Celebrating Plain Language 

at the

 National Institutes of Health
CLEAR AND TO THE POINT

■

Answer your reader’s questions

■

Use language appropriate for your reader

■

Include only necessary details

■

Use the active voice

■

Use personal pronouns such as “we” and “you”

■

Use short sentences and paragraphs

■

Use tables, lists, and other easy-to-understand design features
Celebrating Plain Language 

at the

 National Institutes of Health

Lipsett Amphitheater

April 17, 2007

Welcome Susan Persons

Chair, NIH Plain Language Coordinating Committee

Opening Remarks Elias Zerhouni, M.D.

Director, NIH

Introduction of Speaker John Burklow

Guest Speaker Rita Rubin

Award-winning Health Journalist and Columnist 

 for USA Today

Presentation of Awards Elias Zerhouni, M.D., and Susan Persons

Closing Remarks Susan Persons

Please join us for light refreshments following the ceremony
OUTSTANDING

A PRINCESS DIARY: MEMOIRS 

FROM THE CHERRY BLOSSOM 

FESTIVAL – NIGMS

This light-hearted article spotlights the 

personal experience of an NIGMS employee 

as she becomes a modern-day Cinderella – 

a Cherry Blossom Princess.

Emily Carlson, M.A.

COPING WITH ADVANCED CANCER: 

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH 

CANCER – NCI

The gentle, sensitive approach used in this 

publication should be very meaningful to 

advanced cancer patients and their families. 

It outlines types of care, interventions to 

cope with side effects and feelings, and 

suggestions for communicating with the 

health care team, family members, and friends.

Louise E. Cunningham, M.P.H.

Lori Keesey, B.S.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY 

TO PREVENT DIABETES 

(SPANISH VERSION) – NIDDK

This colorful, easy-to-read Spanish-language 

tip sheet encourages mothers with a history 

of gestational diabetes to take small steps 

to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes for 

themselves and their children.

Joanne M. Gallivan, M.S., R.D.

Elizabeth Warren-Boulton, R.N.

Claudia Siervo

MEDIA-SMART YOUTH: EAT, THINK 

AND BE ACTIVE – NICHD

This interactive, after-school educational 

program helps young people ages 11 to 13 

understand the complex media world around 

them and how it can influence their health, 

especially in regard to nutrition and physical 

activity.

Jill Center, M.P.H.

Christine Stile, E.L.S., M.A.P.W.

Academy for Educational Development

NIH MEDLINE PLUS – NLM

This creative and well-organized magazine 

provides the public with reliable, understandable, and up-to-date health information that 

they can use as a home reference source.

Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D.

Betsy L. Humphreys, M.L.S, A.H.I.P. 

Donald W. King, M.D.

Naomi Miller, M.L.S.

Robert B. Mehnert

Kathleen Cravedi

Christopher Klose

Peter Reinecke

Patricia Carson

Elliot Siegel, Ph.D.
SO FAR AWAY: TWENTY 

QUESTIONS FOR LONGDISTANCE CAREGIVING – NIA

This visually appealing brochure covers all 

aspects of long-distance care and stresses 

that you can take part in caregiving, even 

when there are many miles between you 

and your aging relative.

Freddi Karp, M.P.A.

Vicky Cahan

Janice Lynch Schuster

TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR – NIA

Going to the doctor is no one’s idea of fun, 

but this informative and enjoyable brochure 

makes preparing for such a visit a lot easier 

for older adults. This guide makes it more 

likely that an older person will benefit from 

the doctor’s recommendations.

Freddi Karp, M.P.A.

Vicky Cahan

Caroline McNeil

John Vance, Levine & Associates

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S 

DISEASE – NIA

The personal stories and photographs used 

in this brochure explain Alzheimer’s disease 

in an easy-to-understand way. The summary 

page and list of resources should be especially 

helpful for the families of Alzheimer’s patients.

Patricia D. Lynch, M.A.

Vicky Cahan

Wendy Mettger, M.A.

David Burton

VISIBLE PROOFS: FORENSIC 

VIEW OF THE BODY – NLM

This exhibit display teaches the history and 

science of forensic medicine by using engaging 

images, media, and activities. The companion 

Web site brings the message and experience 

of the exhibit to the world outside the NIH.

