Download StayWell Style Guide Digital and Print* Patient Education Content

 StayWell Style Guide for
Digital and Print*
Patient Education Content
Created: July 2015 REFERENCES
Dictionaries
American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition
Use the first spelling and first plural given. Capitalize words according to main entry or if a definition is
labeled cap; lowercase if labeled often cap unless listed differently in this style guide.
Style manuals
First reference is this style guide. Second reference is AP. For further reference, consult the Chicago
Manual of Style.
Usage guides
Use Words Into Type and The Elements of Style for grammar and usage.
Medical references
Dorland’s Medical Dictionary (31st and 32nd Editions)
*For print-only items, see Print Addendum
A ***********
A1C
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous
AARP
Formal name of the organization; formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons
abbreviations and acronyms
• Generally, do not use abbreviations in running text for terms that normally are spelled out. If you
need to avoid repeating long terms or phrases, use the full term first, then the abbreviation in
parentheses: primary care physician (PCP).
• NOTE: If abbreviation/acronym is well known (such as FBI, FDA, CDC), no need to spell out
even on first reference.
• Try to avoid “alphabet soup” as much as possible. Do not use an acronym for an organization or
agency mentioned only once in an article. For example, write “American Heart Association
(AHA)” on first reference and AHA for all other references. If the heart organization is
mentioned only once, do not include the acronym.
• In headlines and subheads, use abbreviation after full spelling ONLY if abbreviation is well
known (for example, COPD). If abbreviation is not well known, use it after first mention in text
only if it is used again in article.
• Abbreviations may be used in tables, charts, and the like, with a footnote containing the full term
if it is not a commonly used abbreviation.
• Generally, avoid using etc., i.e., e.g., in text; use the phrases and so forth, that is, for example.
• Generally, it’s OK to use an abbreviation for metric units on first reference, if widely
recognizable (g, mg). Use your judgment.
• Generally, eliminate periods in units of all kinds (mph, mg) unless confusing (in. for inch, no. for
number). Also omit periods in recipe terms (tsp, tbsp), in acronyms (COBRA, FACS), and in
shortened forms (HMO, COB).
• No periods for academic degrees and professional titles: DDS, DO, FACS, MD, PhD, PsyD, RN
• No periods in agencies/organizations: AMA, CDC, NIH, OSHA, WHO
• No periods in common medical abbreviations/acronyms: CT, ECG/EKG, IV, MRI, RDA, STD,
STI, TIA
academic degrees
Bachelor of Arts, BA (no spaces), bachelor’s degree, Bachelor of Arts in history; Master of Arts,
MA, master’s degree, Master of Arts in history; Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, doctorate: She
received a master’s degree in nursing. Or: She received her Master of Arts six years ago. Use the
abbreviations only after a person’s name: Mary Andrews, PhD.
accreditation
The NCQA awards four types: Excellent, Commendable, Accredited, and Provisional.
Ace bandage
“Ace” is capitalized because it is a trademarked name.
-ache
No hyphen: earache, headache, stomachache
Achilles’ heel
But Achilles tendon (no apostrophe)
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
The abbreviation, AIDS, is acceptable in all references. NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the
virus.
active voice, not passive
A passive sentence is one containing any form of the verbs to be or to have plus a participle:
1. Studies have demonstrated that smokers are at high risk for smoke inhalation.
2. The bicycle was damaged beyond repair.
3. Time is running out.
4. Attention must be paid.
5. Injured climbers were airlifted to the nearest hospital by rescue workers.
The occasional passive sentence is perfectly acceptable, and may in fact be unavoidable. It’s common
in certain types of writing. Government, the military, and big business love it—especially for bad
news—because it neatly sidesteps the question of who did what. The doubly passive “Your taxes
have been raised” is much easier to say than “We raised your taxes.”
But since passivity is the enemy of clarity, we don’t want to use it in our product. Seek and destroy
passive sentences in your writing. Recast them using active verbs. Don’t go overboard—of the above
examples, #2 and #3 are idiomatic and don’t need intervention, and #4 is a quote from Arthur Miller
(hence unassailable)—but take the time to make the obvious repairs:
“Studies show that smokers are at high risk for smoke inhalation.”
