WPSU’s Health Minute is a collaboration with Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
Health Literacy is everyone's responsibility, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control, nine out of 10 adults have struggled with terms used in their doctor's office or in a hospital.
Understanding your medications, diagnosis, or procedures is critically important. Be sure to clarify, by repeating back what you think you heard from the doctor, nurse, or medical professional. If you are able to have a partner, friend, or family member attend an appointment with you, take them along and compare notes about what was discussed.
Understanding is your right as a healthcare consumer.
Visit Understood to learn more about how to medically advocate for yourself or a loved one. Or visit the National Institutes of Health to learn more about health literacy.
