Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership Blog
News Year’s resolutions: Health literacy edition
Posted by MHLPadmin on Dec 30, 2020
This year we’re bringing a new perspective on the New Year’s resolution tradition – health literacy! Here are some resolutions providers can adopt to increase health literacy at their organizations.
Plain language examples for vaccines
Posted by MHLPadmin on Dec 28, 2020
Between the annual flu shot and the new COVID vaccines, there is a lot of talk about vaccinations right now! Some of the words and phrases can be confusing. Here are some plain language translations for common vaccine terms.
Vaccinations/immunizations: When a person is given medicine to make their body learn to fight a disease.
Adverse reaction: An unexpected health outcome – like redness or an allergic reaction.
Antibody: A protein your body makes to fight illness.
Ensuring a healthy future with health literacy
Posted by MHLPadmin on Dec 18, 2020
Investing in language and cultural resources
Posted by MHLPadmin on Apr 03, 2019
Culture affects many things, including how people approach health care. Minnesota is a diverse state, with more than 100 languages other than English spoken at home2; a variety of urban, suburban and rural cities; and a wide range of family incomes. This is why investing in language and cultural resources is a key priority of the Minnesota Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.
Increase and Improve Patient-Centered Resources
Posted by MHLPadmin on Mar 04, 2019
The health care system is complex, and the fragmentation of the industry can lead to confusion for patients as they communicate with agents, insurance companies, health care providers, clinics, employers, pharmacists, care coordinators, and others who are involved with their care.
Health literacy training is important for people of all ages
Posted by MHLPadmin on Feb 06, 2019
Learning how to maintain good health and understand the health care system can – and should – start early in life and continue throughout.
Streamline processes to improve health literacy
Posted by MHLPadmin on Jan 14, 2019
Our health care system is large and fragmented, making it easy for patients to feel lost. Navigating through a variety of health care facilities, providers, rules, and requirements is not only difficult, but also daunting and confusing.
Celebrating 2018 and looking ahead
Posted by MHLPadmin on Dec 10, 2018
As we close out 2018, we’d like to thank you for making this year the best one yet. During the past year we’ve collaborated with many organizations on exciting new activities, giving us the opportunity to share health literacy best practices and resources in new and engaging ways.
The importance of relevant and accessible health information
Posted by MHLPadmin on Nov 08, 2018
When it comes to communication, it’s not just what you say but how you say it.
Health information can be technical and complex, and there can be an over-reliance on written communication. That’s why it’s important for patients and their caregivers to have access to usable information presented in a variety of ways so they can understand diagnoses, make treatment and prevention decisions, and evaluate health risks.
Health Literacy Month: Tools to help improve health literacy
Posted by MHLPadmin on Oct 16, 2018
Health Literacy Month: Tools to help improve health literacy
Each October, health professionals and organizations across the country celebrate Health Literacy Month. It’s a time to remember the importance of health literacy. And for the Minnesota Health Literacy Partnership, it’s also a great time to share ways you and other health professionals can improve health literacy within your organization and community.