“Rescue workers airlifted the injured climbers to the nearest hospital.”
ADD
attention deficit disorder (see ADHD); according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association,
ADHD is preferred.
additionally
DO NOT USE. Use In addition.
addresses
• When giving or listing full addresses, use the following abbreviations for street designations:
Ave., Blvd., St., Pkwy., Tpk. Spell out all others, and do not abbreviate street designations when
they appear without the full address. Always spell out Road and Drive.
• Use the two-letter post office abbreviation for a state only when it is followed by the ZIP code.
For partial locations in text, use AP abbreviations (Walden Pond is in Concord, Mass.). See state
names. Spell out state names when no city/town is given.
• No comma between state and ZIP code.
• Do not abbreviate North, East, South, or West when used before or after a street name, but use
NW, SE, NE, and SW before or after a street name.
• Building and suite come before street address (Midtown Plaza II, Suite 300, 1360 Peachtree St.,
Atlanta, GA 30309).
ADHD
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (see ADD); according to the Attention Deficit Disorder
Association, ADHD is preferred.
advance directive
An advance directive describes the care a patient wants if he or she becomes unable to make
medical decisions. Examples: living will (allows a terminally ill patient to describe the kind of
treatment he or she wants in certain situations); durable power of attorney for healthcare (states
whom the patient has chosen to make healthcare decisions if the patient becomes unable to do
so); do-not-resuscitate order (patient’s request to not have CPR if his or her heartbeat or breathing
stops).
African American
No hyphen if used as a noun; hyphenate as an adjective: African-American women. Make sure
that this term (not black) is used in article sources; otherwise use black.
aftercare
aftereffect
afterward
Not afterwards.
after-work
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
ages
Use figures for ages: 2-month-old baby, 5-year-olds, 25 years old, in her 50s, infants younger
than age 6 months. Do not use aged as an adjective. For people: age 13 or older, age 25, teenage,
school-age, ages 35 to 40, between ages 40 and 50, ages 65 and older. EXCEPTION: middleaged. See Over/Under.
AIDS
acquired immune deficiency syndrome. NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the virus.
air bag
Not airbag.
airborne
air conditioner
Air conditioner and air conditioning are not hyphenated as nouns. But air-condition (verb) and
air-conditioned (adj.).
air-dry
airtight
Al-Anon, Alateen
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
all right
Not alright.
alpha-blocker
a.m.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American College of Sports Medicine, in Indianapolis
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
American Indian
Not Native American.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
among
For three or more. Use between for two.
ampersand (&)
Do not use in headings and in text except for medical tests and procedures (D&C), company
names designated by initials (AT&T), or company names that include an ampersand as part of
their official name (the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology). Exceptions
may also be made for “Post & Save,” “Q & A,” “Lunch & Learn,” etc. May be OK in charts.
and/or
Rewrite to avoid this expression when possible.
and more
Avoid using this phrase at the end of a series, as in “Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli,
cauliflower, and more.” The word “including” indicates you are not offering a complete list. See
including.
anesthesia
This refers either to a drug given for medical or surgical purposes to bring about the partial or
total loss of sensation, or the loss of sensation itself brought about by the drug.
anesthetic
A drug or agent used to abolish the sensation of pain.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute. DO NOT USE. See U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
anti-inflammatory
antivenin
Not antivenom.
apostrophe
• Plural words ending in s need apostrophe only (two days’ work). Proper nouns ending in s need
apostrophe only (Ms. Adams’ home). Common nouns ending in s need an apostrophe plus s.
• Do not use with plurals of years (1990s).
• Use after a single letter (p’s and q’s, z’s) but not after multiple letters together (ABCs). See also
plurals.
app, application
application on first reference; app on second reference only and as shorthand in headlines
Area Agencies on Aging
armrest
asthmatics
DO NOT USE. Use people with asthma.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
at risk
At risk for, not at risk of unless the word after of is a gerund. For example: at risk of developing,
but at risk for heart disease. Capitalize both “at” and “risk” when they’re part of a headline.
attention deficit disorder (ADD)
According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD is preferred.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD is preferred over ADD.
autoimmune
avian flu
awhile/a while
After a preposition, use two words: stay for a while. Without a preposition, one word is OK: stay
awhile.
