SPONS RED CONTENT
Importance of HEALTH EDUCATION
by Catherine Robinson , Director , Member Diabetes & Health Education Florida Health Care Plans
Education is the cornerstone for improving health and quality of life . Health education can include teaching about health risks and preventive measures , how to use the health care system and how to manage health conditions . It can also help people sort information from social media and other sources to identify accurate information .
Health education from credible sources is especially important because it allows people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being and provides them with the knowledge and skills to improve their health and reduce the risk of developing health problems . It also plays a key role in combating misinformation by promoting accurate , reliable information . Additional benefits of health education include :
• Building healthy attitudes and beliefs and developing lifelong healthy behaviors .
• Improving community well-being by addressing a wide range of health issues , including chronic diseases and mental health .
• Positively influencing policy and economic outcomes by containing costs through reducing the need for medical treatment , addiction counseling and other services .
• Preventing chronic illnesses , improving overall population health and reducing the burden that conditions like obesity , diabetes and osteoporosis can place on underfunded healthcare systems .
• Reducing risky behaviors and increasing academic achievement . ( 1 )
Promoting Health Education as Part of Public Health Awareness
Three basic strategies for health promotion include health communication , health education and policy , system and environmental change . ( 2 )
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