Patricia Tuohy

Michael Sappol, Ph.D.

Elizabeth Mullen

Jiwon Kim

Jill Newmark

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

ABOUT GESTATIONAL DIABETES 

(SPANISH VERSION) – NIDDK

This brochure’s positive tone and emphasis 

on practical information about the diagnosis, 

consequences, and treatment of gestational 

diabetes should help women take an active 

role in their own health care.

Kathy Kranzfelder, M.A.

Ellen Schwab, R.D.

Vince Serrano

Voices for Health
WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE 

HAS ADVANCED CANCER – NCI

This booklet addresses the physical, emotional, 

psychological, and social needs of those 

caring for a loved one with advanced cancer. 

It addresses the unique and delicate issues of 

this phase of care and includes a worksheet on 

personal affairs and a list of resources.

Louise Cunningham, M.P.H.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

WHEN YOUR BROTHER OR 

SISTER HAS CANCER: A GUIDE 

FOR TEENS – NCI

This booklet is easy to understand and 

simplifies a complex subject. It includes 

effective ways of communicating with 

teenagers. Personal quotes and real-life 

stories demonstrate how various teens 

and their families have coped when a 

sibling has cancer.

Carol Sienché, M.P.H.

Jann Keenan, Ed.S.

Derek Inokuchi, M.H.S.

Lori Keesey, B.S.

Sona Thakkar, M.A.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

WHEN YOUR PARENT HAS CANCER: 

A GUIDE FOR TEENS – NCI

This engaging, interactive booklet uses 

stories, quotes, checklists, and easy-tounderstand terms to help teenagers learn 

how other young people are dealing with 

a parent’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Carol Sienché, M.P.H.

Jann Keenan, Ed.S.

Derek Inokuchi, M.H.S.

Lori Keesey, B.S.

Sona Thakkar, M.A.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

The most important lesson in the writing 

trade is that any manuscript is improved 

if you cut away the fat. 

■ Robert Heinlein
EXCELLENT

BOUND FOR YOUR GOOD 

HEALTH – NIA

This collection of NIA’s Age Pages is an easyto-understand, comprehensive resource for 

older people who want to learn more about 

a particular health problem or discover ways 

to maintain their health. 

Karin Kolsky, B.A.

Freddi Karp, M.P.A.

Vicky Cahan

John Vance, Levine & Associates

CAUTION! DIABETES AND 

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 

CAN CAUSE KIDNEY DISEASE 

(SPANISH VERSION) – NIDDK

This brochure outlines straightforward steps 

you can take to protect your kidneys and 

encourages those at risk to get tested for 

kidney disease. 

Elisa Gladstone, M.P.H.

Melissa McGowan, M.H.S., C.H.E.S.

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

CERVICAL CANCER: WHAT 

YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT 

YOURSELF (ENGLISH AND 

SPANISH VERSIONS) – NCI

These brochures are culturally tailored for 

Latino women and are logically organized 

and informative. They incorporate plain 

language elements, such as use of first person 

and active voice. The Spanish version is well 

translated, with short and clear sentences. 

Felicia M. Solomon, M.P.H.

Silvia Salazar, M.P.H.

Laura Planas, M.P.H.

Rikki Welch, M.P.H.

Michelle Scott, M.P.H.

Hong Vo

I love words but I don’t like strange ones. 

You don’t understand them and they don’t 

understand you. Old words are like old friends, 

you know ‘em the minute you see ‘em. 

■ Will Rogers 
DOING SCIENCE: THE PROCESS 

OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY (NIH 

CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENT, 

GRADES 7-8) – NIGMS/OSP

This educational supplement, geared 

to 11- to 13-year olds, is an interactive 

teaching unit that combines cutting-edge 

research discoveries from the NIH with 

state-of-the-art instructional materials. 

Students conduct a simulated scientific 

investigation of the outbreak of an illness 

by acting as members of a fictitious 

community health department.

Bruce Fuchs, Ph.D.

Lisa Strauss, B.S., C.M.A.

David Vannier, Ph.D.

Cindy Allen, M.A.