B ***********
babysit, babysitting, babysat, babysitter
backache
bacteria
bacteria is plural; bacterium is singular. For specific germs, see Latin names.
Band-Aid
Band-Aid is a brand name. Suggest using adhesive bandage instead.
baseline
because
If the following clause is essential, don’t use a comma before because. (“I went to the doctor
because I was sick.”)
bed rest
bedside
bedwetting
bellybutton
beta agonist
beta-blocker
beta-carotene
beta-2 agonist
between
Use between for two. Use among for three or more.
bicycle helmets
As of February 1, 1999, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tests bicycle
helmets for their ability to protect the head from injury and administers safety standards. Helmets
that meet impact standards have a CPSC label inside. Don’t use ANSI (American National
Standards Institute) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
birth weight
But low-birth-weight babies.
black
See ethnic groups.
black-and-blue
bloodborne
blood pressure
Use mmHg as the measurement
• Normal: lower than 120/lower than 80
• Prehypertensive: 120-139/80-89
• High: 140/90 and higher
bloodstain
bloodstream
BMJ
Preferred over British Medical Journal.
body mass index (BMI)
-bone
Generally, one word with body part: anklebone, breastbone, collarbone, hipbone, jawbone,
shinbone, thighbone. But arm bone.
bone mineral density test
brand-name drug
A drug named and trademarked by the original manufacturer. Avoid using brand names (use
ibuprofen instead of Advil; gelatin instead of Jell-O; adhesive bandage instead of Band-Aid; soda
instead of Coke).
Braxton Hicks contraction
breastfeeding
Also, breastfeed, breastfed
breastmilk
buildup (noun); build up (verb)
bullet style
• Use an initial cap in all cases. Always use a period at the end of the bullet item if it forms a
complete sentence by itself. In general, do not use a period in lists of words or simple
phrases, or when the phrase completes a statement. For example: If you want to help a person
quit smoking, you can:
o Not smoke around him or her
o Throw away his or her cigarettes
• Bullets should offer parallel construction.
• Lists with terms followed by explanations should be in the format below, with the term in
bold followed by a period, and the explanation in normal font.
o Acute thrombocytopenic purpura. This is most often seen in children 2 to 6 years
old. The symptoms may follow a viral illness, such as chickenpox.
bursa
A thin, fluid-filled sac
C ***********
calcium channel blocker
capitalization
• For titles of articles, books, and the like: Initial cap the articles that begin them and all nouns,
pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and all forms of the verb to be. Also cap prepositions
and coordinate conjunctions of five letters or more, all subordinate conjunctions, the first
word after a colon or em dash, both words of a hyphenated compound, and the last word of a
title. Lowercase conjunctions, articles, and prepositions of four or fewer letters, unless part of
a verb (for example, Round Up and Check Out) or a word considered to be an “intimately
qualifying word” (such as At Risk). (See Words Into Type, pages 146–147.) For example:
When to Use Heat and When to Use Cold for an Injury, Are Your Kids At Risk for Heart
Disease?
• For professional titles: In text, initial cap a title when it precedes the name (Chief Executive
Officer Marc Kimball, of Waban Professionals). Lowercase title when it comes after name or
if set off by commas. Do not cap occupations (nurse-midwife, neurosurgeon). Cap proper
name of a department/service but not informal or generic references: Customer Service
Department.
• Initial cap the edition of any of our publications: in the Spring 1994 issue of Digest.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Use abbreviation first, then full term in parentheses if necessary.
cardiovascular disease
Cannot be used interchangeably with heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is a broad term used
to describe all diseases of the heart and blood vessel system, including heart disease, stroke,
hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
care
Do not use a hyphen with compound modifiers that end with the word care if they are related to
the health or medical industry: primary care physician, healthcare plan, urgent care facility,
critical care nurse.
