Everyday Words for Public Health Communication

Everyday Words for Public Health Communication

address: fix, improve, increase, or decrease
CDC Original Sentences:
This solution will address the dangers of the problem.
NOTE: Address is vague. Using a more specific term that helps your readers understand the goal of addressing the issue.
Plain Language Sentences:
This solution will reduce the dangers of the problem. This solution will fix the dangers of the problem.
Entry Notes: Address is vague. Using a more specific term that helps your readers understand the goal of addressing the issue. Note: This does not apply to using "address" in terms of a location or speaking directly to someone.
If you do audience testing of these words or other public health or medical words, please send your results to the health literacy staff in CDC’s Office of Communications at clearcommunication@cdc.gov.