Personal health care literacy refers to being familiar with health care basics, understanding common medical terms and navigating health care information effectively. Improving your health care literacy can help you avoid unnecessary spending, stay healthy and prevent health problems. Consider these tips to help you take charge of your health:
- Prepare before visiting a health care provider. List topics or concerns you want to discuss and take notes during your appointment.
- Ask questions and have your provider clarify or repeat any unclear details using simpler language.
- Request health care materials from your provider.
- Bring a friend or loved one to your appointment so they can help take notes or ask questions you may have missed.
- Be cautious about health-related information from TV, social media or the internet, as it may be incomplete or inaccurate.
- Use technology to manage your health. Many apps and websites offer easy-to-understand explanations and tools for managing health.
Health care literacy is essential for better managing your well-being and reducing your risk of diseases. Check with HR for health care resources that may be available in your organization.
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