See Words Into Type for compound modifier hyphenation guidelines.
caregiver
car seat
CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan
No longer used; now use CT scan
catalog
Not catalogue.
CDC, in Atlanta
Takes singular verb; abbreviation for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but
abbreviation is acceptable on first reference
cellphone
certified nurse-midwife
cesarean section
Never use cesarean alone (without section). C-section OK if necessary for space. Do not
capitalize cesarean.
checkbox
check-in
check-out
checkup (noun), check up (verb), check-up (adjective)
cheddar cheese
This cheese and other cheese types are lowercase: swiss cheese, parmesan cheese
chemical dependency
Do not hyphenate as an attributive adjective: chemical dependency programs.
chi
Italicize. An acupuncture term that means energy.
chickenpox
See immunizations.
child-care options
But He provided us with child care.
cholesterol (see also HDL and LDL)
Total cholesterol level includes HDL level and LDL level.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol.
In text, refer to it as:
HDL (“good”) cholesterol (NOT HDL, the “good cholesterol”)
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol (NOT LDL, the “bad cholesterol”)
OK to say HDL level or LDL level.
Total blood cholesterol:
Lower than 200 mg/dL - Desirable
200–239 mg/dL - Borderline High Risk
240 mg/dL and higher - High Risk
LDL:
Lower than 100 mg/dL - Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL - Near Optimal/Above Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL - Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL - High
190 mg/dL and higher - Very High
HDL:
Lower than 40 mg/dL - Low
Note the uppercase “L” in the measurement
Choose My Plate
This icon, in the shape of a plate, replaced the Food Guide Pyramid in 2011.
In text, use MyPlate. Delete “Choose.”
church services
AVOID. Use religious services instead.
collective nouns: verb agreement
Nouns that denote a unit usually take a singular verb. Examples: staff, jury, audience, crowd,
committee, group, orchestra.
The exception is when the individual members of the group are to be emphasized. For example:
“The staff is in a meeting,” but “The staff are in disagreement about the findings.”
“The crowd shouts,” but “The crowd are running hither and thither.”
colon
• In text, use an initial cap after a colon if the material that follows it is a complete sentence, and
use lowercase if it is not a complete sentence. Colons should be placed outside quotation marks or
parentheses.
• Use a colon to introduce formal statements or quotations of more than one sentence.
• Use a colon after the following or as follows unless it precedes a series of long sentences or
paragraphs.
• For plain language, use colons sparingly.
comma
• Use the serial comma: We bought apples, peaches, and pears.
Generally, a comma is not needed before the conjunction in a compound predicate: She wanted a
new car and had saved for the down payment. A comma may be needed to prevent misreading
(see Words Into Type, p. 186) and may be used before but.
• Use a comma after introductory adverbial phrases of five words or more and when such a phrase
ends with a verb or preposition and precedes a noun: Soon after, their bus arrived.
• Use a comma after introductory infinitive phrases: To get to the doctor’s office, she had to take
two buses and walk a half mile.
• Use a comma after introductory clauses: When you make an appointment, be sure to have your
CIGNA HealthCare ID number handy. If you have diabetes, it’s important to...
• Use a comma with numbers of more than three digits: 1,000.
• Use a comma after specifying phrases: Call Member Services at 800-523-6000, Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Avoid using a comma after the first word in a sentence unless clearly necessary.
• Dates: June 1987; In 1941 the war…; On June 15, 1987, we went…
• Do not use a comma between two imperative sentences: Go to your room and do your homework.
• Use a comma before and after a state (whether spelled out or not) if a city precedes the state: We
went to Athens, Ga., for our vacation.
