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Boost your health IQ this October with Health Literacy Month - join the movement to improve understanding and communication in healthcare!
October is not just a month for spooky decorations and pumpkin spice lattes – it's also the perfect time to focus on our health literacy! Every year, October is recognized as Health Literacy Month, with the goal of promoting understanding and access to important health information. This celebration has been around since 1999 when it was first created by Helen Osborne, a health writer and advocate. From learning about proper nutrition to understanding medical terminology, this month is all about empowering individuals to take control of their own health and well-being. Get ready to educate yourself and others about the importance of health literacy this October!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Health Literacy Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Health writer and advocate, Helen Osborne, first declared October as Health Literacy Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Institute of Medicine Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Institute of Medicine published a report called "Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion", emphasizing the importance of health literacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Affordable Care Act Provision</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Affordable Care Act contained provisions to improve health literacy among Americans, showing a recognition at the national level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Health Literacy Tool Shed Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Health Literacy Tool Shed", an online database of health literacy measure, was launched to help provide resources and tools.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Highlights Health Literacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of health literacy with clear communication of health information becoming crucial.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a health book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends or colleagues and start a health book club! Each month, choose a book focused on health and wellness to read and discuss together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a health seminar or workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community center or hospital for health seminars or workshops that are being offered during Health Literacy Month. Attend one to learn more about a specific health topic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a healthy cooking challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to create healthy and nutritious meals throughout the month. Share your creations on social media and encourage others to join in on the challenge.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a health fair</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a health fair in your community to raise awareness about important health topics and provide resources for individuals to learn more about their health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a health journal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Document your journey to better health by starting a health journal. Write down your goals, track your progress, and reflect on your overall well-being.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes overall health and well-being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Health literacy is the ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions about one's health. By promoting health literacy, individuals are better equipped to take care of themselves and make choices that positively impact their overall health and well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It creates empowered patients</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased health literacy comes an empowered patient population - people who are knowledgeable about their own health and the healthcare system, and can advocate for their own needs. This can lead to better communication with healthcare providers, more effective treatment, and ultimately improved health outcomes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps reduce disparities in healthcare</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Health literacy is especially important in reducing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among different populations. By equipping individuals with the skills to obtain, process, and understand health information, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system.</p></div></div>
Health Literacy Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 Health Literacy Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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