In this chapter, the authors share their examination of the medical and public health literature regarding links between health and literacy and identify trends in research and practice. They note the connection between educational attainment and health, as education may influence lifestyle behaviors, problem-solving abilities and values. In addition, the authors point out how literacy has been shown to be related to patients' ability to describe their own symptoms, which can in turn, influence the care that they receive. Further, literacy has been demonstrated to directly influence patients' access to information on their rights and health care, including instructions and understanding of preventative measures and risks involved in medical procedures. (Contains 1 note.) [Chapter 5 in: Annual Review of Adult Learning and Literacy. Volume 1; copublished with Jossey-Bass, Inc.; see ED436673.]