• No comma before Jr. or Sr., per AP.
compared to/compared with
Use compared to when you want to put two things in the same category: The new antibiotic is so
effective that it has been compared to penicillin. Use compared with to examine the difference
between two things:
The woman was in good physical shape compared with other women her age. (Hint: If you can
use the term “versus” instead of “with,” then “with” is the correct preposition. For example,
instead of using “with” in the above italicized sentence, you could use “versus other women her
age.”)
compound words (see also hyphenation)
See Words Into Type, pages 226–237, or AP.
computed tomography (CT) scan
Use CT scan; do not use CAT scan.
computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan
No longer used. Now use CT scan.
consumer-directed health plan
Also referred to as “consumer-driven” or “consumer choice” health plan. A relatively new type of
health plan designed to give consumers more control over a portion of their health benefit dollars,
typically through a health fund or account that can be used to pay for covered medical expenses.
congestive heart failure
Use heart failure.
contractions
It’s much friendlier to use them. Don’t you agree?
courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs.)
DO NOT USE.
coworker
COX-2 inhibitor
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Use abbreviation first, then full term in parentheses if necessary.
CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. See bicycle helmets.
credentialing
CT scan
•
Now used in place of CAT scan.
D ***********
D&C
Use ampersand in text and headers. No space between letters and ampersand.
dashes
See em dash and en dash.
data
Uses a singular verb in most cases, particularly when used to mean “information.” (See the
American Heritage Dictionary for usage note.)
dates
June 1987 (no comma) In 1941 the war … (no comma)
On June 15, 1987, we went… the 1970s (no apostrophe)
the mid 1890s (no hyphen) the 25th of the month
the 5th of January the ’60s
the first and third Wednesdays of the month; BUT the first or third Wednesday of the month
Always spell out months except in charts.
daycare (noun and adjective)
daylight saving time
days
Use an en dash or through to indicate a range (in text: Monday through Friday; in chart: Monday–
Friday). Spell out days except in charts. Keep consistent.
deaf and hard of hearing
Use for TTY (do not use TDD unless client requests) and in text. But: If you are deaf or hard of
hearing … This is preferred usage per American Association of the Deaf.
DEET
An insect repellent
degrees, temperature
In text and charts, always use the symbol, not the word: a temperature of 101°; a 101° fever;
water temperature of 120°. Always add F for Fahrenheit after the numerals, followed by the
Celsius equivalent in parentheses: 98°F (37°C). NOTE: Standard fever temperature is 100.4°F
(38°C).
degrees, academic
Doctor of Medicine (MD), a degree, not a person. Incorrect: She is an MD. Correct: She has an
MD.
Doctor of Optometry, OD
Doctor of Osteopathy, DO
Doctor of Pharmacy, PharmD
dental treatment
Not dental work.
diabetes
type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes
Avoid the outmoded terms of insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes for type 1 and non-insulindependent and adult-onset diabetes for type 2.
diabetics
DO NOT USE. Use people with diabetes.
die of, not die from
dietary reference intake (DRI)
This series of recommended daily nutrient intakes is gradually replacing the recommended
dietary allowance (RDA). The Institute of Medicine sets DRIs.
dietitian
different from/different than
Different from is the correct usage.
dimensions
Examples: not larger than 6 by 6 feet
from 6 to 12 inches high
2-by-4-inch lumber
two-by-fours (noun)
12- and 14-foot lengths
a 12- to 15-foot tree
6-square-foot room
1.2 million-square-foot building
With by, use hyphens and close up. With to, use hyphens but don’t close up.
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)
diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP)
This is preferred over DTP. The CDC recommends it because DTaP is less likely to cause an
adverse reaction. Also see immunizations. Use acronym first, then spell out.
directions
Spell out; don’t abbreviate. For example: East Main Street.
disk/disc
Use disc for optical, laser, and CD/record references. Use disk for medical- and computer-related
instances.
DNR
A do-not-resuscitate order is a patient’s request not to have CPR if his or her heartbeat or
breathing stops. Spell out on first reference.
do’s and don’ts
doctor’s advice or doctor’s request
Not doctor’s orders.
doughnut
Down syndrome
Dr.
