Answer:

Consumer health literacy is an important component of modern healthcare practice because it enables patients to be proactive in understanding the issues that impact their health, as well as in recognizing how to best overcome personal health concerns that influence their own perspectives regarding health. It is important to recognize that many consumers who are tech-savvy may have a tendency to self-diagnose using various websites; however, this does not replace truthful and unbiased healthcare information comprised of the facts that is available from reputable sources. It is necessary for consumers to properly decipher and interpret health information effectively in order to identify areas where health information is lacking or is inappropriate in meeting patient needs.

Consumers must be able to receive and comprehend health information in an effective manner, as this provides a greater sense of accomplishment and an understanding of the different elements that impact their own wellbeing. Health literacy is a lifelong process that requires health knowledge to be accurate and appropriate for consumers so that they are able to identify specific factors related to their own health. This practice also requires a long-term commitment to educating individuals across different age groups so that they are able to actively participate in making decisions regarding their own health that will have a positive impact on their lives throughout the life span.