National Health Literacy Month

*TogetherMed is not offering any medical advice.

Why Health Literacy Matters

October is National Health Literacy Month! You might be wondering, what even is health literacy? Basically, health literacy is being able to find, understand, and use health information. It is something that everyone should know about, especially students.

We see health information all the time. It can show up on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, websites, at school, or even in conversations with friends. The problem is that not everything we see online is true. Just because a video has a million views does not mean the information in it is correct.

Why Does Health Literacy Matter?

As we get older, we start making more decisions about our own health. This could mean going to the doctor, understanding what a medication does, figuring out how much sleep you need, or knowing when you should ask for help.

Health literacy can also help you feel more comfortable talking to doctors and other healthcare professionals. Sometimes doctors use words that we have never heard before. It is completely okay to ask them what something means or to ask them to explain it again. Understanding what is happening with your health is important.

Another big part of health literacy is knowing how to spot misinformation. There are tons of health trends and “advice” online, and some of it can be misleading or just completely wrong. Before believing something, take a second to think about where the information came from.

How Can You Improve Your Health Literacy?

One of the easiest ways is to check your sources. If you see a health claim online, look at who posted it and where they got their information. Try to find information from reliable sources like hospitals, universities, government health organizations, and trusted health organizations.

You can also compare information from different sources. If you only see a health claim on one random social media account, that does not mean it is true.

And most importantly, ask questions! If you do not understand something about your health, do not be afraid to ask a doctor, nurse, parent, teacher, or another trusted adult. Asking questions does not mean you are uninformed. It means you want to understand.

Health Literacy Is a Life Skill

Health literacy is not just about knowing complicated medical terms. It is about knowing where to find good information, understanding what you are reading or hearing, and being able to make informed choices about your health.

This National Health Literacy Month, try paying more attention to the health information you see every day. The next time you see a health claim on social media, stop and think before you believe it or share it. Check the source, look for evidence, and ask questions.

At TogetherMed, we believe everyone should have access to free, reliable, and easy-to-understand health information. We want to help students and communities feel more confident when it comes to understanding their health.

Your health is important. Make sure you understand it.