Alison Davis, Ph.D.

Irene Eckstrand, Ph.D.

Anthony Carter, Ph.D.

James Anderson, Ph.D.

Jean Chin, Ph.D.

Richard Ikeda, Ph.D.

BSCS

SAIC

FACING FORWARD: WHEN 

SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAS 

COMPLETED CANCER 

TREATMENT – NCI

This booklet focuses on helping patients 

and their families think about the future 

after cancer treatment. It provides important 

information on post-treatment side effects, 

available support, and strategies for regaining 

quality of life.

Survivor Education Team

Louise Cunningham, M.P.H.

Rhonda Wilt DeJoice, B.A.

Julia Rowland, Ph.D.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

Melinda Moyer, M.A.

FAMILY REUNION HEALTH 

GUIDE – NIDDK

One way to assist families to begin a discussion 

of health issues is to provide information on 

diseases they may have in common. This guide 

outlines several approaches for family members 

to introduce such a discussion. Fact sheets with 

basic information on kidney disease, diabetes, 

and high blood pressure are helpful resources.

Elisa Gladstone, M.P.H.

Melissa McGowan, M.H.S., C.H.E.S.

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Words, once they are printed, have a 

life of their own.

■ Carol Burnett
FINDING STRENGTH IN 

COMMUNITY: LIVING A FULL 

LIFE ON DIALYSIS – NIDDK

This DVD was developed for the American 

Indian community. It is culturally sensitive 

and should be meaningful for those who 

suffer from kidney failure resulting from 

diabetes. It provides prevention messages to 

help patients avoid dialysis and messages of 

support for those who must live with dialysis.

Robert Nelson, M.D.

Jennifer Weil, M.D.

Toni Press-Coffman

Members of American Indian Communities

HOW TO SUCCEED WITH 

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION – NIAID

This tutorial explains the electronic grant 

application process, taking applicants through 

the essentials from start to finish. The personal 

approach and the annotated example of a topnotch research plan make this a convenient, 

user-friendly tool to assist grantees with 

electronic applications.

Maya Hadar, B.A.

Jenny Gagné Sacchetti, B.S., B.A.

Bonnie Lee Howell, B.A., M.A.

Mary Parsons, B.S.

Wendy Starman Papier, B.A., M.S.

Michael Mendoza, B.A.

Charles Hollman, B.A.

MY NCI EXHIBIT SERIES – NCI

The bright colors and innovative look of 

these posters immediately attract the reader 

to learn about a variety of topics related to 

NCI’s new intranet site. The accompanying 

portable exhibits for My NCI are loaned out 

to NCI offices and programs.

Nina Ghanem, M.Ed.

Donna Bonner, M.S.P.M.

Dave Fridberg, B.F.A.

NIDA NOTES – NIDA

This appealing publication brings in-depth 

information to scientists, policymakers, 

clinicians, and the general public, who 

want to quickly access drug abuse research 

information. The use of color graphics 

creates a path for the reader to follow 

and the graphs are easy to understand.

David Anderson

NIDCD TIP SHEETS FOR PRESS 

KIT – NIDCD

These tip sheets help stimulate interest among 

editors and reporters of women’s magazines in 

covering new topics pertaining to prevention and 

early detection of noise-induced hearing loss.

Patricia Blessing, B.S.

Mary Sullian, M.S.

Jennifer Wenger, M.A.
NIGMS WEB SITE – NIGMS

This clear, well-organized, and user-friendly 

Web site includes a tailored search of the 

NIH Guide database and a “Results” 

section highlighting and linking to 

NIGMS-sponsored research. 

Office of Communications and Public Liaison

Richard Barnes

¡SALUD! CON LECHE (SPANISH 

VERSION OF “FOR STRONG 

BONES...FOR LIFELONG HEALTH...

MILK MATTERS”) – NICHD

The Spanish version of NICHD’s Milk Matters

brochure explains clearly and succinctly why 

young people need daily calcium to build 

strong bones, the amount of calcium they 

need, the role of physical activity in bone 

health, and a list of foods providing the 

most calcium.

Marianne Glass-Miller

Christina Stile, E.L.S., M.A.P.W.

