19/10/2025
💡October is Health Literacy Month: Understand. Use. Thrive.
Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment and immediately forget half of what was said? Have you ever Googled a symptom and felt instantly overwhelmed by medical jargon? You’re not alone.
October is Health Literacy Month, a worldwide movement to make health information easier to find, understand, and use.
🩺What is Health Literacy?
It's the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health decisions for yourself and others. It's the essential skill needed to:
>>Accurately follow medication instructions.
>>Understand test results and what they mean.
>>Navigate the healthcare system (forms, appointments, insurance).
>>Talk confidently with your doctor.
Why It Matters to Everyone:
Limited health literacy affects nearly everyone at some point, especially when we're stressed, sick, or dealing with complex issues. When health information is confusing, it can lead to:
❌ Medication Errors
❌ Missed Appointments
❌ Poor Management of Chronic Conditions
Health Literacy is not about intelligence; it's about clarity. We all have a role to play in closing this gap!
Your 3-Step Health Literacy Challenge:
This month, take charge of your health understanding with these simple actions:
1️⃣Ask Questions: Never leave an appointment confused. Use the "Teach Back" method—repeat the main instructions back to your doctor in your own words.
2️⃣Verify Sources: Before trusting health information online, check the source. Is it a government body, a university, or a reputable health organization? Look for the .gov, .edu, or well-known medical foundation links.
3️⃣Read Simply: When reading instructions or flyers, check for plain language. If you spot jargon, look it up or ask a professional to explain it simply.
By ensuring you understand information clearly, you empower yourself, your family, and your community to make healthier choices.
Contact Dr. Wolmarans: 012 549 8900 / office@gjmw.co.za. We are here to help. Visit our website for more info: www.gjmw.co.za