Let's all work to increase health literacy (letter)
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. At least, that's how the saying goes.
It's true that eating well improves your overall health. And, an apple is a healthy food choice. So, munch on an apple rather than a processed snack with added sugar or fats, and see improved health.
Understanding health information and using that information to make good decisions about your health is called health literacy — and according to the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by the Healthy York County Coalition, it's an area that both York and Adams counties are struggling in.
In fact, in both counties, one in seven adults has limited health literacy, a threshold determined by respondents' confidence in understanding medical information. The risks are nothing to sniff at: Limited health literacy doubles the odds that a respondent is obese, and those with low health literacy are also particularly at risk of showing depressive symptoms.
So how do we increase health literacy?
• Improve access to accurate health information.
• Encourage healthy decision-making.
• Partner with others to improve health education.
At Family First Health, we believe each of these three components begins with a healthy workplace. After all, the average person spends 90,000 hours at work in his or her lifetime.
Ensuring employees can access health information in relevant ways, building healthy habits into the workday and inviting health professionals in for continued education are all pieces that an employer or human resources department can initiate. Want to effect change on an individual level? Remain active by parking a few blocks away or at the far end of the parking lot, and be sure to grab the stairs instead of the elevator. Eat a healthy breakfast, and pack your lunch instead of hitting the fast food joint or vending machines. You will eat more reasonable portion sizes and make healthier choices when you prepare your own meals and snacks. October marks National Apples Month and National Health Literacy Month, and we'll be talking about building a healthier community all month long through Starts With Apples. As part of the campaign, we're sharing our "Get Healthy at Work" digital kit, with educational posters, a pledge form and a templated award to share. Stay tuned for details about our pop-up events and apple giveaways as well. Even the most savvy individual can feel overwhelmed by health information, or not know when or how to seek care. But it's never too late to get started, and no step is too small.
Commit to educating yourself on your health and the relationship between risk factors and health outcomes. Check out tools and tips for a healthier workplace at StartsWithApples.com, and remember: Good health Starts With Apples — the rest is up to you.
Did you know?
Apples are made up of 85 percent water and improve overall health. Eating one medium-sized apple per day can lower the blood oxidation of your LDL or bad cholesterol by 40 percent.
Whether you wedge, sip or eat your apples top-to-bottom, it is always important to remember to keep your peel; as 2/3 of fiber and most antioxidants are found in the peel.
An apple a day accounts for half of your expected daily serving of fruit and improves immunity and digestion, thanks to the soluble fiber called pectin.
Jenny Englerth is the CEO of Family First Health, a not-for-profit federally qualified health center with locations in York and Adams counties.