Health Literacy Month, observed every October, is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of health literacy and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. 

Whether navigating the healthcare system, understanding medical advice, or making lifestyle changes to promote better health, health literacy plays a crucial role. Learn why health literacy is so vital, and explore the key areas of knowledge that are essential for becoming health literate.

Why Is Health Literacy Important?

Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. In simpler terms, it’s about understanding your health and knowing how to navigate the healthcare system effectively. 

Higher health literacy:

• Improves overall health outcomes. People with higher health literacy tend to have better overall health outcomes by taking preventive measures, managing chronic conditions effectively, and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits. Health literacy helps people: 
  • Adhere to treatment plans, 
  • Make informed decisions about procedures, and 
  • Better understand the implications of their health choices.

• Reduces healthcare costs. People with low health literacy are more likely to experience hospitalization and higher healthcare costs due to:
  • Misunderstandings about medical instructions, 
  • Medication errors, or 
  • Failure to recognize the symptoms of a worsening condition. 
  • Empowers patients to take control of their health. When people are health literate, they are better equipped to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ask productive questions, advocate for their needs, and obtain more personalized healthcare. Patients can make more informed decisions when they fully understand the risks and benefits of treatments, preventive measures, and lifestyle changes.

• Promotes health equity. Health literacy is critical for reducing disparities in healthcare. Communities with historically low access to healthcare services, such as minorities and those with low income, often have lower health literacy levels. Addressing health literacy gaps can improve access to care, ensure more equitable healthcare delivery, and enhance the quality of life in underserved communities.

What You Need to Know to Be Health Literate

Health literacy encompasses a broad set of skills, including the ability to read and comprehend health information, navigate the healthcare system, and apply this knowledge in real-life situations. Here are the most important aspects you need to understand in order to be or become health literate.

1. Understanding Basic Medical Terms and Concepts

One of the most significant barriers to health literacy is the complexity of medical language. Medical terms can be confusing, even for educated individuals, which is why understanding some basic medical terminology is crucial. Here’s what people should know:

Common medical terms. Here are some examples of everyday jargon you might hear and how to translate them:

• Hypertension → High blood pressure
• Benign → Not cancerous
• Malignant → Cancerous
• Acute → Sudden or short-term
• Chronic → Long-lasting or ongoing
• Comorbidity → Having more than one condition at the same time
• Biopsy → Tissue sample taken for testing
• Prognosis → Expected outcome or course of a condition

Word roots to recognize:

• Cardio = heart
• Neuro = nerves/brain
• Derm = skin
• Itis = inflammation

With these tools, “arthritis” becomes joint inflammation, “neuropathy” becomes nerve damage, and “dermatitis” becomes skin inflammation.

Medication instructions. Knowing how to read and follow medication labels, including understanding dosage instructions, possible side effects, and interactions, is essential for safe and effective medication use.

Symptoms and conditions. Being able to recognize symptoms that could indicate health problems (e.g., fever, blurry vision, fatigue, shortness of breath), and determine when to seek medical attention can help prevent complications from new or existing diseases, syndromes, and conditions. 

2. Navigating the Healthcare System

Accessing appropriate providers and care in the U.S. health system can feel frustrating and overwhelming, especially for those with low health literacy. Knowing how to navigate it is a key skill. Important components include:

• Insurance. Understanding health insurance coverage, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses, can prevent unexpected financial burdens. Make it a point to learn how to verify which services are covered by your policy, and how to find in-network providers.
• Accessing care. Educate yourself on when and where to seek medical care. Know the difference between primary care, urgent care, and emergency room care, as well as how to find and obtain referrals to specialists when needed.
• Health records. Learn how to access and maintain your health records, which can include lab results, vaccination records, and lists of past procedures. Electronic health records (EHRs) make this easier, but you still need to understand how to interpret your personal health information.

3. Communicating Clearly With Your Healthcare Team

Doctors often speak quickly and use shorthand that isn’t always easy to follow. A few practical strategies can make communication smoother:

• Ask for plain language:

“Can you explain that in everyday words?”
“What does this mean for me day-to-day?”

• Use the teach-back method: Repeat what you’ve heard in your own words:

“So I need to take this pill twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, correct?”

• Bring someone you trust: A friend or caregiver can:

  • Help take notes
  • Ask clarifying questions
  • Provide emotional support

• Request written materials or handouts: These make it easier to review details later.

4. Using Technology and Online Health Resources

In the digital age, many people turn to the internet for health information. While this can be helpful, it can also be risky if individuals don’t know how to evaluate credible sources. Key points include:

• Reliable sources. Focus on using reputable websites for health information, such as government health sites (CDC, NIH), or well-known hospitals, medical schools, and organizations (Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Society for Women’s Health Research, etc.).
• Telemedicine. Understanding how to use telehealth services, which became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, is an essential part of navigating modern healthcare.
• Health apps. Numerous health-related apps help manage chronic conditions, track physical activity, monitor diet, and more. Learning to use these tools is a proactive approach to health management.

5. Understanding Preventive Care and Healthy Lifestyles

An essential component of health literacy is understanding the role of preventive care in maintaining good health. Preventive measures help catch conditions early or avoid them altogether. People should be aware of:

• Routine checkups and screenings. Regular health screenings (e.g., blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, mammograms) are essential for early detection of diseases.
• Vaccinations. Knowing the importance of vaccinations and staying up-to-date on recommended immunizations, including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, is a cornerstone of preventive care. Find out where to get them in your area, and who pays for them.
• Healthy habits. Health literacy also includes an understanding of what is considered healthy and productive nutrition, exercise, and stress management, as well as the risks of unhealthy behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Taking Charge of Your Care

Health literacy isn’t about memorizing every medical term or becoming your own doctor. It’s about having the tools and confidence to participate fully in your healthcare decisions. With stronger communication skills, you’ll be able to:

• Compare treatments more confidently
• Understand risks and benefits
• Spot misinformation online
• Choose options that align with your needs and values

This Health Literacy Month, challenge yourself to take one small step: ask your doctor a clarifying question, write down your next set of symptoms, or bookmark a trusted health website. Each action moves you closer to being an empowered partner in your care.