October 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Health Literacy Month, an observance established by Helen Osborne in 1999.
Celebrated globally each October, this month aims to raise awareness about the importance of health literacy.
What is Health Literacy?
Healthy People 2030 defines health literacy in two parts:
- Personal Health Literacy: The ability of an individual to find, understand, and use information and services to make health-related decisions.
- Organizational Health Literacy: How organizations ensure that information and services are accessible and understandable to individuals making health-related decisions.
Knowledge is Power
Health literacy is crucial for both physical and emotional well-being. It impacts your ability to read medicine labels, communicate effectively with your provider, and know when to seek help for health concerns.
Factors influencing health literacy include age, education, disability, and English proficiency. Health organizations are responsible for creating materials that are accessible and comprehensible to all literacy levels.
Empowering Sexual Health Literacy
Teen sexual health literacy is notably low in the United States. Fewer than 50% of teens report receiving comprehensive sex education in school.
To enhance sexual health literacy, sex education should cover topics such as abstinence, birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy relationships. These classes must be age-appropriate and inclusive of LGBTQ+ students.
Tips to Improve Sexual Health Literacy:
- Talk to a trusted adult or healthcare provider.
- Communicate openly with sexual partners.
- Use reliable online resources to find information.
Resources to Get You Started:
- Bedsider Birth Control Support Network
- Sexual Health Topics | Get the Facts about Sexual Health
- Welcome to Scarleteen | Scarleteen
An important part of health literacy is feeling that you can communicate with your healthcare provider and have greater decision-making power over your health.
Take control of your reproductive health decisions today and find a healthcare provider near you!
