Healthline in 2008: Dedicated to Improving Health Literacy

The ability to understand and take advantage of all of the advances in medical science has not kept pace with the discoveries themselves. Improving health literacy is a public health priority for the US Surgeon General - and it's a priority for us here at Healthline, too.

Health literacy is a person's ability to understand, access and use healthcare information and services to make appropriate health related decisions. It is estimated that 90 million Americans of all ages, races, socioeconomic and education levels have difficulty understanding and accessing health information. As costs of health care rise, more pressure is put on users of health care to be smart and well-informed. That is where Healthline comes in. We exist to be your partner and help you improve your health literacy for yourself and your loved ones.

In the coming weeks and months, look for announcements about some exciting new products our staff of clinicians and other creative minds have been working hard to develop to make your life easier. I am personally excited about offering some of these products that will go a long way in improving health literacy.

Meanwhile, have you seen or tried our new Tools and Quizzes? I have been a real pain, nagging everyone about getting a BMI calculator onsite since I joined Healthline almost two years ago. Now I have nothing to complain about - we have Risk Assessments A-Z. Be informed before you go into the doctor's office. Be ready to ask smart questions and get good answers. If there is something you don't understand, ask the office staff for further information. And if there is anything we can do to make Healthline better, please let us know. We are here for you.

Thank you Old Shoe Woman for use of photo of doctor's office.

Labels: health literacy, public health

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