Does Low Grade Level Equal Ease of Understanding?

This month’s issue includes takeaways from a health literacy conference and a call for charmingly misspelled handmade signs.

Takeaways From Health Literacy Conference

Last month I attended the Institute for Healthcare Advancement’s virtual Health Literacy Conference. While not all of my work is in healthcare, a whole lot of it is, so I like to stay on top of related practices for the benefit of my clients. This was my second year to attend, and I’m glad I did.

Some things I took away from the sessions I attended:

Low reading grade level doesn't always correlate with understandability. When applying plain language principles, it’s important to keep the reader top of mind.

The grade level should not be the only measure — but one of many — used to gauge how easy or difficult health content is to understand.
Numbers are everywhere for self-management of health and conversations with healthcare professionals as people make medical decisions. Those communicating numbers need to be aware of what they're using the numbers for: to inform or to persuade.

The way a number is talked about could make it feel different than it actually is (i.e., a higher-sounding risk, which could unnecessarily scare the reader).
While a lot of people in healthcare communications are using generative AI in some capacity, there is still much concern about inaccuracy, misinformation, accessibility, inclusivity, security risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations. (That’s a lot of concern.)

Be On the Lookout for Handwritten Signs

Do you remember my love for handwritten signs? If not, take a look here. If you happen to see any handmade signs with charming spellings on them while you’re out and about this summer, grab a pic and send it to me. I enjoy them so much! I took the one pictured here while on vacation in northern Georgia several years back.

Check It Out: The Answer to Last Month's Question

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

If you’re wondering what the question was, take a look at last month’s newsletter.

Something You Might Not Know About Me...

I’ve recently rediscovered my love of playing euchre and am having a great time of it!

My Schedule

I will be out of the office on:

June 26
July 4
July 20-25
August 22

What's Been On My Plate

Here are some of the topics I’ve been writing about recently:

The decision to go to sleepaway camp
Social media and youth mental health
What to do when your child's tooth gets knocked out
This year’s Writer-in-Residence for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

What’s up? I'd love to hear from you! Some things you might want to share: