With the rise of technology and medical advances in healthcare, health literacy—the ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions—is more important than ever.
Children and parents need health literacy to make informed decisions regarding their health. Dr. Lawrence Monger MD, medical director of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, provides this insight regarding why health literacy is so important for parents and children.
Why Health Literacy Matters
Health literacy is important for several reasons:
First, everyone needs to be able to find reliable health information, understand it and use it to their advantage.
Second, it can help clarify confusing health information.
Third, it can help prevent health complications, save money and help manage conditions.
When patients understand their health, they can make informed decisions. For example, if a patient needs to choose between several different medications for their blood pressure, it may be helpful to seek advice from a cardiologist who can explain how each medication works, possible side effects and the best choices for each individual’s lifestyle.
Health literacy also plays a large role in prevention. Parents who understand nutrition labels can make healthier choices for their children, setting up healthy habits that last into adulthood. Families who know how to read medication labels and instructions correctly can avoid dangerous errors.
Challenges families face
Challenges for families concerning health literacy include understanding medical jargon, navigating large, confusing health systems and having limited access to health resources. Access to pricey medications and medical equipment are also barriers patients may encounter.
Dr. Monger states one of the most common challenges for families is not having access to a primary care physician (PCP). Having a primary care doctor is important as they can answer questions, help patients navigate the complexity of their care and help to interpret medical information.
Another large hurdle to reach health literacy includes digital misinformation. In this era when everything is searchable on the internet, it’s important to know where to source correct and applicable health information. Dr. Monger emphasizes that patients should bring a list of questions and concerns to their appointments with primary caregivers to ensure that patients receive information to make informed decisions.
Building health literacy in kids and parents
Parents can help their children learn and understand health literacy by setting a great example. This includes attending health prevention appointments, such as annual physicals, and getting cleanings done at the dentist.
Taking your child to appointments is a great way to educate them about what to expect. Include children in their own health decisions, even in small tasks such as toothbrush color or what toothpaste flavor. This teaches them, from a young age, that their health matters and that they have choices when it comes to their health. Involving them in making these choices can also satisfy their curiosity about appointments and things like vaccinations, which can cause apprehension.
Local insights
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department works to help the community improve health literacy in many ways. Dr. Monger reports that placing Nurse Practitioners (NP) in most area school systems, has improved health literacy in children.
The Health Department also holds Healthy Youth and Family Coalition Meetings quarterly to discuss community objectives such as healthy eating and active living. Focusing on the importance of health equity ensures that the community has access to “affordable, inclusive, and quality infrastructure and services that, despite historical and contemporary injustices, allow [individuals] to reach their full health potential.” These meetings also provide resources for seniors, information about vaccinations, overdose education and prevention, reproductive health services and more.
