What does it mean to be health literate in today’s fast-paced, information-driven world? How do you distinguish science fact from science fiction in an age of misinformation?
Health literacy refers to the ability of people to get, process, understand, and use basic health information and services to make informed decisions about their health. It includes knowing how to describe symptoms, where to find help for health issues, how to understand medical information and how to manage the use of medication safely.
Increasing health literacy is essential to empowering people to manage their health and advocate for their well-being and that of their families, as well as reducing the burden on Canada’s healthcare system. Yet nearly 60 per cent of Canadians aged 16 and older do not have the minimum health literacy levels needed to understand the health information they receive. The statistics are even worse for Canadian seniors, with more than 80 per cent having poor health literacy levels.
Bridging Minds: Health & Science Conversations is a partnership between Women’s College Hospital and Toronto Public Library (TPL), the busiest urban public library in the world, dedicated to promoting health and science literacy within our communities. Through monthly, one-hour expert-led virtual sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of key health and science concepts, learn how to navigate the digital landscape for reliable information, and actively engage with scientific knowledge for informed decision-making.
All talks are delivered virtually by TPL and will support a broad range of critical issues affecting their lives. The first set of talks are listed below. Further events will be added throughout the year.
Visit the TPL website for more information about Toronto Public Library, programming and events.
Upcoming Webinars
Focus on Health: Debunking Common Myths About Menopause
- Date: Wednesday, March19, 2025
- Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET
- FREE
Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, yet it’s often surrounded by misinformation and uncertainty. With the right knowledge, this important life transition can be better understood and navigated.
Join Dr. Iliana Lega, endocrinologist and menopause specialist at Women’s College Hospital, for an informative webinar where she’ll debunk common myths about menopause and provide up-to-date information on hormone therapy, including its safety, risks, benefits, and how to optimize your health during this stage.
- Debunking Myths: Addressing common misconceptions about menopause and what you need to know
- Hormone Therapy: Exploring the safety, risks, and benefits. Who is hormone therapy right for?
- Health Optimization: Practical advice on supporting your health during the menopause transition
Whether you’re currently experiencing menopause, preparing for it, or just want to learn more, this webinar will offer valuable insights and practical advice from a leading expert.
Past Webinars
Focus on Health: Understanding Chronic Pain: Current Treatments, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Hosted by Dr. Karim Ladha and Rachael Bosma, PhD, this virtual session explored chronic pain management. Attendees learned:
- Current Treatments: Medications and therapies, and why these treatments do not always work for everyone
- Challenges: Why advancing chronic pain research is urgently needed for addressing barriers and improving treatments and care
- The Road Ahead: What we are working on to transform chronic pain management for the future
Do you speak health?
Introduction to Health and Science Literacy
Hosted by Dr. Rulan Parekh, this virtual session explored key health and science topics, providing valuable tools to navigate health literacy with confidence. Attendees learned:
- What it means to be health and science literate.
- Why being scientifically informed is crucial for well-being.
- How to spot trustworthy sources of health and science information in today’s digital age.