Health Literacy Patient & Family Toolkit
Grow your parenting toolkit with expert health advice and tips from CHOC experts delivered monthly.
Helping you understand health information to make informed decisions
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy means knowing how to find, understand, and use health information. This helps you make the best decisions about your health.
Why is health literacy important?
Health literacy is important because it helps people to:
- Understand health information
- Make healthy choices
- Know how to get the care they need
- Understand care instructions
- Spot problems early
- Stay safe
It also saves money, makes care fairer for everyone, and gives people the confidence to ask questions to make the best decisions for themselves.
Who Needs Health Literacy?
Everyone does! Health literacy isn’t just for people who speak another language or didn’t go to college. Even people who read well and understand numbers can have a hard time with health information, especially when they feel worried, scared, or confused.
Next time you’re at the doctor, don’t be afraid to ask your health team to “Say it simply!”
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
It’s okay to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Try asking:
“Can you say that in simpler words?”
“Can you give me an example so I understand better?”
“Can you write down the most important things I need to remember?”
“Is there someone who speaks my language that can explain this to me?”
See more questions to ask your doctor
Know Your Rights at Rady Children’s Health
At Rady Children’s Health, you have rights to help you feel safe and cared for. These include:
- Being treated with kindness and respect
- Getting care that respects your culture and beliefs
- Asking questions and getting clear answers
- Getting help in your language
- Keeping your health information private
- Knowing who is helping you and what your care will cost
- Speaking up if something doesn’t feel right
- You can also ask for help or share concerns if you need to.
Learn more about your rights at Rady Children’s Health – Orange County / Rady Children’s Health – San Diego
Health Information You Can Use
The KidsHealth CHOC website is a great place to learn about health. It has special pages so everyone can understand health information easily:
- Kids – fun videos and games that teach about the body and staying healthy
- Teens – honest answers to questions about growing up and feelings
- Parents – tips on how to help your child stay healthy
The CHOC Health Blog has articles and guides written in plain language, covering topics like mental health, fevers and colds, vaccines, nutrition, and safety tips. There are many handouts in the library that include printable guides on topics like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, bullying and grief, and more!
Feeling Stressed?
Doctor visits can make you feel nervous. That’s normal! Watch CHOC’s calming videos to help you feel better.
Helpful Places
- Family Resource Center – A cozy place with books, games, and helpful information for families. Find it on the 2nd floor of the Bill Holmes Tower (next to Turtle Talk) or on the 2nd floor of the Southwest Tower.
- Language Services – If you want your health information in another language, ask your doctor or nurse to get someone who can help translate.
Stay Connected with Rady Children’s Health
- Orange County: https://choc.org/
- San Diego: https://www.rchsd.org/
- Follow us on Instagram: @chocchildrens and @radychildrens
*Disclaimer: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego have united under a combined nonprofit parent organization called Rady Children’s Health to transform pediatric care, research and innovation. This page may include links to both CHOC and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego websites.