Some of the most noted issues recognized during the month of October include breast cancer awareness, bullying prevention, Down’s syndrome, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and a host of other better known topics. Did you know the month also covers mental illness, bone and joint health, infection prevention, respiratory care, stuttering, psoriasis, and a great deal more? However, regardless of the topic, it is important to be able to understand the information. I’ve chosen to cover health literacy. Health literacy is a person’s ability to understand health information that will allow him or her to make the best decisions possible regarding health and medical care.
Do you or someone you care for take medication? Have you read the free information that comes with each new prescription that indicates what the pill looks like, its name, how often it should be taken, whether it should be taken with food or on an empty stomach, what it is for and what potential side effects can be? Literally thousands of dollars in office visits might be prevented if we know what to expect and what might occur that we don’t expect. That new abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or headache may not be another effect of aging but simply a side effect of medication you were unaware of. So, don’t discard all that paperwork that comes with the medication. Take the time to educate yourself. You will be glad you did.
There is a great deal of information available on the internet on disorders, diseases, syndromes, and medications. HOWEVER, and I cannot stress this fact adequately, in EVERY instance what you read cannot be taken as gospel. Speak with the prescribing physician regarding all meds. Know what you are putting into your mouth or giving to a loved one before you do it. When you do use internet resources, it is critical you select reputable organizations. Then, if you fail to completely understand the written word – which we are all guilty of from time to time – ask your health care professional to help you understand.
There are some causes and conditions that have large budgets and can do everything possible to promote what they so strongly believe in. Then, there are others that operate on a shoestring that don’t have that luxury of getting information out to the public. Some local families may have a child who stutters, for example, and they may promote knowledge by having a cookout, bike race, or 5K hike in their neighborhood. Pamphlets are commonly handed out for the promotion of education and thank heaven they are, since they provide important knowledge and contact information. If we can better understand a disease or disorder, we all win. We become educated and the cause is better understood.
To my knowledge, there is no one correct means of educating our neighbors, town, state or nation on how to share such this education. Local organizations, businesses and other advocacy groups have taken it upon themselves to host a wide range of awareness events to include workshops for those simply interested in learning for our personal gain to those in the medical field such aids, CNAs, therapists, technicians, specialists and MDs. Individuals from all levels can profit from attending such programs. If there are lectures in your area, I urge you to attend them. While the topics may not be of specific interest today, we never know what tomorrow may bring and we might be glad we attended and went home knowing more about a subject than when we entered.
We have the capability of educating ourselves and others. Step up to the plate. Attend lectures in your community, at your local clinic or hospital. One hour or less every now and then will benefit you in ways you never believed possible. Consider it a part of your continuing education – no matter what your age. You will be glad you did.
