Health determinants and Health literacy

Life can look so different for all individuals in different areas around the world so it is extremely important to look at determinants of health. Determinants of health are anything socially, economically, and physically that can affect a person's health. This can be things like access to health care, social support, public safety, culture, socioeconomic status, the natural environment, housing and education. All of these components affect your health in a negative or positive way. Knowing the individuals we are working with and what some of these things look like for them can help us to give them the best care and resources to live long, healthy lives.  Changing or improving these areas can help create or promote a healthier population.
Some determinants of health can also affect health literacy, or how much individuals understand, process, and analyze health services and information. Health literacy can depend on communication between the person and the professional, the person's knowledge of health topics and services, culture and education. Some people in society may not fully understand what is being told to them whether that is because their reading level is low, they are hard at hearing or they simply just do not understand. It is important for health care providers to understand not all individuals have the same education, knowledge or understanding of the topic that they are explaining to their client. Health care providers need to look out for signs that the patient shows that they may not fully understand the topic. They can look out for confused or scared facial expressions, excuses for not reading, or even if the patient is just not asking them any questions. Health care professionals should try to explain and give information to their patients in several different ways in order to ensure that the patient knows exactly what is going on. 

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