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Culture, Trust and the Courage to Ask for Help: Why Health Literacy Matters

benjohnson80
3 days ago
7 min read

How cultural identity, representation, and clear communication can empower athletes and communities to take control of their health.

When we think about athletes, we often think about confidence, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure. We celebrate the moments when athletes overcome obstacles, push through challenges, and find the strength to keep going. But there is another kind of strength that does not always receive the same attention: the courage to ask questions, admit when something is wrong, and ask for help when you need it.

For many people, navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming. Medical terminology can be confusing, appointments can feel rushed, and knowing which questions to ask is not always easy. For others, cultural expectations, language barriers, or past experiences can make it difficult to feel comfortable speaking openly with a healthcare provider.

These challenges remind us that health is about more than physical condition. It is also about understanding, trust, and feeling confident enough to advocate for yourself.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, it is an important time to recognize the many experiences and perspectives that shape how people approach their health. It is also an opportunity to discuss how better communication and stronger representation can help build healthier communities.


Representation Matters, Both On and Off the Field

Laurie Hernandez is one example of an athlete whose story reflects the importance of representation in sports. The Puerto Rican American gymnast captured the attention of audiences around the world during the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning gold with the U.S. women's gymnastics team and silver on the balance beam. Her personality, talent, and presence helped introduce a new generation of fans to the sport.

For young athletes, seeing someone with a background or identity they recognize succeed at the highest level can be powerful. Representation can help people feel that they belong, that their goals are possible, and that their stories deserve to be heard.

That sense of belonging matters beyond sports, too. People bring their identities, family traditions, languages, and personal experiences into every part of their lives, including their interactions with healthcare professionals. Feeling respected and understood can help create an environment where people are more comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns.

Hernandez's athletic accomplishments do not need to be tied to an unverified personal healthcare experience to make this connection meaningful. Her story provides a starting point for a broader conversation about visibility, identity, and the importance of making spaces more welcoming to people from different backgrounds.

Representation alone, however, is not enough. People also need reliable information, access to appropriate care, and healthcare professionals who listen to their concerns without making assumptions about who they are or what they need.


What Does Health Literacy Actually Mean?

Health literacy is often misunderstood as simply knowing medical terms or being able to read a health information pamphlet. In reality, it is much broader.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2030 initiative, personal health literacy involves the ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make informed decisions. Organizations also have a responsibility to make that information and those services easier for people to access and understand.

That distinction is important. A person can be highly educated, physically fit, and successful in their career and still feel confused when faced with a new diagnosis, an unfamiliar prescription, or a complicated insurance form.

Consider an athlete who experiences recurring pain but is unsure whether it is a normal part of training or a sign of an injury. They may understand that rest is important but feel pressure to keep playing. They might not know what to ask a medical professional or worry that speaking up could affect their position on the team.

The issue is not necessarily a lack of knowledge or discipline. It may be a lack of clear information, confidence, or support.

The same situation can occur outside sports. A parent may leave an appointment unsure how to follow a treatment plan. A caregiver may struggle to understand a loved one's diagnosis. Someone receiving medical information in a language they do not fully understand may have difficulty making informed decisions.

Health literacy helps bridge these gaps. When people understand their options and feel comfortable asking for clarification, they are better equipped to participate in decisions about their health.

How Culture and Communication Shape Healthcare

Culture can influence how people discuss illness, approach preventive care, involve family members in medical decisions, and express concerns about their health. Language, financial circumstances, previous experiences with healthcare systems, and access to trusted information can also shape these interactions.

There is no single Hispanic or Latino experience, and cultural identity should never be used to make assumptions about an individual's beliefs or healthcare decisions. Every person has their own story. The goal is to create healthcare environments where those differences are respected rather than overlooked.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health emphasizes that culturally and linguistically appropriate care can strengthen trust, improve patient understanding, and reduce errors caused by miscommunication.

This means healthcare professionals have an important role to play. Information should be explained in clear language, patients should have opportunities to ask questions, and language assistance should be available when needed. Patients should not have to feel embarrassed about asking a provider to explain something again.

Trust is built through these everyday interactions. A patient who feels listened to may be more comfortable sharing symptoms, discussing concerns, and following up when something does not feel right.

Communities can contribute, too. Families, schools, athletic programs, and community organizations can help people find credible health information and encourage conversations about preventive care. When trusted community voices help make health information easier to understand, people may feel more confident taking the next step.


What Athletes Can Teach Us About Speaking Up

Sports provide a useful example of how communication can influence health and performance. Athletes are taught to recognize their limits, respond to coaching, and work with trainers and medical staff to improve. Yet the culture surrounding competition can sometimes send a different message: do not show weakness, do not fall behind, and keep going no matter what.

That mindset can make it difficult to report an injury, acknowledge emotional distress, or ask for clarification about a treatment plan.

True self-advocacy means understanding that speaking up is not the opposite of resilience. It is part of taking responsibility for your well-being.

Athletes can practice self-advocacy by describing symptoms honestly, asking what a treatment involves, understanding recovery expectations, and seeking clarification when recommendations are unclear. Coaches and sports organizations can reinforce these behaviors by creating environments where health concerns are taken seriously rather than treated as a lack of commitment.

These lessons apply to everyone. You do not need to compete professionally to benefit from understanding your health. Whether you are a student-athlete, a parent, a weekend runner, or someone managing a chronic condition, asking questions is an important part of making informed decisions.


Five Ways to Become a Stronger Advocate for Your Health

1. Prepare questions before an appointment. Write down your symptoms, concerns, medications, and anything you want to understand. Having a list can make it easier to use your appointment time effectively.

2. Ask for clarification. If a provider uses unfamiliar terminology, ask for an explanation in plain language. You can also repeat the instructions in your own words to make sure you understand the next steps.

3. Speak up about language or communication needs. If you would feel more comfortable communicating in another language, ask what interpretation services are available. You deserve to understand the information being used to guide your care.

4. Use reliable sources. Online health information can be helpful, but not everything shared on social media is accurate. Look for information from established public health organizations and discuss personal medical questions with a qualified healthcare professional.

5. Keep asking when something does not make sense. If you remain concerned about a symptom, treatment, or recommendation, explain what is worrying you. You can ask about alternatives or seek another medical opinion when appropriate.

These steps may seem simple, but they can help people feel more prepared to participate in conversations about their health.


Building Healthier Communities Starts With Listening

Health literacy is not solely an individual responsibility. Healthcare systems, community organizations, sports programs, and public health initiatives all have a role in making information understandable and care more accessible.

That is especially important for young athletes who are still learning how to communicate with medical professionals, families navigating unfamiliar diagnoses, and communities that may not always see their experiences reflected in health education.

At Beyond the Game Health, we believe the connection between sports, health, and community creates an opportunity to make these conversations more accessible. Athletes can help bring attention to important issues, but the larger goal is to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Hispanic Heritage Month offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate identity, recognize diverse experiences, and continue conversations about trust and access to care. As the month comes to a close, that commitment should continue throughout the year.

Because being strong does not mean knowing every answer. It means feeling comfortable asking questions, recognizing when you need support, and understanding that your health deserves attention.

Your voice matters. Your questions matter. And your health deserves to be understood.

Beyond the Game Health is committed to connecting sports, health, and community through education, storytelling, and meaningful partnerships. Together, we can help create a culture where people feel informed, supported, and empowered to advocate for their health.

Learn more about Beyond the Game Health and join us in building healthier, more informed communities.


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