Use Dr. (Dr. Welby) after previously using whole name and degree (Marcus Welby, MD). Avoid
using Dr. for a person with a PhD. In text, healthcare provider is preferred over doctor; doctor is
preferred over physician.
drawsheet
drinks, alcoholic
Serving sizes are considered to be 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof
distilled spirits.
drugs
Initial cap the names of brand-name drugs; lowercase the names of generic drugs. DO NOT USE
drug or drugs in text when referring to medications. Use the term only when referring to street
drugs or illicit drugs.
durable power of attorney
dysfunction, dysfunctional
E ***********
earache
eardrops
eardrum
earmuff
earplug
earwax
e-book, e-newsletter, e-reader
ECG
For electrocardiogram. Use this acronym as the default. Because some people still say “EKG,”
we sometimes use ECG or EKG. If it doesn’t raise the reading level and you think it will help the
reader, you can leave in EKG.
echocardiogram
Can use echo after first reference.
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
See Latin names.
e-commerce
e.g.
Avoid this abbreviation, which means for example. Also not interchangeable with i.e.
eldercare
elderly
Avoid this term. Use mature adults or older adults instead.
ellipses
Use spaces before and after, but no spaces between periods. If a period precedes the ellipses, put a
space between the period and the ellipses, per AP.
em dash
Use em dashes to (1) denote a change of thought in a sentence, (2) create an emphatic pause, (3)
perform the same function as parentheses, and (4) attribute text to a source. Do not add space on
either side of em dash.
email
en dash
An en dash is shorter than an em dash but longer than a hyphen. It represents the word to and
indicates continuous or inclusive numbers or time. In general, we use to instead of the en dash in
text. It’s OK to use the en dash if needed for a hot field or in a table. Do not use en dashes in
from-to or between-and constructions: from May to June 1984, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
end user
eponym
A person that something—like a disease—is named after. Do not use apostrophe “s” with
diseases named after people. For example: Addison disease, Alzheimer disease, Asperger
syndrome, Down syndrome, Gaucher disease, Paget disease, Parkinson disease, Reye syndrome,
Sjogren syndrome. Exceptions: OK to use Crohn’s disease and Saint John’s wort until further
notice.
ethnic groups
African American and black are not interchangeable. Look at article sources to make sure the
correct term is being used. Hyphenate African-American, Asian-American, and MexicanAmerican when used as adjectives. DO NOT hyphenate French Canadian, American Indian, or
Latin American. Hispanic is preferred over Latino. Refer as specifically as possible to country of
origin. Both Caucasian and white are acceptable.
eustachian tube
exam
Do not use examination.
eyeThese are all one word: eyeball, eyebrow, eyecup, eyelash, eyelid, eyestrain, eyewash
These are all two words: eye care, eye drops, eye patch, eye shield
F ***********
faceguard
facemask
facepiece
Fahrenheit
Use degree symbol, and follow with Celsius equivalent in parentheses. See degrees.
FDA
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (NOT Federal Drug Administration); abbreviation acceptable
on first reference. Don’t use FDA-approved.
fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
A test for blood in the stool.
fever
Standard fever temperature is 100.4°F (38°C).
fewer, less
User fewer for individual items and less for bulk or quantity: for instance, fewer dollar bills and
less money.
first aid, first aid kit
flare-up (with hyphen; noun)
Capitalize both words in headers/titles.
flare up (without hyphen; verb)
flextime
flu (influenza)
See immunizations.
FOBT (fecal occult blood test)
A test for blood in the stool.
follow-up (noun and adjective), follow up (verb)
Capitalize both words in headers/titles.
Food Guide Pyramid
This is an outdated term. The new icon, unveiled in 2011, is called Choose My Plate. Both of
these icons were developed by the USDA and supported by the Department of Health and Human
Services.
foodborne
footrest
foramen (singular), foramina (plural)
foreign phrases
Set common phrases that are in the dictionary in roman, all others in italics.
FORTUNE 500
fractions
For fractions less than one in text, spell out in articles, using hyphens between the words: onehalf, two-thirds, four-fifths, seven-sixteenths. In tabular material and recipes, use figures
exclusively. Also see AP. For numbers greater than one that require a figure (see numbers), use a
super and subscript if possible (½). Another option is to use a decimal point (1.5). For words that
incorporate half and quarter, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re hyphenated.
For example: half brother. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For example:
quarter-century.
