Can the famous phrase “knowledge is power” be rephrased into “knowledge about diseases saves lives”?
The leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and recently, COVID-19. Yet, when people get slight chest pain, they may shrug it off, saying “It’s just heartburn,” or “It’s just gas."
Is it really heartburn or gas, or is it something more critical? These very symptoms may point to, for instance, a mini heart attack. We never know how serious the issue is unless we consult it with a professional or at least verify it with reputable sources online. Unfortunately, individuals from minority groups, low-income households, and those with fewer educational opportunities may not have access to either of these, potentially leading to devastating health effects. These health issues could otherwise be prevented if the individual had access to a doctor or knowledge about the diseases' overview, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Not being aware of such information can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and an increase in mortality rates.
Take cancer symptoms, for example. They can initially seem insignificant, appearing in the form of moles, lumps, bloating, chronic coughing, weight loss, and abnormal periods. But later on, health is deeply affected. Similarly, symptoms of COVID-19 are like that of the flu or common cold, so it can be challenging to determine which one is the true cause for concern. Hence, seeing signs and putting them off as less severe can lead to devastating conclusions like paralysis, coma, and even death.
Low health literacy about diet and nutrition can also lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and salmonella. High glucose levels and obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is a major public health issue, especially prevalent in developing countries and individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. In 2007, 246 million people had diabetes, 3.2 million of whom died from it. This number has greatly increased since then. People with diabetes suffer from “coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy, amputations, renal failure, and blindness, resulting in increasing disability, reduced life expectancy, and enormous health costs for virtually every society.” Evidently, diabetes can lead to serious, long term complications individuals may not be aware about.
Another health issue related to diet is salmonella, which can be caused by the overconsumption of sushi and raw chicken. Sushi is one of the most loved food items, but not knowing that overeating it can lead to salmonella or even mercury poisoning can be detrimental. The Natural Resources Defense Council said that mercury poisoning in adults can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and cause memory and vision loss, tremors, and numbness of the fingers and toes. Increasing evidence also points to the fact that exposure to mercury may lead to heart disease.
Given the higher prevalence of low health literacy in vulnerable communities, it is crucial for future healthcare professionals to both effectively communicate with patients and advocate for said communities. We can achieve this if we implement free check-ups for disadvantaged and underserved communities, hold free conventions, fairs, or classes to educate people about diseases, encourage others to talk to friends or family members who are more knowledgeable about diseases, and make books, audiobooks, and reading materials more accessible.
Take Action/Resources:
Dietary Guidelines for Americans: 2020-2025
Diabetes Control- Preventing Heart Disease and Strokes Naturally
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)