Cynthia Leoro, IQ Solutions, Inc.

TANZANIAN ‘CHILDREN OF THE 

MOON’ BRING RARE BRAND OF 

SUNSHINE TO NIH – NIDCD

This interesting and engaging story of two 

young boys from Tanzania with a rare genetic 

disease is a great example of how several NIH 

ICs collaborated and overcame obstacles to 

treat them.

Jennifer Wenger, M.A.

UNDERSTANDING MEMORY 

LOSS – NIA

This booklet uses personal stories to inform 

readers about the difference between mild 

forgetfulness and more serious memory 

problems. Color pictures throughout the 

book work well to illustrate the narrative.

Patricia D. Lynch, M.A.

Vicky Cahan

Wendy Mettger, M.A.

David Burton

UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN 

GENOME PROJECT – NHGRI

This CD-ROM contains examples and tools 

that clearly explain the science and the 

history of the human genome project to the 

public. It makes the complex task and results 

understandable to the very people the genome 

mapping project was meant to serve. 

Jeffre Witherly 

Vence Bonham 

Sarah Harding

Darryl Leja

Belen Hurle 

Glenn Baldwin

Linda Turner

Rebecca Kolberg

Geoff Spencer

Jane Ades

Phyllis Frosst

Maggie Bartlett

Carla Easter
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

ABOUT DIABETES AND PHYSICAL 

ACTIVITY – NIDDK

This booklet provides clear, easy-to-use 

information about the benefits of physical 

activity for those who have diabetes. It 

includes steps to create an individualized 

physical activity plan for the patient.

Kathy Kranzfelder, M.A.

Ellen Schwab, M.S.

Vince Serrano

Voices for Health

WHEN SOMEONE YOU 

LOVE IS BEING TREATED 

FOR CANCER – NCI

This booklet outlines the unique needs of 

the family and friends of someone who is 

receiving treatment for cancer. It also tells 

how the caregiver can help the patient by 

arranging for doctor visits, talking about life 

planning issues, and talking with children.

Louise Cunningham, M.P.H.

Rhonda DeJoice, B.A.

Susan Spangler, B.A.

2005-2006 ANNUAL REPORT 

ON NIH CHILD CARE – ORS

This concise report to the NIH Director 

outlines the activities of the Child Care 

program and briefs the Director on ideas 

and priorities for child care at NIH. Quotes 

from the parents of children in the program 

add a special touch.

Janet Austin, Ph.D.

Valerie Durrant, Ph.D.

Jayne Lura-Brown

Richard W. Morris, Ph.D.

Lisa Strauss, B.S., C.M.A.

Mary-Ellen Savarese, M.Ed.

Clear writing is an essential ingredient of any 

communication and especially scientific communication. 

For example, in Science, we don’t encourage clear 

writing, we insist on it. 

■ Dr. Alan Leshner, CEO, AAAS
HONORABLE MENTION

BIOMEDICAL BEAT: 

JULY 18, 2006 – NIGMS

This e-mail version of the electronic 

newsletter Biomedical Beat provides its 

audience with the latest advances in 

basic biomedical research supported 

by NIGMS, using especially clear 

language and interesting graphics.

David Bochner

Emily Carlson, M.A.

Camille Haylock

DECIDING WHETHER TO 

PARTICIPATE IN GENE 

TRANSFER RESEARCH? – OD/OSP

This brochure was written to help potential 

research participants make an informed 

decision about whether to enroll in a gene 

transfer study. It provides background on 

gene transfer and a list of questions to assist 

potential participants in making the right 

decision about enrolling in a study.

Sarah Carr

Betsy Earp

Suzanne Goodwin

Kathryn Harris, Ph.D.

Marina O’Reilly, Ph.D.

Amy Patterson, M.D.

Stephen Rose, Ph.D.

Eugene Rosenthal, Ph.D.

Allan Shipp

FOR STRONG BONES...

FOR LIFELONG HEALTH, 

MILK MATTERS – NICHD

The creative charts and pictures in this 

brochure illustrate the need for calcium 

during the period of critical bone growth – 

in children from ages 9 to 12 – as well as 

for teenagers. This is an excellent resource 

for parents, teachers, and children to learn 

about the benefits of milk and other 

calcium-rich foods.

