When I talk to my friends about my research in health literacy and 
information needs in cancer, usually I get a blank stare and then, "Uh but 
what is health literacy?" My answer usually fumbles around along the lines 
of "it's how well people can gather and understand health information and 
how well they navigate the health system." 

Instead of getting easier to answer, I'm finding that I am becoming less 
certain about how to describe it simply yet comprehensively. And without 
boring them senseless with the intricacies of the question of what health 
literacy really is or could be.
 
Robin K Matsuyama, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Social & Behavioral Health
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond VA




"Julie McKinney" <julie_mcKinney at worlded.org> 
Sent by: healthliteracy-bounces at nifl.gov
11/05/2008 09:44 PM
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Subject
[HealthLiteracy 2408] Wednesday Question: How do you describe   "Health 
Literacy" to    friends?






Hi Everyone,

I know we have discussed the official definition of health literacy
quite a bit. But I am curious about another, more informal kind of
description of HL. When you describe your work in health literacy to
friends and colleagues who are not familiar with the term, how do you
describe to them what health literacy is or means?

Personally, I find that an easy description does not come easily!

Thanks all,
Julie

Julie McKinney
Health Literacy List Moderator
World Education
jmckinney at worlded.org
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