Health Literacy

What would you do if you didn't understand what your doctor or hospital was telling you about your health? Health literacy extends beyond the ability to read the materials you may be given. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) define health literacy as "The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." Take a look at the videos to your left.