[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/health-literate-health-literacy-impacts-life\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/health-literate-health-literacy-impacts-life\/","headline":"How \u2018Health Literate\u2019 Are You? How Health Literacy Impacts Your Life","name":"How \u2018Health Literate\u2019 Are You? How Health Literacy Impacts Your Life","description":"Health literacy is an important part of understanding how to make the right health-related decisions. ","datePublished":"2016-10-31","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_HEALTHLITERATE.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_HEALTHLITERATE.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/health-literate-health-literacy-impacts-life\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":630,"keywords":["doctor visit","health care","health literacy","patient experience"],"articleBody":"As you walk out of the doctor\u2019s office you have probably heard a lot of information.When do you need a follow-up appointment? How many times a day do you need to take your medicine? What happens if you accidentally take more than the suggested amount?Reading the medication bottle or printed information from your doctor isn\u2019t the problem, but it is important that you understand these instructions.Clear communication in health care is a duty that lies on both you and your doctor.What Is Health Literacy?From what you eat for breakfast to what you take for a headache, you make choices about your health each day.Health literacy describes how a person can read and understand health information so they can make the right decisions.For instance, patients with chronic illnesses who require regular care need to learn self-management skills, such as following a strict diet. Beyond routine check-ups and prescriptions, health literacy includes math skills, such as comparing medical insurance costs and understanding food nutrition labels.How to Become Health LiterateFollow these tips to help increase your health literacy and take control of your own health.Come Prepared to Your AppointmentWrite a list of questions about the type of care you will receive. For example, ask for an explanation of your illness or self-care for a chronic illness.Ask QuestionsIf you don\u2019t ask questions, your nurse or doctor will think you understand the information given. Even if it seems like an unimportant question, it\u2019s better to ask while you\u2019re still in the office rather than wondering about it at home.Bring a Family MemberHaving another person there \u2013 especially at an appointment where you will hear news of a diagnosis \u2013 brings comfort. Your loved one may also think of other questions to ask during your visit.Review Prescriptions When You\u2019re at Your Doctor\u2019s OfficeWhile you\u2019re still in the doctor\u2019s office make sure you understand your doctor\u2019s instructions about the medication you will take.Understand Follow-Up InstructionsAsk your doctor or nurse when you need to make a follow-up appointment. Also, if you are being discharged from the hospital make sure you understand any instructions given.Collect Contact InformationIn case you have a question about your care, make sure you have your doctor\u2019s phone number in a handy place at home.RELATED: 4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Doctor VisitsHealth Literacy and Patient Experience at UPMCAt UPMC, the Patient Experience department works to improve health literacy and meet the health education needs of patients all over the world. From printing handouts in multiple languages to creating the UPMC Health Library, improving health education is always a top priority.The UPMC Health Library includes videos and images to show skills, such as giving an insulin shot. This is one way to improve better understanding. Other videos feature UPMC experts who discuss many topics, from what to expect during cancer treatment to golf safety tips.You can also find classes at many UPMC locations throughout the greater Pittsburgh area on health topics like:ExerciseParentingHeart HealthChallenges in Health LiteracyDespite strides made to improve health education among patients, we still have difficulties.One challenge facing health care knowledge is the busyness of our day-to-day lives. Daily schedules or unexpected events often take priority over personal care.Doctors and nurses count on patients to:Make appointmentsAsk questions during regular check-upsRead any health information you receiveBoth patients and their health care providers have a responsibility to take steps to increase health literacy. Take the first step to increase your health literacy today. Visit UPMC\u2019s Health Library or connect with UPMC experts to discuss your health needs."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How \u2018Health Literate\u2019 Are You? 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