Are you in need of health information? As the parish nurse, part of my role is to assist members in their quest for health information. I have been able to get materials on a number of health related issues such as diabetes, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, and bone/joint disorders. Please feel free to contact the church office if you are in need of information on any health related issues.

According to the National Patient Safety Foundation, health literacy is the strongest predictor of a person's health status, ahead of age, income, employment status, educational level, or racial or ethnic group. 

Low health literacy has become an emerging health issue and is a condition that affects a broad spectrum of the population.  Everyone in the United States is susceptible. 

What is health literacy?  It is the ability to read, understand and effectively use basic medical instructions and information.

 According to the Institute of Medicine, nearly half of all American adults, nearly 90 million, have difficulty understanding and using health information.   This can result in persons who are less likely to comply with prescriptions, treatments and self-care.    Persons with low health literacy fail to seek preventative care more than those with a greater level of health literacy, and this increases their risk for hospitalization.

The Partnership for Clear Health Communication encourages patients to ask and      understand three questions whenever you visit with a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist or other healthcare provider.

1.  What is my main problem?
2.  What do I need to do?
3.  Why is it important for me to do this?

What if you still don't understand?  Let the person know if you don't.  Say "this is something new to me, will you explain that one more time?"

Health care providers do want you to know all you can about your condition and why it is important for you to take steps to keep your condition under control.