Welcome to the Health Literacy Guide

According to a study by Berland et al (2001), the average adult reads at an eighth-grade level.  The elderly and those with limited or "low literacy" are unable to take advantage of new health technologies.  Although many patients turn to the Internet for health information about specific diseases, they are many who have only limited access to technology, and some who have no access at all.

Medical librarians are interested in strategies to combat low literacy and help patients find the information they need to improve their health, understand their physicians' instructions and proper use of medications.

Please contact me if you have suggestions.  Let's begin the discussion.

MedlinePlus tututorial on medical terms

Quickly identify unknown drugs by color, shape, size, imprint, and scoring. 

Pill images are included when available.