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             Health Literacy

Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. – Healthy People 2023

Health literacy helps us:

Use health information rather than just understand it.

Be empowered to make better-informed decision.

Integrate community and public health perspectives.

Acknowledge that systems and organizations have a responsibility to help increase health literacy.

Thanks to a grant from the Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program, we are shining a spotlight on health literacy for the best possible health outcomes for you and your loved ones. Together, we are increasing understanding of basic health information, cancer and other chronic disease prevention, and how and when to access the best type of care. Please continue to visit this page and our website for information you can use to improve your overall well-being.

Take Charge of Your Health!

Health literacy means making informed choices about your well-being.

From understanding prescriptions to navigating healthcare, it’s important knowledge.

Three Important Questions to Ask

 

Empower Yourself!

Ask questions, seek clarity, and stay informed. Your health matters!

 

 

Downloadable handout

 

 

 

 
Health Literacy Means...

 

Take Charge of Your Health!

Health literacy means making informed choices about your well-being.

 

From understanding prescriptions to navigating healthcare, it’s important knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

Stand Up for Your Health

 

Improve your health literacy for a healthier tomorrow!

Your voice is important when you visit your healthcare provider. Ask questions, and share your symptoms openly. You know your body best, and your opinion matters.

If you’re unsure, ask again, talk about treatment choices, or get a second opinion.

Being involved makes communication better and ensures you get the care you want.

Speak Up for Your Rights (printable handout)

Fight for your health – you’re the best advocate for yourself!

Your Primary Care Provider is Your Advocate

Regular check-ups with your provider are important for staying healthy and catching problems early. They offer personalized advice, keep track of your health history, and help you live better. Building a solid relationship with your provider means you get the care you need when you need it. Don’t wait for problems to get worse; see your primary care provider at least once a year.

How to Find a Primary Care Provider

 

Your Health Journey Begins with Primary Care!

Regular check-ups are key to staying well and catching issues early. Build a strong relationship for personalized care and better living. Your health matters – schedule your visit today!

 

 

 

Use this helpful worksheet to help find a primary care provider.

 

 

 

 

 

 
How to Prepare for Your Primary Care Visit

 

Are you Read for Your Primary Care Visit?

Preparing ahead of time helps you make the most out of your visit. You can do this by writing down symptoms, worries, and questions in advance.

Bring a list of your medication and any important medical history. This helps your Provider focus on what’s important and saves time.

Being involved makes your healthcare better. Take control of your health – be ready, talk, and work together for the best results!

Fill out this helpful Personal Medical Diary and bring to your appointment.

 

Where to go for Care and When

Do you know where to go for your health needs? Emergency Room for serious cases, Urgent Care for immediate but less severe issues, and your Primary Care Physician for regular check-ups. Quick decisions mean better care.

ER vs. Urgent Care examples

 

ER vs. Urgent Care

Do you know where to go for your health needs? Emergency Room for serious cases, Urgent Care for immediate but less severe issues.

Here is a helpful chart on ER vs. Urgent care situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
ER vs. Primary Care

 

ER vs PCP 

Health emergencies? Emergency Room. Regular care? Your Primary Care Provider. Knowing where to go saves time and ensures proper treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your health is important, and so is your voice!

When you see your Provider, don’t be afraid to speak up. Share what’s on your mind, ask questions, and tell them about any problems you’re having. You know your body best, and what you say matters. If you’re not sure about something, ask again or talk about different ways to get better. It’s okay to get another doctor’s opinion too. Being part of the conversation helps you get the care you need.

Why be a Self Advocate

 

Self Advocacy:

Your health matters, and advocating for yourself is important! By speaking up about your symptoms and concerns, you let your Provider have more information to make the most correct diagnosis and give you the best treatments options.

Empower yourself to actively participate in decisions about your health, so that treatments align with your preferences and values.  

 

 

 

 

 

 
How to be an Adovcate

 

How to be an Advocate for Yourself:

You know your body best, and what you say matters. If you’re not sure about something, ask again or talk about different ways to get better. It’s okay to get another doctor’s opinion too. Being part of the conversation helps you get the care you need.

You have the right to be informed about and make decisions regarding your care. In Speak Up™ For Your Rights, the latest video in the award-winning Speak Up™ campaign, learn about the different rights you have as a patient: https://vimeo.com/37189375

 

 

 

 

Health Screenings for Cancer Prevention

Make sure you’re getting the screenings you need to stay ahead of cancer. Early detection saves lives. saving lives. Take charge of your health by scheduling regular screenings based on your age and risk factors. Whether you’re younger or older, knowing what screenings and when to get it can make a big difference in your health.

Read more on the essential of cancer screenings here.

Cancer Screening by Age

 

Age & Screening:

It’s important to get cancer screenings as you grow older. Getting screened at the right time helps catch cancer early and makes treatment easier. Keep track of your health by going to check-ups when it’s recommended, based on your age and any risk factors you may have.

For a helpful chart on cancer screening by age, see this handout.

 

 

 

 

 
Cancer Screening for Those Born Male Sex.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testicular, Prostate and Breast Cancer:

Testicular Cancer:

  • Testicular cancer is cancer that’s found in the testicles.
  • It’s most common in men aged 15 to 49. It can affect anyone who has testicles.
  • The testicles are 2 small oval-shaped organs which hang below the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testicles make sperm and testosterone.
  • How serious testicular cancer is depends on the type of testicular cancer, how big it is and if it has spread.
  • Becoming familiar with the lumps and bumps in your scrotum is important to help find any changes. Learn more about the important of testicular self-exams and how to do one: https://aballsysenseoftumor.com/how-to-do-a-testicular-self-exam/

Prostate Cancer:

  • Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate grow out of control.
  • The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system.
  • All men are at risk for prostate cancer. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer.
  • The most common risk factor is age. The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer.
  • Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal examination (DRE). Learn more about recommended screening here.

Breast Cancer:

  • Breast cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.
  • Risk factor for breast cancer include, age (most breast cancers are found after age 50), genetic mutations (inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and family history.
  • Learn more about breast cancer in men, here.
Cancer Screening for Those Born Female Sex.

 

 

 

 

Cervical and Breast Cancer:

Cervical Cancer:

  • Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb, which opens into the vagina – also called the birth canal) from prolonged or untreated infection from high-risks types of the virus, Human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat. Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms. In most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.
  • Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
  • Cervical cancer is preventable through HPV vaccinations. Moth male and females may be vaccinated starting at age 9 – 45 years old.
  • People with a cervix should have cervical exams starting at age 21. Talk with your healthcare provider for individualized recommendations and screenings. Learn more here.

 

Breast Cancer:

  • Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue.
  • 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, making it one of the most common cancer’s among women.
  • Risk factor for breast cancer include, age (most breast cancers are found after age 50), genetic mutations (inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and family history.
  • Advances in breast cancer screening allow healthcare professionals to diagnose breast cancer earlier, learn more here.

Resources

 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) works to improve the health of people nationwide by making evidence-based recommendations on effective ways to prevent disease & prolong life.

https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/