Health literacy is the name we associate with the ability to understand health information. Not only that, health literacy also refers to using this data to make informed decisions. This is, of course, a critical skill when it comes to maintaining and improving your health.
One might think that living in a world flooded with information, it’s easy to stay informed. However, that would be very wrong. The surplus of information makes it much worse to make good decisions. Learning how to discern credible sources is a valuable skill. Understanding complex medical terms can sound scary, but basic health literacy can be obtained. Here’s how:
Develop a Critical Eye for Online Health Information
The internet is a double-edged sword in many ways, but particularly when it comes to health information. On one hand, it offers an immense repository of knowledge. It is ideal for learning, quickly obtaining data, or researching.
On the other hand, the internet is full of misinformation and unverified advice. It can be pretty irresponsible to trust just everything written online. However, it’s possible to navigate this complicated landscape of data. You should always look for information published by reputable sources such as government health websites, educational institutions, and recognized health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
You should also check the credibility of the authors and the date of publication, since medical knowledge evolves quickly. Stay away from sensational headlines and look for claims that can be backed up by evidence. Look for more peer-reviewed journals and articles with references to clinical studies are more reliable than anecdotal reports.
Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Providers
The second factor that can significantly affect your health literacy is the way you communicate with healthcare providers. Effective communication is the cornerstone of the entire process. There are several ways to maintain good communication with medical workers.
For instance, you should always prepare for your appointments by listing the symptoms, concerns, and medication you might be taking. You should also prepare questions such as the side effects of medication, the benefits of procedures or possible alternatives.
Make sure to take notes during the appointment or bring someone trustworthy who could remember the information. Whenever medical jargon gets confusing, don’t be afraid to ask for a simpler explanation. Any good professional will take their time to help you better understand your condition and the journey of healing.
Understand Your Health Records and Conditions
Speaking of understanding your health, that is exactly the next tip on the list. There is no good health literacy if you aren’t familiar with your own health record. That means that you should be proactive when it comes to your own health and well-being.
For instance, you should ask for all the possible explanations, be it for diagnoses, treatments, and medications. Knowing your medical history can only be beneficial. Whenever you don’t understand something, ask for written summaries or additional resources to read at home. This will only make it easier to follow any treatment you might be undergoing.
Whenever you encounter something new, research it. For instance, if your doctor recommends an OPG scan, a type of panoramic dental X-ray, understanding its purpose and what it reveals about your oral health can help you follow through with subsequent treatments more effectively.
Engage in Preventive Healthcare
Another very important step on the way to health literacy is engaging in preventive healthcare. The goal of having health literacy is to preserve your health. That is exactly what preventive healthcare will do. This refers to regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations.
All of these will help you detect any possible issues on time and let you react adequately. Factors like your age, gender, and health status may indicate the type of screenings and vaccinations you might need. If you’re a woman over 40, regular mammograms are paramount. On the other hand, if you’re a man over 50, you should be doing regular colonoscopies.
A preventive mindset is essential for maintaining good health. You should have a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid harmful habits such as smoking or excessive drinking. As long as you stick to these habits, you should reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. Not only that, but these habits could also contribute to a longer and much healthier life.
Educate Yourself on Medication Management
Medication management is a big part of having health literacy. It involves understanding the type of medication you’re taking, the reasons why you’re taking them, and ways to take them properly. It’s crucial to know what you take into your body and what it does.
Unfortunately, misunderstanding medication instructions can lead to ineffective treatment or harmful side effects. That is why reading the labels and accompanying leaflets is necessary. If something is unclear, ask a pharmacist or a doctor.
You should also be aware of potential drug interactions. If you’re already taking medication and the doctor prescribes something new, make sure to ask if they are compatible or not.
Promote Mental Health Literacy
Unfortunately often neglected, mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. As a part of your health literacy journey, you should also educate yourself on common mental health issues. For example, you could read up on depression, anxiety, and stress.
Stigma around mental health is very problematic and it prevents people from seeking help. That is why acknowledging these issues helps solve the general problem in the society.
Resources like counselling services, support groups, and mental health hotlines are there to help patients reach better outcome. Self-care techniques are also valuable when it comes to mental health. Mindfulness, adequate sleep, and healthy social interactions all help you lead a life of higher quality.
Conclusion
Improving health literacy is a multifaceted approach and it works best if you combine all of the 6 tips. That way, you can better grasp what certain health issues are and how to approach them. You can quickly learn how to deal with any condition and you can even learn how to prevent numerous conditions as well!
