Health literacy is about mutual understanding.
My functional definition is that health literacy happens when patients (caregivers, the public, or anyone else on the receiving end of health communication) and providers (teachers, public health specialists, librarians, or anyone on the giving end of health messages) truly understand one another.
Thanks to my graphic designer, Mark Tatro, for making this concept so clear.
Here's what's new in Health Literacy Consulting.
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HLC How-To
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"Metaphors and Analogies: They're Like What You Already Know." Do you ever need to explain important yet complicated health information? Of course you do. The challenge that we as health communicators face is explaining complex concepts in clear and compelling ways.
I like to use metaphors and analogies in such situations. For they are a way to compare something unfamiliar to concepts more well known. Learn more in September's HLC How-To Tip.
Want to see my first effort at promoting this How-To Tip on YouTube? I'm learning how to record and edit videos. My goal is to create ones that are better than just okay. What do you think of this early effort?
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HLOL Podcasts
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Health Literacy Out Loud (HLOL). Listen to and learn from my audio interviews with those in the know about health literacy. New episodes include:
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HL Hero
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The Health Literacy Hero award for September goes to the Sinai Urban Health Institute Asthma Team. Operating under a program called "Helping Children Breathe and Thrive" within Chicago Housing Authority developments, this team has helped more than 180 clients with asthma who live in underserved communities.
The asthma team's health educators meet clients in their homes---teaching not only how to use medications but also assessing homes for adverse asthma-related environmental concerns such as mold. Health literacy is key throughout this process. Kim Artis is one of the team's health educators. She is justifiably proud of this program, saying, "We have made great strides in keeping our clients well informed and having the ability to now advocate for themselves because they now understand." Click here to learn more.
Thanks to Kim Artis, (What's New subscriber) for introducing me to this amazing program. Who is YOUR Health Literacy Hero?
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HL Month
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 Health Literacy Month. October is HLMonth. It's not too late to plan an awareness-raising event. You might want to (but don't have to) build on this year's theme, "Be a Health Literacy Hero." You are welcome to use the official Health Literacy Month logo (to the left) and my image of a Health Literacy Hero (above). Email me if you want file(s) for either or both of these graphics. Want more HLMonth ideas? Here are two resources:
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