How To Be a Health Literate Consumer

Developing a literacy in health issues is valuable for a number of different reasons. First, it is very beneficial to understand basic diseases and health news in the event that you, a family member or a friend is diagnosed with a disease. Second, it is helpful to understand the options and treatments available to you as a patient. The days of blind acceptance are long gone and it has never been easier to be a health literate consumer.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep on top of health news, studies and discoveries. There are many health journals available to the general public, as well as numerous websites dedicated to health news, alternative medicine and new studies. Read the health page of your local newspaper and subscribe to healthy living magazines.

• 2

  Ask questions of your doctor. Most people clam up when it comes to discussing issues with their doctor. You are paying your doctor to assist you with your health and you deserve to know everything about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and if you don't get the answers you need, seek a second opinion.

• 3

  Research conditions and medications on your own. In order to be health literate you need at least some basic curiosity and the drive to learn more about the conditions affecting you or your loved ones and the medications that have been prescribed for them. You can research these online and learn more about side effects, complications and alternative treatments.

• 4

  Engage in health discussions with friends or the online health community. There are literally thousands of discussion boards dedicated to learning about health issues. Discussions with family and friends can also be helpful and may inspire them to become more health literate consumers.

• 5

  Avoid hypochondria. One problem with becoming overly health conscious is reading information online and then becoming convinced that you have that particular disease or problem. Do not self diagnose or self treat. If you believe you have a disease or disorder, see a doctor and have an open discussion with him.