How much did the doctor say to take of this medicine that I can’t pronounce? What’s that big word she’s telling me while I tremble from the diagnosis of the big C? Okay, so I know I’m overweight and have high blood pressure, but what do I do about it? I’m really worried about how secondhand smoke is affecting my child. Are vaccines effective? Do they cause autism?
These are the types of questions health communication answers using research, strategic communication, social media, health literacy, literacy, numeracy, and psychological understanding of how we perceive information. It’s a growing field, often funded by
- government organizations (like the Department of Health or the Department of Natural Works),
- nonprofit coalitions (like those that focus on health and public policy),
- pharmaceutical companies (like a campaign for helping people control diabetes or asthma),
- hospitals and other providers (such as aftercare plans for surgery, a heart attack, or a root canal),
- community development organizations, and more.