Marianne Glass Miller

Christina Stile, E.L.S., M.A.P.W. 

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

HIGH SCHOOL SCIENTIST 

SANGHA WINS MULTIPLE 

AWARDS – NINDS

This intriguing NIH Record article tells the 

story of how a high school student gained 

valuable hands-on research experience 

working in a NINDS-funded program 

at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. 

Her work has resulted in numerous 

awards and scholarships.

Shannon E. Garnett, B.A.

The skill of writing is to create a context 

in which other people can think.

■ Edwin Schlossberg
KEEP THE BEAT 2006 HEART 

HEALTH CALENDAR – NHLBI

This beautifully illustrated calendar challenges 

you to have a heart-healthy year with monthly 

themes, activity ideas, recipes, and personalized 

goals. It also points you to NHLBI resources 

that expand your information base and 

support your daily efforts.

Janet DeJesus, M.S., R.D. 

Susan Spangler, B.A.

LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GOOD: 

FROM THE INSIDE OUT (EXPLORING 

BONE, MUSCLE, AND SKIN) 

(NIH CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENT, 

GRADES 7-8) – NIAMS, OSP

This curriculum supplement is a good resource 

for teachers, providing background information 

on basic science in an understandable way. 

Well-organized lesson plans focus on topics 

of interest to middle school students and 

include educational pictures and activities.

Bruce Fuchs, Ph.D.

Lisa Strauss, B.S., C.M.A.

Cindy Allen, M.A.

Elizabeth Stillman, M.P.H.

Mario Cerritelli, Ph.D.

Joan McGowan, Ph.D.

Barbara B. Mittleman, M.D.

Richard Clark, M.Div.

Ray Fleming, B.S.

BSCS

SAIC

MILK MATTERS WEB SITE – NICHD

The Milk Matters Web site is designed 

both for parents and health care providers. 

It explains why calcium is important for 

building strong bones and lists foods that 

are good sources of calcium. It includes 

a games page that should be appealing 

to children.

Marianne Glass-Miller

Christina Stile, E.L.S., M.A.P.W. 

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Heather Nicholas, M.S.

Woodbourne Solutions, Inc.

NCCAM: EXPANDING HORIZONS 

OF HEALTH CARE – NCCAM

NCCAM’s brochure provides a clear and 

concise overview of the Center’s mission 

and the complex topic of complementary 

and alternative medicine. The design, 

images, and graphics enhance the 

message and engage the reader.

Alyssa Cotler, M.P.H

Catherine Law, M.T.S.C. 

Jennifer Tisch, M.P.H

Bryan Ewsichek

Use the smallest word that does the job. 

■ E.B. White 
NIBIB PUBLIC WEB SITE – NIBIB

NIBIB’s public Web site is an online tool 

to communicate mission-related activities 

and accomplishments to researchers, 

advocacy groups, students, media, and 

the general public. A highlight of this 

site is the showcase of NIBIB grantees, 

whose work is featured in a picture 

and video gallery. 

Colleen Guay-Broder, M.P.H.

Mary Beth Kester, M.S.

Z-Tech Corporation

NICHD PUBLIC WEB SITE – NICHD

The NICHD Web site provides easy-tounderstand and navigate information 

for multiple audiences including parents, 

media personnel, policymakers, and 

scientists. The result is a user-friendly 

site that provides information about 

the NICHD’s research portfolio and 

outreach efforts.

Heather Nicholas, M.S.

Christina Stile, E.L.S., M.A.P.W.

Julie Jacob, M.P.A.

Woodbourne Solutions, Inc. 

G&B Solutions 

Redish and Associates 

NIDCD 2006-2007 RESOURCES 

DIRECTORY – NIDCD

This year’s NIDCD Resources Directory 

provides answers to a host of important 

questions and concerns by the public, 

patients and health care providers, such 

as: Where can I seek financial assistance 

for a hearing aid? Is there a support group 

for people who stutter? The design of this 

directory makes it easy for people to 

locate the information they need.

Patricia Blessing, B.S.

Lonnie Lisle, B.S.

