The prescription for better health: Understanding health literacy

Kim Griffith Contributor Simply put, health literacy is essential to good health! Health literacy is defined as the ability to find, understand and use information and services to make smart decisions about health. Having this skill helps individuals understand their health conditions, treatment options and preventive measures. It also empowers people to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare. Most people, however, don’t understand or know how to use their health information, which leads to poor health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and gaps in access to quality healthcare. During the month of October, we highlight the importance of promoting health literacy t