Imagine you’re tasked with improving the performance of the world’s most powerful engine knowing that even small inefficiencies could hurt short-term performance or increase the risk of total engine failure down the road. This careful balance is exactly what we face when prescribing statins.
Health literacy is the ability to understand and act upon health information and it is essential to achieving positive health outcomes. More than reading comprehension, it’s about navigating the world of healthcare, understanding the implications of diagnoses, and treatments, and feeling confident enough to make informed decisions.
Education is about understanding. Health literacy is about empowerment. When people gain practical, actionable knowledge about their health, they’re equipped to make meaningful decisions that support long-term well-being.
Polypharmacy—taking multiple medications at once—is common for people with chronic conditions. But when prescription drugs mix with OTC medicines, there’s a risk of interactions that can reduce the effectiveness of treatments or even cause harmful side effects.