Mary Sullivan, M.S.

Jennifer Wenger, M.A.

Charlotte Ball, M.P.A.

NIH CLINIC (YOUR VISIT, 

TESTS, RECRUITMENT, 

HISTORY) – NIDDK

This culturally-sensitive brochure explains 

the research conducted by NIDDK through 

the Diabetes Clinic on the Gila River Native 

American reservation. It uses appealing color 

and graphics, familiar faces, and plain language 

explanations of medical tests and procedures 

to encourage members of the Pima tribe to 

volunteer as participants in diabetes studies.

Jane DeMouy, Ph.D.

Christina Chiago

The trouble with so many of us is that we underestimate the power of simplicity. 

■ Robert Stuberg 
NIH OFFICE OF EXTRAMURAL 

RESEARCH – ELECTRONIC 

SUBMISSION WEB SITE – OER

This step-by-step guide takes you through 

the process of submitting grants applications 

electronically, carefully explaining the 

requirements, registration, and deadlines 

for electronic grant submission. The home 

page is easy to navigate and includes all 

the information needed to electronically 

apply for grants.

Sonia Barragan, B.A.

Bob Beattie, B.A., M.A.

Martin Blumsack

Megan Columbus

Sheri Cummins, B.S.

Allyn Ditmer, A.A.

Bruce W. Elliott, Jr., Ph.D.

Frank Evans, Ph.D.

Anthony Freeman, M.S.M.

Jenny Gagné Sacchetti, B.S., B.A.

Pat Gray

Anita Greene, M.A.

Tolliver McKinney

Gregory Milman, Ph.D.

Keith Mintzer, Ph.D.

Denise Montgomery, B.F.A.

Niki Page

David Sommers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

Manju Subramanya, M.A.

Meredith Temple-O’Connor, Ph.D.

Kadri Webb 

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS 

ACTIVITIES REPORT – NCI

The Activities Report presents a handy 

“snapshot” overview of NCI’s outreach 

communications through a variety of 

communication vehicles. Staff gather 

information from four major communications programs, presenting a window 

on how their individual endeavors 

work together to meet the needs 

of NCI’s constituents.

Thuy Morzenti 

Deborah Pearson

Jennifer Thompson

John Rehmert

Nelvis Castro

Cynthia Depew

Sandy Young

PEDIATRIC RHEUMATIC 

DISEASES AND OTHER RELATED 

INFORMATION FOR YOU AND 

YOUR PATIENTS – NIAMS

NIAMS created this CD-ROM as an information 

tool for health professionals who treat children 

with pediatric rheumatic diseases and related 

conditions. Colorful graphics add appeal to 

this tool, which includes patient education 

brochures, professional education, and 

other resources.

Richard Clark, M.Div.

Leslie McIntire, M.S.

Karin Rudolph, M.A.
RECIPE FOR SLEEP – NIGMS

This engaging and lively article is an example 

of good science writing. It uses plain language 

elements, such as short, strong sentences, 

to effectively portray the reality of 

complicated science.

Emily Carlson, M.A.

“SPEAK PLAINLY, SAVE 

LIVES” NIH HONORS PLAIN 

LANGUAGE – OD/OCPL

What could be plainer than an article written 

about plain language? This article describes 

the Plain Language Award Ceremony in 

ten short paragraphs that are punchy and 

to-the-point.

Carla R. Garnett, M.A.

STUDIES EVALUATE HEALTH 

EFFECTS OF DENTAL AMALGAM 

FILLINGS IN CHILDREN – NIDCR

This news release delivers the right information 

in the right order about this controversial topic. 

It provides context and history of the research 

on dental fillings that is especially helpful for 

reporters looking for a story. The background 

information helps the lay reader digest 

technical information.

Bob Kuska, M.S.J.

THE SCIENCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS 

(NIH CURRICULUM SUPPLEMENT 

SERIES GRADES 6-8) – NIMH, OSP

This curriculum series uses a video of 

real teenagers who are coping with mental 

illness to emphasize that these diseases 

have a biological basis and, therefore, 

are not different from other illnesses or 

diseases. The activities included in this 

curriculum should help students gain a 

better understanding of mental illness.

