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Health Literacy

TOOLKIT: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

One in 5 children in the United States are obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. Take action during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! You can encourage communities, health professionals, and families to work together to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how to work towards a solution...

TOOLKIT: Fruits & Veggies — More Matters Month

Eating fruits and vegetables has many health benefits. People who eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help lower their risk many health problems — including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and some types of cancers. Fruits & Veggies — More Matters Month in September is a great time to spread the word about the importance of healthy eating, and to encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved...

TOOLKIT: National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunizations (also called shots or vaccines) help prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. Immunization isn’t just for kids. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia, adults need to get vaccinated, too. National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots...

Shifting the Health Literacy Mindset to Enhance People-Centred Health Services

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), today's health services are not fit for the 21st-century challenges. Globally, more than 400 million people lack access to essential health care. Where health care is accessible, it is often fragmented and of poor quality. However, WHO’s newly launched framework on integrated people-centred health services is a call for a fundamental shift in the way we fund, manage, and deliver health services. It sustains countries’ progress towards universal health coverage by shifting away from health systems designed around diseases and health institutions towards health systems designed for people.