What Is Health Literacy?

November 17, 2017 – Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s appointment not knowing what you just heard? If yes, you’re not alone.

Health literacy is the ability to understand and interpret information related to health. Most people do not have a high level of health literacy, which can lead to misunderstandings about instructions from health providers and even dangerous outcomes in a health crisis.

Producer Sarah Gustavus sits down this week with a nurse and health literacy coordinator to talk about steps that can be taken to ensure more patients in New Mexico are getting the information they need to address their health concerns.

Guests:
Kathryn M. Anderson, senior health literacy specialist at UNMH
Lisa Lostetter, nurse and lactation specialist