When we think about health literacy, we might picture medical forms, complicated health information or a conversation with a doctor. But health literacy is part of everyday life.
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand and use health information and services to make informed decisions about your health. It can help you feel more confident when navigating the healthcare system, communicating with healthcare providers and deciding what information to trust.
You don’t need to be a health expert to have good health literacy. In fact, there are many small, everyday moments when these skills can make a difference.
Here are five examples.
1. When you’re booking a healthcare appointment
Booking an appointment can involve more than finding an available time. You may need to explain why you’re seeking care, decide which type of healthcare provider you need or understand instructions about where and when to go.
Good health literacy can help you ask the right questions before your appointment. For example:
- What type of appointment do I need?
- Do I need to bring anything with me?
- Should I avoid eating or drinking beforehand?
- Do I need to complete a form before my appointment?
- What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Asking questions when you’re unsure can help prevent misunderstandings later.
2. When you’re talking to a doctor or other healthcare provider
Healthcare appointments can sometimes feel rushed or overwhelming. You may receive a lot of information in a short amount of time, and it’s easy to forget some of it once you leave.
Health literacy means knowing that it’s okay to ask for clarification.
If you don’t understand a medical term or an instruction, ask your healthcare provider to explain it more simply. You can also write down important information or ask whether there are written instructions you can take home.
Before leaving, make sure you understand the next steps. You might ask, “What do I need to do next?” or “When should I follow up?”
These simple questions can help turn information into action.
3. When you’re taking medication
Medication labels and instructions can contain important information about how and when to take a medication, possible side effects and other precautions.
Take the time to read the label and make sure you understand the instructions. If something isn’t clear, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
It’s also important to understand what you’re taking and why. If you’re prescribed a new medication, you could ask:
- What is this medication for?
- How and when should I take it?
- Are there foods, drinks or other medications I should avoid?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What side effects should I know about?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are there to help you understand your medications.
4. When you’re searching for health information online
The internet makes it easy to find health information, but not all information online is accurate or reliable.
Before sharing or acting on health information you find online, take a moment to consider where it came from. Is the information from a trusted healthcare organization, government agency or recognized health professional? Does the source provide evidence or references? Is the information current?
Be particularly cautious of claims that promise a quick cure, use sensational language or encourage you to replace professional medical advice with a particular product or treatment.
Health literacy doesn’t mean knowing whether every piece of information is true. It means having the skills to ask questions about the information you find.
5. When you’re helping someone else with their health
Health literacy isn’t only about managing your own health. Many people help children, parents, partners, friends or other family members navigate healthcare.
You might help someone book an appointment, understand instructions, organize medications or find information about a health condition.
In these situations, good communication is important. Make sure the person understands what is happening and, whenever possible, involve them in decisions about their own care.
You can also help by writing down important information, keeping track of appointments and encouraging them to ask their own questions.
Health literacy skills can make a big difference
Health literacy is something we use throughout our lives. It can help us communicate with healthcare providers, understand health information, navigate services and make informed decisions.
Improving your health literacy doesn’t have to mean learning complicated medical terminology. It can start with asking one more question, checking where information came from or making sure you understand what to do next.
This October, in honour of Health Literacy Month, take a moment to think about the health information you encounter every day. Ask questions. Look for reliable information. Speak up when something isn’t clear. And remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
Building these skills can help make healthcare information easier to understand and easier to use.
To access free health literacy resources, visit abchealthmatters.ca.
