Health information is everywhere. Articles, social media posts, patient portals, discharge instructions and summaries, research headlines, and more. And yet, many people walk away from health content feeling more confused than informed.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know what this actually means for me,” you’re not alone. As a nurse practitioner {About ME} and health content writer, I have seen firsthand the repercussions of poor health content.

The good news? Reading health content doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or confusing. With a few practical strategies, you can approach medical information with more confidence, gain clarity, and regain control.

Start with the big picture.

Before diving into details, pause and ask yourself one simple question:

What is this content trying to help me understand or do?

Good health content should have a clear purpose. It should educate you, explaining your options, or help you make informed decisions. If the article immediately throws a bunch of medical jargon at you without explaining why it matters, that’s a sign the content may not be written for the consumer.

Before you decide to read the whole thing, try skimming the headings.

• Subheadings

• Bullet points

• Summary sections

By skimming first, you get an early idea of what the information piece is about and if it's going to help you understand your individual needs, before you read it more closely.

​

Things to watch out for.

Unexplained Medical Jargon

Medical terms are sometimes necessary, but they should be explained in plain language when intended for the consumer. Well-written health content respects the reader by explaining terms clearly or offering examples.

If you encounter any of these things when reading your health content piece, stop and take a step back:

• Long words without definitions. Like cardiomegaly. What’s that?

• Acronyms that aren’t spelled out. DJD, DM, DTP, AAA. What do those mean?

• Complex explanations that assume prior medical knowledge.

If you come across any of these, consider how you came upon this material. A lot of us do our own research online, but not all material is written for consumers.

Generic Health Guides or Instructions that are meant to be individualized but are unclear.

Most, if not all, health care providers today have pre-printed guides or instructions for consumers regarding certain conditions. Examples of this could be:

• Information pages on how to take a new medication or how to apply a new treatment.

• Instruction sheet for surgical procedures and care before or after surgery.

• Guides for better health, such as weight loss or how to quit smoking.

• Medical devices and in-office treatments that can’t be done at home.

Pre-printed forms help the medical office save time by providing information on the services or health recommendations they offer regularly. But if you ever read something and thought, “That part doesn’t apply to me”. You might be right. Medical providers can get in a hurry and often forget to write pertinent information in the blanks, like what medication you need to stop before a procedure, what NPO before a blood test means, or that this section only applies if you could become pregnant, as examples. WAIT! What…

Focus on what applies to you.

Not all health information is meant to apply universally, even with those preprinted handouts. As you read, ask:

• Is this general information or specific guidance?

• Does this apply to my age, condition, or situation?

• Are there specific notes about my individual differences?

High-quality health content acknowledges individual situations and avoids one-size-fits-all statements. It encourages readers to discuss personal concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Be Cautious of Absolutes and Catchy Headlines

Headlines in the news, advertisements, or social media posts, for example, are designed to grab attention. Those headlines want you to read—but they don’t always tell the full story.

Be wary of phrases like:

• “Always”

• “Never”

• “Guaranteed”

• “Miracle cure”

Health is never that simple. Reliable content balances clarity with realism and avoids absolutes, fear-based or sensational language.

​

Take Breaks— That’s Okay

Health topics can be emotional, especially when they involve pain, chronic conditions, or uncertainty as to the future.

It’s okay to:

• Read in short sections.

• Pause and come back later.

• Write down questions instead of trying to understand everything at once.

Processing health information is not a test—it’s a learning process. Most people have to re-read information several times to fully understand what they are trying to learn.

​

Look for Signs of Credible Health Content

When evaluating what you’re reading, look for indicators of trustworthiness:

• Clear explanations. Health content for consumers should be written at a grade-school level so everyone can understand.

• Evidence-based information. This means information backed by studies and science. Look for reputable organizations and sources.

• A balanced tone. This means the information is neutral, considers all viewpoints, and is free of bias or excessive emotion.

• Encouragement to seek professional guidance when needed. This is always important.

The Takeaway

You deserve health information that is clear, respectful, and empowering—not overwhelming.

When content is written with both clinical knowledge and real people in mind, it becomes a tool for understanding rather than confusion. And when something doesn’t make sense, it’s okay to ask questions, seek clarification, or move on to a source that communicates more clearly.

Clear health communication matters—and it starts with writing that puts people first.

​Learn more about my {Services} here.