Take Control of YOUR Healthcare

Health literacy. What is it and how is this an issue? Start your journey by watching the TED talk below.

Health literacy is a huge problem in the world today, whether or not we realize it. As a pharmacy student who has spent lots of time studying this topic and figuring out how to overcome it, I realized patients aren’t getting the same education. According to the WHO, Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health-related decisions for oneself and others. Not understanding medical terms, procedures, and medications we are taking can create incomplete autonomy, medication mistakes/misuse, and consent without really knowing what you are consenting to. Every patient deserves to completely understand what is going on in their healthcare, so I made it my mission to create a how-to guide to take control of your health for you to use at your next doctor’s visit.

Below is a pamphlet that has 6 tips on how to take control of your healthcare. Print it out or view it here, read through it, and use the back page as a checklist at your next doctor’s appointment or healthcare interaction!

These ideas can be used in any healthcare setting, not just at a doctor’s visit. The most important thing is that patients learn to take matters into their own hands. Take action to start asking questions, set goals, and ensure the doctor is serving YOU. You have a right to understand your healthcare, and to be in complete control even through the medical language barrier.

Sources:

“7 Ways to Advocate for Yourself at Health Appointments.” UnitedHealthcare, https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/healthy-living/7-ways-to-advocate-for-yourself-at-health-appointments. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

“Health Literacy.” World Health Organization, 22 Dec. 2025, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-literacy.

Hottle, Molly. “Advocate For Your Health.” Youtube, TEDx Talks, 6 Mar. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grs5rS0q5nk.