Health Literacy

Health Literacy

Health literacy is important to facilitate discourse about different health options to consider. While there are many health technologies as well as health information websites, forums, and social media accounts, verifying this information with a physician is crucial.

Technology has revolutionized the way we manage our health. Years ago, the concept of health communications was an unknown territory. Today, within minutes, we can educate ourselves and be connected to brilliant medical help with little or no hassle. Using health technology, whether it is from applications on our phone or trusted websites, improves our overall health literacy.

Having robust health literacy can improve our relationship with our health, promote better communication with our physicians and overall improve the quality of our lives. Utilizing technology as a means of educating oneself can improve our understanding of medical basics, such as:

       Stresses of medical treatment

       Understanding side effects from medication dose

       Food choices for healthier lifestyles

       Understanding labels on medicine

       Overall disease prevention through lifestyle changes and medical treatment in tandem

It is important to note that the goal is not to replace medical advice. Rather, technology empowers the patient to educate themselves and facilitate healthy conversations with their physician to create the best health trajectory. 

Here are some key points to better guide oneself when improving health knowledge:

Avoid sources such as random social media pages that use infographics to attract the reader. Before using these sources, a trusted physician can verify if the selected source, website, or health app is correct for the patient.

Utilize different resources to better understand health conditions. For example, in recent times, preventative medicine can be very helpful to people wishing to manage their genetic predispositions. Using resources online to learn about subtle lifestyle changes is an example of how health communications can better your overall health.

In addition to online research, you may consider joining in-person health courses to further bolster your health education. The utilization of correct sources, acquainting oneself with the correct terminology, and better communication with physicians are the building blocks of creating a healthy path. These guiding points can help you gain a greater sense of health literacy, which can ultimately help to pave the way for a healthier life! 

Disclaimer: Engaging in health communications is not meant to replace medical advice. Using technology to better understand our health can also improve our overall health literacy. Consult your physician before taking any action for your health.