Obesity, a poor standard of living, and low literacy levels has been an on-going health issue that affects people of all ages, especially children of this generation. Over the years, researchers have found a close connection between literacy, level of education, and level of health. A report from the Canadian Council on Learning revealed “60% of Canadians lack the capacity to obtain, to understand, and to act upon health information and services, in order to make appropriate decisions on their own.” While many parents struggle with making healthy decisions for their family, academics and policy makers need to look at how teachers can be trained and better
prepared to teach health education.

There are many systemic barriers that affect health literacy – including but not limited to challenges in implementing quality school health and physical education programs to address
students’ health issues; inadequate workplace training and education; confusing or conflicting health information from the media; and lack of awareness and knowledge about health literacy
among health and literacy professionals.

Dr. Sandra Vamos, Assistant Professor of Health Education, believes that while schools have evolved to provide students with knowledge, skills, and values needed to live a healthy and responsible life, there are still many issues affecting youth that are not fully addressed. By including school health promotion initiatives in coordinated school and community efforts, comprehensive school-wide programs will obtain greater value.

“The global message of empowerment should resonate with both young and old members of society: to put our best green foot forward, leave a healthy footprint; enhance health literacy as the new global health solution,” says Dr. Vamos.

For more information about Dr. Sandra Vamos and her research, visit:
www.educ.sfu.ca/members

For more information on Health Education and Physical Activity Master Program, visit:
www.educ.sfu.ca/gradprogs/masters/HEPA

RESOURCES

For more information on Healthy Literacy reports and research, visit:

www.ccl-cca.ca

For more information on the Report of the Expert Panel on Health Literacy, visit:
www.cpha.ca/uploads/portals/h-l/execsum (PDF document)

“Rethinking Health Education in Canada" (68 KB PDF Document)
by Dr. Sandra Vamos, Assistant Professor of Health Education
Faculty of Education, SFU.

“Health Literacy: The New Global Health Solution?” (56 KB PDF Document)
by Dr. Sandra Vamos, Assistant Professor of Health Education
Faculty of Education, SFU.

“Lost in Translation: The Health Crisis” (60 KB PDF Document)

by Laura MacNiven, Master’s of Education

Candidate in the Health Education and Physical Activity Program, SFU.

“A Dose of Preventative Medicine” (216 KB PDF Document)

by Laura MacNiven,Master’s of Education

Candidate in the Health Education and Physical Activity Program, SFU.

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Health literacy: Addressing the health and education divide.

Health Promotion International, 16(3), 289-297.

Nutbeam, D. (2000).

Health literacy as a public health goal: A challenge for contemporary

health education and communications strategies into the 21st century.

Health Promotion International, 15(3), 259-267.

Rootman, I., & Ronson, B. (2005).

Literacy and health research in Canada.

Canadian Journal of Public Health, 96(2), 62-77.

St. Leger, L. (2000).

Schools, health literacy and public health: Possibilities and challenges.

Health Promotion International, 16(2), 197-205.

St. Leger, L. (2000).

Developing indicators to enhance school health.

Health Education Research, 15(6), 719-728.