Health literacy: What is it-Why is it important

Health literacy is the ability of the individual to receive, process and understand basic health information and make the right decisions about his or her own health. Our world and the information we receive are constantly changing and evolving. Especially when it comes to health issues which is the most important thing we have we can not stay behind. Usually the elderly, people belonging to minorities, who have a low social and economic profile, who are not provided with proper health care lack health literacy. According to the results of a study, only 12% of adults have knowledge of health issues. This means that almost nine out of ten adults are unable to manage their health and are more likely to prevent the disease. Health literacy includes a range of skills and abilities. It includes knowledge about the recommended values of metals and other substances in the blood (eg iron, cholesterol, etc.), basic functions of the body, how to fill in the necessary papers needed in a hospital, reading the instructions on a medicine, giving the correct information to a doctor about your health history, going to the proper health services. Exercise is one of the most effective methods of treating cancer. Which exercise is suitable for each stage of the disease? What forms of exercise can cancer patients do? Learn everything in the “Exercise and Cancer” seminar offered by Base Training. When it comes to health literacy, there are two sides to it. Many claim that each one of us is responsible for our health and should know basic things. But there are also people whose living conditions do not allow this. That’s where health professionals and systems come in. It is not very difficult to identify people who do not have health literacy. In these cases they should help them with simple and understandable instructions for their health problems, ask them to explain the instructions they have been given, ask them more detailed questions in order to better understand their problem, assist them in completing documents. The end result should be the acquisition not only of practical knowledge but also the cultivation of responsibility for their health. Giota Florou Sources: hrsa.gov, epale.ec.europa.eu Recent Articles