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 Did you know that nearly one out of every two adults in the U.S.
has trouble understanding health information?
The ability to read, understand and act upon health information is
called health
literacy. Health
literacy is not just about reading skills, and it can be a problem for anyone
regardless of their education or economic level.
Southwest Washington Medical Center has joined forces with
the Partnership for Clear Health Communication to help Southwest's guests
improve their health literacy skills through a new program called
Ask Me 3.
The Ask Me 3 program does not cost you anything and is easy to
follow. Ask Me 3 is a simple set of questions that you should ask your doctor,
nurse or pharmacist at every visit. The questions are:
What do I need to do?
Why is it important for me to do this?
Ask the three questions and be sure you understand
the answers your doctor, nurse or pharmacist gives you. If you do not
understand the answers, ask him or her to explain the information again. Don't be
shy -your doctor, nurse or pharmacist wants to help you understand your medical
conditions and treatment instructions.
Why is Southwest supporting the Ask Me 3 program? Research has
shown that improving health literacy skills also may improve a person's health.
How? If a person understands his or her medical condition and treatment, he or
she is more likely to follow the doctor's instructions and get better sooner and
with fewer complications.
Not only does this lower our health care costs but, more
importantly, helps our patients lead healthier lives.
For more information about the Ask Me 3 program, ask your nurse or
caregiver, or visit the Ask Me
3 web
site.
Wishing you good health!
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