Health Literacy Month

Healthier Communities

Health Literacy Month

Erin stared at the instructions on her new prescription bottle. The words were in English, but the meaning wasn’t clear. Should she take two pills once a day, or one pill twice a day? She didn’t want to risk a mistake, but she also felt embarrassed about calling the clinic again to ask.

Her experience is more common than many people realize. Across the country, individuals of all ages and backgrounds face challenges in understanding health information. These challenges range from prescription labels to screening reminders to follow-up care instructions. Anyone can feel overwhelmed when navigating medical terms, insurance paperwork or treatment options.

The good news? We can all take steps, and help others take steps, to improve health literacy.

What is Health Literacy? Why It Matters

Health literacy is more than just reading a brochure or following a prescription label. It’s the ability to find, understand and use health information to make the best decisions for yourself and your family. 

Any person may face health literacy issues at some point in their life, which can impact both health and finances.  And no matter how educated, everyone is at risk for misunderstanding health information if the topic is emotionally charged or complex. 

Health literacy includes skills like:

Reading and understanding medical instructions. 
Asking questions at a doctor’s appointment that support one’s care.
Weighing the risks and benefits of treatment options. 
Knowing where to turn for reliable, evidence-based health information.

“Health literacy incorporates a range of abilities: reading, comprehending, and analyzing information; decoding instructions, symbols, charts, and diagrams; weighing risks and benefits; and, ultimately, making decisions and taking an action.”  
National Institutes of Health

Why It’s Important 

Strong health literacy means better health outcomes. Better health outcomes can mean improved quality of life, reduced harm, increased effectiveness of care and overall physical, mental and social well-being.

When people can confidently understand their options, they’re more likely to prevent problems, manage conditions effectively and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. On the other hand, low health literacy can make navigating the health system confusing, stressful and less successful.  

Low health literacy doesn’t just affect individuals; it has broad consequences. People with lower health literacy face higher risks of serious illness and death. It also drives up healthcare costs for families and for the entire system.

That means improving health literacy is both a personal step we can take for ourselves and a system-wide challenge that requires individuals, providers and communities.

How to Strengthen YOUR Personal Health Literacy 

Ask questions: Bring a list to your appointments and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. 
Take notes, record or request written summaries of key information.
Repeat back what you heard: A technique called “teach back” helps confirm you understand. 
Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments to take notes, to offer a second perspective or remember key information.
Use trusted sources: Look for sites ending in .gov, .edu or organizations like the CDC, NIH or Mayo Clinic. 
Take your time: Don’t feel rushed. Decisions about your health deserve careful thought. It’s okay to ask your doctor to stop and explain.

Improving your health literacy takes practice, patience and support. By asking questions, using reliable resources and encouraging open conversations with health providers, everyone can take steps toward stronger health literacy.