August 2021
In case you missed us on ABC 21's INsight on August 27th,
visit our website or learn more about Health Literacy below:
















Becoming your own health care advocate can help you communicate with your doctors and providers more effectively. 

You will also have a better understanding of your diagnosis, screening and the need for follow up appointments.

Health literacy allows a person to make better decision about their health care.



Health Literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand and use information and services to make informed
health-related decisions rather than just appropriate ones.
Statistics show 80% of medical information
received by patients is forgotten immediately
and only 50% of what is remembered is
remembered correctly.
Ways you can become your own Health Care Advocate:
  • Speak up - Prepare for appointments by making a list of questions on what you need to know by the end of your appointment; include what you want the doctor to know about your condition.

  • Follow Through - Be an informed consumer by keeping track of health records from all doctors and share information with your providers when needed. 

  •  Write it down - Keep your own records by using a health journal to write down all doctors, medications, tests, follow up appointments, etc.
Why is health literacy important?
We all need to be able to find, understand, access and use health information and services. 

Even if you are well-educated you can still have issues with health literacy:
  •  You aren’t familiar with medical terms or how bodies work.
  •  You aren’t comfortable interpreting statistics and evaluating risks when it comes to health.
  •  You are diagnosed with an illness and are scared or confused.
  •  You have a health condition that requires complicated self-care.
  •  You are voting on an issue affecting the community’s health and are relying on unfamiliar technical information. 

Not understanding the words or phrases your doctor is using can cause:
  • Disappointment
  • Embarrassment
  • Anger
  • Or feeling like it doesn’t matter, it isn’t important
When you don't understand something a health care provider says - SPEAK UP, so you don't leave your appointment confused.
If you want to keep track of your health and become your own health care advocate, contact our ADRC to have them send you a Personal Health Care Journal.
ADRC Direct Line - (260) 469-3036
AIHS is monitoring the spread of COVID-19, particularly the current surge due to the Delta Variant. Currently, our office remains open to walk-ins, but masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.
WE ARE HIRING!

We are currently looking to fill positions in our Case Management, Aging & Disability Resource Center, and Population Health departments.

We are also hiring for our PACE of Northeast Indiana Team!


If you or someone you know is interested, please submit your resume to jobs@agingihs.org