October is Health Literacy Month, a time to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest health information. This month serves to improve your communication with physicians and other health professionals by asking questions and reading up on health material.

Below are several ways that you can work to improve your knowledge of health-related information.

Improving Communication

The next time you leave for an appointment, be sure to write down a list of all of your symptoms and medications. By writing these items down ahead of time, you won’t leave your appointment wondering if there is any information that you forgot to relay to your physician, and they will know how to best treat you.

Be sure to ask plenty of questions and take notes throughout your visit as well. If you’re unsure of the terminology presented to you, ask your physician to clarify.

Take Action

Another way to stay informed is by attending health education programs in your local community. At Campbell Clinic, we offer several events throughout the year that cover a wide variety of topics, from sports injuries to total joint replacement and more.

In fact, we have a seminar coming up next Thursday, October 11, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville on “How to Manage Knee and Hip Pain Caused by Osteoarthritis,” with Dr. John Crockarell. For additional information, check out our Facebook event.

This article was adapted from Health Tradition.

If you have any questions about health literacy month or your health in general, please contact Campbell Clinic to meet with a physician.