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Weiss discusses the scope of the health literacy problem, the barriers faced by patients with low literacy, and methods to foster verbal and written communication in low literacy patients. Low literacy is pervasive in the U.S. and causes an unnecessary financial and health burden. Because of the complicated health literature, most patients have inadequate understanding of what is said, and simple strategies can alleviate low health literacy problems. Weiss makes interesting and provocative points, but much of his observations are based on his medical practice.

Parker and Ratzan discuss what health literacy is, the importance of having health literacy skills, and the need for a strategy to address limited health literacy. The degree to which individuals are able to understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions require a health information strategy that addresses the problems of low health literacy. Low health literacy is prevalent because current health information is somewhat complex. Parker and Ratzan present a clear definition of health literacy and why a strategy is important for better communication.

Vernon, lead author of this report, and fellow colleagues, discuss the economic inefficiency in the U.S. healthcare system caused by low health literacy. Annual costs to the U.S. economy are in the billion dollar range. The report shows that low health literacy is associated with lack of stable coverage and reliable health care access, a national health reform to improve health literacy would result in major savings as well as better health care. Vernon and associates make valid points to the cost of low health literacy to the economy.

This report discusses the affects low health literacy has on a person's health status and why health literacy is important to overall health. Low health literacy affects a person's health status more than any other factor, including education, income, and employment or race. Because people with limited health literacy don't tend to seek preventative care and are less likely to follow prescribed treatments, health is compromised and the possibility of a hospital stay is more likely. The report aptly describes the reasons why health literacy is important.

This blog, published by Stephen Dubner, talks about financial literacy among high school students, and the problems in a dangerously low financial literacy level. He also helps diagnose financial literacy by offering a series of questions to test the reader's own financial literacy. It is a very useful article to use not only in studying the financial literacy of America, but also to diagnose yourself on your own financial literacy. The comments posted on the blog are also very informative of the reactions to the freakonomics blog.

Wanjek discusses how low health literacy negatively affects the nation. Health complications and possible death are the most deleterious problems affecting people with low health literacy. Unnecessary spending by the health industry is another problem causing inpatient spending to increase by approximately $1000. Because of the effects of low literacy, the nation's health is compromised and the cost of healthcare thus escalates to billions of dollars annually. Wanjek makes intriguing points, but most of his information is taken from another study.

Nutbeam describes the importance of improving access to health information and the capacity to use it effectively as a public health goal. Because strategies include more personal forms of communication and community-based educational outreach, a reduction in low health literacy would be possible and the end goal would result in individuals being more involved in their health care decisions. This would empower them. Nutbeam makes a reasonable point for health literacy as a public health goal as a means for reducing low health literacy.

Wilder discusses how the communication problems with health professional can negatively impact the outcome of medical care for patients with low health literacy skills. Because of the way health information is presented by clinicians, patients have trouble comprehending what is said. Because patients are expected to play an active role in their own medical care and treatment, it is necessary that health information be given in ways that patients and families can understand. Low literacy gets in the way of good health care and leads to more health problems in patients. Wilder makes a good case for the importance of good communication techniques in health matters.

Bryan discusses how practical steps that healthcare providers and executives can implement to enable health literate communities can provide several solutions to solve the health literacy crisis. A team effort, use of standardized communication tools, plain language, and educational materials are suggested. Because the health care providers are instrumental in reducing low health literacy, policies that include solutions that are easy to implement to enable health literate communities are necessary. Bryan makes useful suggestions for providers and policy makers which seems plausible.

The authors discuss the serious consequences of low health literacy for individual health and the added demands it places on the health care system. Problems resulting from low literacy cause increased health complications and increased hospitalization for patients. Because of the inability for patients to understand medical instructions and directives by health professionals, many patients experience more health problems which lead to additional health care expenditures, translating to billions of dollars for the nation. The authors make important points, but much research is based on studies from a single public hospital. However, the facts presented provide valid information.

The report discusses how the complexity of medical information affects the health of the patient. The terminology used by doctors and other health professionals contribute to low literacy in patients, and because of the difficulty patients have understanding medical information, health outcomes of patients are jeopardized. The report makes interesting points that expose the unnecessarily complex and confusing language doctors insist on using when talking to patients.