The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A majority of Canadian adults do not have the skills needed to respond to daily health information demands. This is the conclusion of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA)Õs Expert Panel on Health Literacy. Low health literacy is associated with poor health and the Panel estimates that the situation in Canada is critical. Health literacy is considered the skills needed to get, understand and use health information. Both literacy and health literacy are linked with health outcomes and low levels restrict participation in society and the economy. ÒThere are higher information demands being put on Canadians by an increasingly complex health system,Ó according to Panel Co-chair Irving Rootman. ÒItÕs time we took this matter more seriously.Ó ÒHealth literacy is a question of social equality,Ó says CPHA CEO Debra Lynkowski. ÒCanadaÕs health system must become more sensitive and responsive to issues of language, culture and health literacy.Ó The Panel recommends a pan-Canadian strategy with policies and programs for the special challenges faced by groups most likely to have low levels of health literacy. This includes older adults, recent immigrants and those with low income, low education or low capacity in English or French. A Vision for a Health Literate Canada: Report of the Expert Panel on Health Literacy is available from www.cpha.ca. The Canadian Public Health Association is a national, independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association representing public health in Canada.
