MEDCAST: A HEALTH LITERACY PODCAST

Health Literacy, as defined by the Institute of Medicine, is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. This map (National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 2003) shows that Wayne County has extensive pockets of Below Basic and Basic health literacy. Adults in the lowest quartile may be able to read the time of their next appointment, but struggle with after appointment care instructions such as how and when to take medication. Adults in the second lowest quartile are able to locate information in a document, but may struggle interpreting the information.

LOW HEALTH LITERACY CAN HAVE LASTING IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES.

Ø These adults are more likely to visit the emergency room for routine care. Emergency rooms can be less intimidating for a non-reader because there are fewer forms to fill out.

Ø Adults with low literacy are also more likely to report having poor health, and low literacy can affect the management of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. (New England Journal of Medicine)

Literacy Connections’ podcast, MedCast: A Health Literacy Podcast, launched in January, brings awareness to this important and often overlooked issue. Sahil Hogarty, a summer intern at Literacy Connections, explores health literacy in our county as he interviews many local health care professionals. Listen and follow this 9-episode podcast on our social media platforms or wherever you listen to podcast.

Together we are growing a literacy rich community.

literacyconnectionsofwaynecounty.org