leading to tailored health education and communication (2). At this point the model varies significantly indicating the purpose of the health education as being directed towards the development of relevant personal knowledge and capability (3), and interpersonal and social skills (4,5). In Fig. 2 health literacy is the outcome of education and communication rather than a factor that may influence the outcome (6). People who have better-developed health literacy will thus have skills and capabilities that enable them to engage in a range of health enhancing actions including personal behaviours (7), as well as social actions for health and the capability of influencing others towards healthy decisions such as quitting smoking, or participating in preventative screening programs (8,9). The results are not only improved health outcomes but also a wider range of options and opportunities for health (10).