Health Literacy

10 Ways to Help Others Navigate the Health Care System

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I’ve been reading a great book called “Improving Healthcare Through Advocacy: A Guide for the Health and Helping Professions” by Bruce S. Jansson, a Professor of Social Policy and Administration at the University of Southern California. Jansson talks about the many barriers that people can face in trying to access care for physical and mental health conditions. He also outlines several ways in which you can serve as an advocate to help empower others to more easily navigate the often …

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11 Tips for Communicating More Clearly

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In my career as a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen time and time again how important clear communication is. In the health care setting, it’s vital that patients and health care professionals communicate effectively with each other. Patients need to be able to express their concerns openly and thoroughly, and providers must be able to give clear recommendations to patients for suggested treatments or behavior changes. Breakdowns in any part of this two-way process can cause significant problems, including decreased health …

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The 3 Questions You Must Always Ask Your Doctor

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The situation is a familiar one. You’re not feeling well, so you go to your doctor or other health care provider. You explain your symptoms and concerns. Then the doctor offers you their opinion about your condition, prescribes medication, or provides other treatment recommendations. You thank them for their time and leave the office with hopes of feeling better soon. What’s missing in this scenario? Perhaps you weren’t listening closely when your doctor gave you feedback and you didn’t fully absorb …

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How to Evaluate Online Health Information

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It’s well known that most people go online to find health information. In fact, 80% of Internet users have searched for health information online. However, there’s great variability in the quality and reliability of online health information. While some is from top-notch health care organizations, other information can be misleading and even harmful. How can you know if the health information you find online is current, accurate and helpful? The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers considerable help with …

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10 Steps to Better Health Through Improved ‘Health Literacy’

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Toni Cordell recounts the story of feeling comforted when told by her doctor that her medical concern could be solved with an easy surgery. She agreed to proceed without asking further questions and didn’t understand the medical consent forms because she didn’t read well.  At a follow-up office visit a couple of weeks after the procedure, Cordell was shocked when the nurse asked, “How are you feeling since your hysterectomy?” Cordell thought to herself, “How could I be so stupid …

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