Health Literacy refers to a person’s ability to access, understand, and act on health-related information. In Canada, 60% of adults have low health literacy skills, including 88% of seniors. Personal Health Literacy refers to a person’s ability to access, understand, and act on health-related information. In Canada, 60% of adults have low health literacy skills, including 88% of seniors. Personal factors, as well as the complexity of the message and the health professional’s ability to communicate clearly, are all significant contributing factors.

It’s more important than ever that we don’t assume a person's level of health literacy. We need to make sure that they understand the information so that they can act on it and stay healthy.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define health literacy
• Identify prevalence and effects of low health literacy
• Understand their role and the importance of communicating clearly
• Apply “Universal Precautions” in health communication