I received an e-mail announcing the first survey of Americans' health smarts. This survey consisted entirely of people over the age of 16, taking into consideration such variables as gender, economic status, ethnicity, education and level of health insurance.

But what about their levels of health literacy? Just how well do Americans understand health issues? What does self-care involve? How does this affect the economy? The National Center for Education Statistics, which conducted the survey, wanted answers to these questions, too.

The center's 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy was the first large-scale national assessment in the United States to contain a component designed specifically to measure health literacy - the ability to use literacy skills to read and understand written health-related information encountered in everyday life.

The health-literacy component established a baseline against which to measure progress in health literacy in future assessments.

The assessment defines health literacy as "the ability to use printed and written information associated with a broad range of health-related tasks to accomplish one's goals at home, in the workplace and in the community," including health care settings.

For example, would a 30 year-old male with an associate's degree understand this statement: "Vitamin E (tocopherol) helps protect red blood cells. May aid the circulatory system and counteract the aging process. Best sources: wheat germ, whole grains, eggs, peanuts, organ meats, margarine, vegetables oils, green leafy vegetables." He may understand what vitamin E can do and where to find it, but does he know he why should take it, when and how much?

Some people remember what their doctors tell them, but information in a health brochure, prevention instructions and skills needed to navigate the health system aren't easily comprehensible to most people.

The results of the 2003 assessment reflect health issues affecting our nation. Hispanics have the highest percentage of below-basic health literacy. The elderly over age 65 are right behind them. Women scored higher than men by 6 percent, and more males had below-basic literacy. Higher education levels correlated with better health literacy. People with employer-based health insurance scored higher, too.

It's not enough to improve health delivery systems. If recipients don't understand prevention, compliance with doctors' orders and details of their health insurance coverage, then precious health dollars might as well be set aflame.

This country needs to improve its standard of living by improving education in health and wellness in its schools, the better to reduce health-care costs. Teaching children other subjects accomplishments doesn't turn kids into health-smart adults. Learning how our bodies work and how to care for them is much more important than high SAT scores or the latest iPod.

When it comes to health, ignorance is not bliss.

McKee is a freelance disability writer and producer. E-mail her at Barbara McKee