American health literacy: Why we need accessible health information. (2008). U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/issuebrief/#health This brief defines health literacy, describes how it is essential to promote health in individuals and communities, and provides data on the status current health literacy in the United States. The goal of the brief is to showcase key findings and present policy implications of the first national assessment of adult literacy. Only 12% of U.S. adults were found to have what is considered in-depth health literacy. Health literacy has been found to be a problem for all racial and ethnic groups. Groups that were more likely to have low health literacy included those with lower levels of education, older adults, and those who were uninsured or on Medicaid or Medicare. This brief is related to my project because it discusses how insurance and health literacy go hand in hand. Additionally, we discuss the accessibility of health information, particularly in relation to the Internet, and how this leads to lower health literacy in some groups. Additionally, it provides suggestions for policy changes, including promoting universal access to health information, addressing health literacy as part of the disparities initiative, encouraging public insurers to provide model improvements, and promoting health education. Current research on health literacy. Pfizer Inc. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://www.pfizerhealthliteracy.com/public-policy-researchers/currentresearch.aspx The pharmaceutical company Pfizer's current research on health literacy is presented here...... half of the paper... ...October 3, 2013 from https://www-clinicalkey-com.ezp3.lib.umn.edu/#!/ContentPlayerCtrl/doPlayContent/1-s2.0-S0002838X1360146XThis article discusses the difficulties that consumers have been dealing with following prescription drug instructions and highlights the need to ensure that patients understand drug instructions more clearly. It then provides several recommendations on how to accomplish this regarding prescription writing, prescription labeling, and communication. This is relevant to my project because it suggests ways to improve patients' health literacy, particularly when it comes to prescribing medications. While this is just one aspect of the healthcare industry, the dangers associated with misunderstandings about the use of medications are enormous. Improving health literacy in this way will be a factor in contributing to a better overall understanding of healthcare.