Provide an example that illustrates the difference between literacy and health literacy.

Literacy is the ability to understand, read and write. Someone who is literate, for example, can read and comprehend a recipe written to make a cake.

In contrast, health literacy is the capability to comprehend and utilize information that relates to healthcare and to the subject of health. A health-literate person can, for example, read and comprehend a medicine label, follow the instructions on how to take medication and make an informed decision about their health.

While being literate may be a component of health literacy it does not suffice. Health literacy is a combination of knowledge and skills related to health and an ability to put that knowledge into practice.