Health Literacy: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Navigating the healthcare system can often feel like trying to understand a foreign language without a dictionary. Between confusing medical terms, complex insurance plans and a constant stream of conflicting health advice online, taking control of your well-being can feel overwhelming. That is where health literacy comes in.

In this article, you’ll learn what health literacy actually means, why it is essential and practical steps you can take today to feel more confident at your next medical appointment.

What Is Health Literacy?

“Health literacy refers to your ability to find, understand and use information about your health,” says Dr. Adam R. Stracher, Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Primary Care Division of the Weill Cornell Physician Organization. “Being health literate means you have the knowledge you need to make confident, well-informed health-related decisions for yourself or your loved ones.”

There are a few components that go into strong health literacy:

• Choosing and navigating a health insurance policy that fits you and your family
• Communicating with your healthcare providers
• Finding and understanding reputable sources of health information
• Knowing how to navigate a complex healthcare system or network
• Understanding complicated medical terms related to a diagnosis or treatment

Why Does Health Literacy Matter?

Health literacy matters for a number of reasons. Low health literacy is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased hospitalizations and greater reliance on emergency care. Individuals with low health literacy are less likely to receive essential preventive services like mammograms and flu vaccinations.

On the other hand, high health literacy is linked to better health outcomes and can empower you to:

• Build healthy lifestyle habits that may help prevent or manage a certain condition
• Manage a chronic condition, such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease
• Take medications or follow a treatment plan to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible
• Seek out the health professionals or services you need, from dietary advice and cancer screenings to advanced treatments

One of the most important is that high health literacy allows you to advocate for yourself or someone in your care.

“You know your health better than anyone, and when you can understand how to prevent a condition, a diagnosis or treatment options, you have more control over your long-term health,” Dr. Stracher says. “You can ask more informed questions and make the health decisions that fit with your lifestyle and values.”

How You Can Become More Literate

Improving health literacy starts with asking the right questions and knowing where to turn for support. You can:

• Ask for clarification. If a healthcare provider uses medical terms you don’t understand, speak up. Ask for an explanation in simpler terms.
• Come to your appointments prepared. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during a medical appointment, so spend time beforehand writing questions or concerns you want to address. You’ll feel more prepared and know what to ask.
• Bring a loved one to your visits. Have a trusted family member or friend join you at every medical appointment. Ask your loved one to take notes for you, so you can listen and ask follow-up questions.
• Rely on reputable online health information. The internet is full of unfounded health claims and articles promoting fads that aren’t supported by research or medical evidence. Resources like Weill Cornell Medicine’s online patient education portal provide updated, established health advice you can trust.

“At Weill Cornell Medicine, we take a collaborative, team approach to your health,” Dr. Stracher says. “Part of our commitment means we share clear, reliable information so you always feel supported and informed.”

In Summary: How to Maintain High Health Literacy

Health literacy allows you to be your best health advocate.

1. Health literacy means you can find, understand and use trustworthy health information to make the right decisions for yourself or a loved one.
2. Being health literate gives you the knowledge to prevent a health condition or manage or treat a complex diagnosis.
3. The best ways to become more health literate are to ask lots of questions during your appointments and know where to turn for trusted health information.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our providers are dedicated to empowering you with the information you need to make the right decisions about your health. Find a doctor.