Health Literacy and Health Promotion

After going through and listening to the lecture about health literacy, health promotion, and the social determinants of health, I learned that there is progress still to be made in the United States. As for example, the mission for Healthy People 2020 was to make sure that health was a priority and that it needs to be improved. Also, it said to make sure the public is aware and understands what the social determinants of health are and making progress with them. The social determinants of health are food, education, social justice and equity, stable ecosystem, income, peace, sustainable resources and shelter. However, our country has come in last when it comes to public health and to these determinants. Something else we need to take into consideration is that we are still experiencing occupational alienation, apartheid, and deprivation. All of these can occur simultaneously or can be isolated. It is important as a country and worldwide to make sure that everyone has the same rights, accessibility, engagement and meaning and purposeful activities in life.
What was a huge eye opener to me, were the videos on health literacy and how the medical and healthcare professionals need to do a better job explaining and comprehending medical terminology to clients and patients. It is important that we ask to make sure that the client's understand what they are reading or hearing so health and well-being can be optimized, instead of them feeling incompetent, afraid, insecure, uncertain, etc. We do not need to assume that everyone has the same level of education and be sure to use simple, nontechnical language. When this is achieved, there is a better sense of acceptance, relationship, rapport and support. We need to be better as a country and worldwide to make strides in advocating and educating about health literacy and promotion. We need to improve the patient experience of care, improve the health of populations, and reduce the per capita cost of health care. (IHI Triple AIM)