in making information clear and helping people understand their options. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable asking questions and confident about decisions regarding their health.
This October, take a little time to think about how you find and use health information. Whether you’re managing your own health or looking out for your kiddos, remember that asking questions, bringing support, and seeking out trustworthy information can make a big difference.
You don’t have to know everything about your family’s health. Start by asking questions, speaking up when something is unclear, and making sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions!