Health Literacy Essay
To reverse the rising low health literacy problem it will take limitless effort from countless individuals, but to ensure Americans have proficient health literacy knowledge and skills we must implement education programs, provide better resources, and allow patients more time with health care professional. While the health education programs show the most promise from an ethical, cost-effective, and practical standpoint. If only one solution was to be implemented the education programs would be the most effective by itself. The knowledge distributed by the programs would not only raise peoples health literacy the most but could potentially save lives. The health education programs are the most important because they will serve to help those
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The number of American’s that have basic or below basic health literacy is about 36% and rising as our health care system continues to get more complex and scientifically advance. There are many barriers that put individuals at risk for low health literacy such as low socioeconomic status, culture, and a complex health care system. While there is still a large percentage of people with above basic health literacy the 35% is a huge number and must not be overlooked. For instance illnesses that are contagious may grow into a way bigger problem than they are if individuals that don’t understand healthcare do not treat themselves properly it may spread to everyone around. Regardless of were an individual fits into the health literacy scale everyone should help to resolve this problem. In order to solve the problem three solutions should be implemented as an action plan. First health education plans will be put in place for schools, factories, and for TNcare and Medicare recipients. Secondly patients must be allowed more time with the health care professionals so they receive a thorough explanation and comprehend their exact duties. Third Americans must be given better resources to help guide them such as website, hotlines, and health centers that are up to date and accurate. While the health programs will yield the most positive results implementation of all three solutions must be put in place to drastically reduce the rising number of individuals with low health literacy
The number of American’s that have basic or below basic health literacy is about 36% and rising as our health care system continues to get more complex and scientifically advance. There are many barriers that put individuals at risk for low health literacy such as low socioeconomic status, culture, and a complex health care system. While there is still a large percentage of people with above basic health literacy the 35% is a huge number and must not be overlooked. For instance illnesses that are contagious may grow into a way bigger problem than they are if individuals that don’t understand healthcare do not treat themselves properly it may spread to everyone around. Regardless of were an individual fits into the health literacy scale everyone should help to resolve this problem. In order to solve the problem three solutions should be implemented as an action plan. First health education plans will be put in place for schools, factories, and for TNcare and Medicare recipients. Secondly patients must be allowed more time with the health care professionals so they receive a thorough explanation and comprehend their exact duties. Third Americans must be given better resources to help guide them such as website, hotlines, and health centers that are up to date and accurate. While the health programs will yield the most positive results implementation of all three solutions must be put in place to drastically reduce the rising number of individuals with low health literacy