Bruce Fuchs, Ph.D.

Lisa Strauss, B.S., C.M.A. 

David Vannier, Ph.D.

Cindy Allen, M.A.

Wayne Fenton, M.D.

Emeline Otey, Ph.D.

Kathy Kopnisky, Ph.D.

BSCS

SAIC

TREATMENT CHOICES FOR MEN 

WITH EARLY STAGE PROSTATE 

CANCER – NCI

This booklet is designed to help newly 

diagnosed men understand the treatment 

options available to them when prostate 

cancer is found in the early stages. It 

highlights the importance of personal 

preference in weighing risks and benefits 

of treatment options and provides a list 

of questions to ask the physician.

Rhonda W. DeJoice, B.A.

Helen Osborne, M.Ed., OTR/L

Susan Spangler, B.A.

The finest language is mostly made 

up of simple unimposing words. 

■ George Eliot
UNDERSTANDING CANCER SERIES: 

HPV VACCINE TO PREVENT 

CERVICAL CANCER (ENGLISH 

AND SPANISH VERSIONS) – NCI

This colorful, graphics-rich, Web-based 

educational tutorial explains how the human 

papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine can protect 

a female from developing cervical cancer. 

It uses common words and short sentences 

to describe the science behind this 

new vaccine.

Donna Kerrigan, M.S.

L. Michelle Bennett, Ph.D.

Miguel Monroy

Jeanne Kelly

Hollen Team

VIRAL VOYAGES – NIGMS

This is the personal and professional story 

of a young girl who was born in Nigeria, 

lived through the Biafran war, and is now 

an associate university professor in America. 

It engages the reader by blending the personal 

with the science elements throughout this 

remarkable success story.

Alisa Zapp Machalek, M.S.

Alison Davis, Ph.D.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 

EATING AND DIABETES – NIDDK

Meal planning can be the most difficult aspect 

of self-management for those with diabetes. 

This booklet engages the reader with numerous 

interactive sections on target blood glucose 

levels, information about medication, and 

diabetes meal planning.

Ellen Schwab, M.S. 

Kathy Kranzfelder, M.A.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 

ERECTION PROBLEMS – NIDDK

The NIDDK has provided an answer to the 

question of where to look for clear, unbiased 

information about this sensitive health problem. This brochure offers advice on treatment 

options and issues to discuss with a physician.

Dan Garver, Ph.D.

Kathy Kranzfelder, M.A.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH 

GRANDMA? – NIA

This video was prepared in the NIA 

communications office for an audience of 

young people from 11 to 14 who attended 

a 2-day Brain Awareness Program at the 

National Museum of Health and Medicine. 

The goal is to help that age group understand family members or others who have 

Alzheimer’s disease and give them easy 

suggestions on how to help their loved ones. 

Anne Decker 

Jeannine Mjoseth

Vicky Cahan
WORK, LEARN, DISCOVER – NIEHS

This colorful brochure should be a useful 

recruitment tool that showcases the enthusiasm, 

energy, and opportunities at NIEHS. It outlines 

training, education, and outreach internship 

programs, including a special internship, 

“Summers of Discovery,” given to outstanding 

high school and college students.

Christine Bruske, M.P.A.

Robin Mackar, M.P.H.

Charle League

Deborah Swope

Marian-Johnson Thompson, Ph.D.

Kathy Odenwald

YOUR GUIDE TO LOWERING YOUR 

CHOLESTEROL WITH THERAPEUTIC 

LIFESTYLE CHANGES – NHLBI

This booklet should help each of the 65 

million Americans with high blood pressure 

to understand the critical lifestyle changes 

needed to lower their cholesterol and risk 

of heart disease. The booklet includes tips 

and strategies for changing diets, controlling 

weight, and becoming more active.

Louise Williams, M.A.

James Cleeman, M.D.

Karen Donato, S.M., R.D. 

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making 

the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. 

■ Charles Mingus 

http://execsec.od.nih.gov/plainlang

301-496-1461

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services • National Institutes of Health

If you find your own writing boring, 

so will somebody else. 

—Michael Dirda

Washington Post Book Section, 

at the NIH Plain Language Award Ceremony.