A Guide to Digital Wellness
Understanding Digital Health
In today’s digital world, access to health information is just a few clicks away, but knowing how to search, understand, and use that information is more important than ever.
Digital health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and apply health information, and to manage one’s own health by using electronic tools and information sources.[1]
Digital health literacy empowers people to make informed decisions about their health by using online resources, health apps, and engaging with digital tools like patient portals and telehealth services.
Examples of digital health literacy
- Using smartphones, tablets, computers to access health information
- Scheduling appointments online
- Using member portals and electronic health records (EHRs)
- Getting appointment reminders via text messages
- Joining telehealth (virtual) doctor appointments
- Searching for reliable health information online
Check your digital health literacy
To find out if you may need help with digital health literacy, take the short survey included in the link below. This survey helps you learn about your experience using the internet for health needs. Your answers will help us better support you.
Technology & Your Health: We’re Here for You! – English
Technology & Your Health: We’re Here for You! – Spanish
Trusted health websites
If you’d like to learn about chronic conditions and staying healthy, you can visit the following trusted sources: Please note that this list is not all-inclusive.
- CenCal Health Online Health Library
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Website: https://medlineplus.gov/
- Easy-to-understand health information on a wide range of medical topics.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- Website: https://www.diabetes.org/
- Resources for diabetes prevention, management, nutrition, and support.
- American Heart Association (AHA)
- Website: https://www.heart.org/
- Information on heart disease, stroke prevention, and heart-healthy living.
- Arthritis Foundation
- Website: https://www.arthritis.org/
- Support and education for managing arthritis and joint health.
- CHCA Health – Chronic Disease Management Resources
- Website: https://www.chcahealth.org/chronic-disease-management-resources-and-support/
- Practical tips and support for managing long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension.
- Net (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
- Website: https://www.cancer.net/
- Expert-reviewed cancer information for patients and caregivers.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Website: https://www.cdc.gov/
- Authoritative public health information on chronic diseases, prevention, and wellness.
- Mayo Clinic
- Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- Trusted medical information on symptoms, conditions, treatments, and healthy habits.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Website: https://www.nih.gov/health-information
- Research-based resources on chronic conditions, wellness, and public health.
Need access to a computer?
Go to your local library to use a computer:
Public Internet Access and Computers in San Luis Obispo County
Public Internet Access and Computers in Santa Barbara County
Need more information or support?
For CenCal Health’s Digital Wellness class, call the Health Promotion team at 1-800-421-2560, ext. 3126. Leave a voicemail with your request for the Digital Wellness class. We will call you back as soon as possible and set up a time for you to complete this helpful course.
Request health education information through your online member account at: qrco.de/CCHmemberportal