Quiz: How high is your health literacy?
Think you know how to take care of your health? Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge and boost your confidence in making decisions about your well-being.
Health literacy means being able to find, understand and use basic health information to make good health choices.
Having good health literacy can help you get the care you need, when you need it.
Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
1. What should you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
A) Don't worry about it. It’s not a big deal if you miss a dose
B) Take the dose as soon as you remember
C) Take 2 doses the next time you’re scheduled to take it
D) Ask your provider
Answer: D) Ask your provider
Every medication is different. It’s best to check with your provider if you ever miss a dose. Can’t get a hold of your provider? Check the medicine’s package for instructions. Or call your pharmacy or your health plan’s nurse line for advice.
Remember to take all your medicines correctly to get the best results. This includes following instructions like time of day or whether to take it with food. Questions? Talk to your provider or pharmacist.
Get the most out of your benefits
2. How often should adults get a checkup with their primary care provider (PCP)?
A) At least once a year
B) When they feel sick
C) If they have a specific health concern
D) If they are over 65
Answer: A) At least once a year
All adults should get a checkup with their PCP at least once a year. With regular checkups your PCP can help catch health issues early. And they can make sure you are up to date with needed tests and shots. And don’t forget to tell your PCP if you go to urgent care, the emergency room or other providers. They should have a complete picture of your health and medical history.
3. How often should kids get a checkup with their pediatrician or PCP?
A) At least once a year
B) When they feel sick
C) If they have a specific health concern
D) It depends on their age
Answer: D) It depends on their age
Kids 3 years and older should get a well-child visit once a year. Babies and toddlers under 3 need checkups more often. Experts recommend checkups at these times:
- 3-5 days from birth
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months (2 years)
- 30 months (2 1/2 years)
4. What’s the best way to prevent the flu?
A) Taking antibiotics
B) Getting a flu shot
C) Eating more fruits and vegetables
D) Staying inside all the time
Answer: B) Getting a flu shot
Flu vaccines help your body build immunity to flu viruses. And, yes, you need a shot every year. The flu shot is custom-made to fight the most common strains of the virus each year. It's best to get it in the early fall, before flu season starts.
5. True or false: It’s okay to share your prescription medications with others if they have the same symptoms.
Answer: False
Never share your prescription medications with others. Each person’s health and body is different. Medications that work for you might not be safe for someone else. They might need a different medicine, dose or treatment plan for the same condition. Always talk to your provider about benefits and side effects before taking any new medication. You can also ask about over-the-counter medicine or supplements that might help you.
6. Where should I go for care if I have chest pain?
A) Emergency room (ER)
B) Urgent care center
C) Primary care provider
D) Nowhere and wait for the pain to go away
Answer: A) Emergency room (ER)
If you’re having chest pain, go to the ER or call 911. This could be a sign of something serious, like a heart attack. Other symptoms that may signal an emergency include:
- Slurred speech
- Trouble breathing
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Major broken bones
- Head injuries
- Severe burns
- Sudden loss of vision
- Seizures
7. True or false: You have the right to make health care decisions that work for you.
Answer: True
Your providers are smart, but you’re the expert on your own body and life. Play an active role in making your care plan. If your doctor is asking you to do something that you can’t or don’t want to do, speak up. Ask for options. Their goal is to make a care plan that you’ll be able to follow. And remember, you have the right to get a second opinion from a different provider. Call Member Services for more info on coverage for second opinions.
8. Which of these is a chronic disease?
A) Influenza (the flu)
B) Pneumonia
C) Hypertension (high blood pressure)
D) A broken arm
Answer: C) Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Chronic diseases are ongoing, long-term conditions that usually can't be cured. But they can be managed. They include things like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
With good health care, you can live a long and healthy life, even with a chronic disease.
9. Which of these can an urgent care center treat?
A) Urinary tract infection
B) A cut that may need stitches
C) Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Urgent care centers are a great place to go for problems that are too urgent to wait for a PCP visit, but not life-threatening. They can treat things like:
- Minor cuts and burns
- Sprains and strains
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Sore throat or cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Ear infection
- Urinary tract infection
Not sure where to go? Call your plan’s 24-hour nurse line. They can help you make the best choice. If you need to take your child to urgent care, call them before you visit to be sure they can treat babies and toddlers.
How did you do?
If you missed some questions, don’t worry. Remember, health care is complicated. If you ever don’t understand something your providers are telling you, ask questions. It’s their job to help you find your way through health care. And it’s your job to play an active role in understanding and following your care plan.
See our sources
Schedule of well-child care visits: American Academy of Pediatrics
