Health education is important because it educates individuals through scientific information so that they can understand both risks and positive behaviors, and be able to adopt habits which can promote better health outcomes. Individuals who understand health information will be able to take responsibility for their actions and achieve a higher quality of life. They are more likely to make changes and adjustments to their lifestyles (e.g. getting sufficient sleep) based on what they have learned from health education.

Health disparities come about as a result of unique demographics of people having differences in their health outcomes.

An example would be socioeconomic factors. Individuals who come from different socioeconomic factors will have differences in what types of food or medical care they can receive. If individuals are on the lower end of the spectrum, they may not be able to afford quality medical care through check ups or be able to shop for healthier food alternatives. Individuals who are on the higher end of the spectrum will be able to afford visits to doctors as well as have more choices for daily meals.

As we can see these, these factors can affect an individual’s health. While everyone wants to have a healthier life, these factors can make things more difficult for certain people to be able to have adequate resources to make improvements. This is why it is important to eliminate health disparities among different demographic groups.

(Although it asks for three criteria, I will discuss everything and you can choose from the information)

These criteria can include:

1. Finding out where to locate health information. This can include published health articles, books, pamphlets from health educators or healthcare facilities. An individual can also read information online (but should access information from reliable sources such as qualified healthcare organizations).

2. After reading the information, decide whether it is accurate and correct. Individuals should not take everything at face value. They should be able to look at factors such as the reliability of the source and accuracy of the information before making a decision on whether to accept it.

3. Outweighing the risks and benefits for treatments and procedures. Since individuals may encounter situations where they may have to undergo treatment, they should speak with healthcare professionals as well as read any relevant information provided to them. Since healthcare professionals and facilities need consent from individuals before performing any tests or procedures, individuals can decide whether to proceed with the treatment based on analyzing the risks and benefits.

4. Knowing the proper dose for any medications they are taking. Since medications can affect an individual’s health and well-being, he/she should know the proper amount to take. Improperly taking medication can lead to a lessened effect (if taking less than the recommended dose) or lead to harm through overdose (if he/she takes more than the recommended dose).

5. Understanding any test results from procedures. This can include if an individual has a risk for diabetes due to high sugar levels in his/her blood. Test results can also provide a wealth of information, and healthcare professionals can work with individuals to make adjustments to their health (e.g. increasing physical activity) in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

These criteria can include:

1. Finding out where to locate health information. This can include published health articles, books, pamphlets from health educators or healthcare facilities. An individual can also read information online (but should access information from reliable sources such as qualified healthcare organizations).

2. After reading the information, decide whether it is accurate and correct. Individuals should not take everything at face value. They should be able to look at factors such as the reliability of the source and accuracy of the information before making a decision on whether to accept it.

3. Outweighing the risks and benefits for treatments and procedures. Since individuals may encounter situations where they may have to undergo treatment, they should speak with healthcare professionals as well as read any relevant information provided to them. Since healthcare professionals and facilities need consent from individuals before performing any tests or procedures, individuals can decide whether to proceed with the treatment based on analyzing the risks and benefits.

4. Knowing the proper dose for any medications they are taking. Since medications can affect an individual’s health and well-being, he/she should know the proper amount to take. Improperly taking medication can lead to a lessened effect (if taking less than the recommended dose) or lead to harm through overdose (if he/she takes more than the recommended dose).

5. Understanding any test results from procedures. This can include if an individual has a risk for diabetes due to high sugar levels in his/her blood. Test results can also provide a wealth of information, and healthcare professionals can work with individuals to make adjustments to their health (e.g. increasing physical activity) in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy People provides a blueprint of goals to help improve health outcomes in the United States. The goals hope to develop changes and prioritize important health issues within the next decade. These include:

1. Assisting individuals with making positive lifestyle choices to reduce chances of illness, injury, or death
2. Removing health disparities by identifying causes affecting different demographics (for example, certain groups do not have access to affordable medical care)
3. Helping individuals integrate positive health behaviors into their lives (e.g. healthier eating and exercise)
4. Develop areas to improve the quality of life within the physical environment. This can include reducing pollution and maintaining high quality in air, water, and land, developing recreational areas for physical activity, and maintaining a safe environment free of violence and crime.

In order to gain health literacy, an individual should be able to comprehend basic health information that they learn about. Individuals will first be exposed to several different sources of information including healthcare professionals, published articles such as magazines and books, and by accessing information online. During this time, the individual should think critically and be able to evaluate the information provided to them. He/she should not take information at face value. By understanding and verifying health information, he/she will be able to make responsible decisions and choices.

Next, he/she should be able to put the information into action. These could include making changes or adjustments to his/her lifestyle (e.g. exercising more or abstaining from smoking). During this time, he/she can independently learn more information about health procedures, behaviors, and treatments and be proactive in maintaining positive health behaviors and outcomes. He/she will be able to effectively communicate this information to others and be a model citizen through his/her actions.

There are different resources in the community to provide health information and support to individuals and schools. You can check with your local city to see what specific resources are available.

I will use New York City as an example. The New York Public Library has volunteers who assist people of different backgrounds regarding insurance information. This can include helping them with sign ups or providing them with guidance on what information is required of them. Additionally, librarians assist individuals with accessing health information through medical databases. There are also organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club which provide recreational activities and mentoring for teens. Mentoring can include career guidance or having someone to talk to about issues.

Individuals, families, and communities play an integral role in a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. They can provide guidance through health education, mentoring an individual when he/she has questions pertaining to his/her health, and providing individuals with resources to better their health. This can include access to health clinics or organizations which can provide an individual with resources to engage in healthier lifestyles.

Social resources such as family and friends can be open about discussing issues which can affect an individual such as drugs and alcohol or sexual health. By being nonjudgmental and allowing an individual to ask questions about one’s health, social resources can be a positive influence for these individuals. They can provide support and guide the individual as he/she makes decisions to improve his/her health outcomes.