-free (adjective combining form)
As in toll-free, drug-free, fat-free. But no hyphen if following a noun: This product is fat free.
free-weights
friend, follow
Acceptable as both verbs and nouns when writing about social media. Typically, you friend
someone on Facebook, and you follow them on Twitter.
french fries (noun), french-fry (verb)
fruits and vegetables
When discussed as a food category.
G ***********
gallbladder
gallstone
general dentist
Not general practice dentist.
generic drugs
The active ingredient in a generic drug is identical to that of its brand-name equivalent. Don’t
confuse generic drugs with similar drugs, using different ingredients, that may be used to treat the
same ailment.
ginkgo
glaucoma
closed-angle (acute angle-closure glaucoma), narrow-angle (chronic angle-closure glaucoma)
gonorrhea
good night
grades
fourth-grader, 10th-grader, fourth grade, 10th grade
gray
Not grey.
group A β-hemolytic streptococcus
grownup (noun)
gumline
H ***********
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
See immunizations.
half
For words that incorporate half, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re hyphenated.
For example: half brother. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For example: halfcup. See fractions.
half-and-half
A dairy product.
half-hour
Per American Heritage.
hammer toe
handheld
handhold
handout
handrail
hands and knees
Not all fours.
handwashing
hardworking
HbA1C
Glycated hemoglobin. Make the b lowercase, and capitalize the other letters.
H-2-receptor antagonist/H-2 blocker
Used to reduce stomach acid and symptoms of gastric ulcers.
HDL
High-density lipoprotein. See cholesterol.
he/she
Avoid where possible by using plurals, or use he or she and him or her.
healthcare (noun, adjective)
healthcare coverage
healthcare provider
Healthcare provider is preferred over doctor; doctor is preferred over physician.
health risk appraisal
healthy
Preferred over healthful or healthfully. For example: Eat a healthy diet.
hearing-impaired
DO NOT USE. Use deaf or hard of hearing in text and deaf and hard of hearing with telephone
numbers, per preferred usage of the American Association of the Deaf.
heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when one or more arteries supplying blood to the
heart becomes blocked. Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when a weakened heart
can no longer effectively pump blood. Cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac arrest, occurs when the
heart suddenly stops beating. It can be because of a heart attack or a heart rhythm problem or as a
result of electrocution or other trauma (per AP).
heartbeat
heartburn
heart failure
Use this term, not chronic heart failure or congestive heart failure. NOTE: Congestive heart
failure is a specific type of heart failure that results in a patient retaining excessive fluid, often
leading to swelling of legs and ankles and congestion in the lungs. Use this term only when an
article specifically addresses this form of heart failure.
heart-healthy
Hyphenate: a heart-healthy diet; a diet that is heart-healthy
heart rate
Heimlich maneuver
DO NOT USE. Use abdominal thrusts.
help/helping
Avoid adding “to” after them unless it seems necessary. Use your judgment.
helpline
hemoglobin A1C test
or HbA1C
hemorrhage
hepatitis A and B vaccines
See immunizations.
high and low
When used as part of a compound adjective, use a hyphen. For example, low-dose radiation,
high-quality doctor. But, You may be at high risk for pneumonia.
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
See cholesterol.
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
Hispanic
See ethnic groups.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
DO NOT say HIV virus. Usage: He tested positive for HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus,
which causes AIDS. NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the virus. HIV is acceptable on first
reference.
HIV-positive
home care
home healthcare agency
home page
hotline
housework
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
See HIV.
hyphenation/hyphens (See also compound words, fractions.)
• Looking a word up in the American Heritage is virtually the only way to be sure whether a
permanent compound word is spelled with or without a hyphen.
• Generally, prefixes and suffixes don’t take hyphens: nonmember, preregister, copayment. The
exceptions include compounds that include a capitalized word (un-American), a numeral (pre1940), an already hyphenated term (non-life-threatening), when the prefix ends with the same
vowel that begins the following word (anti-inflammatory), and homographs (re-creation). See
also prefixes.
• For print: Avoid two-letter breaks in hyphenated compounds at the end of a line.
• Don’t hyphenate compounds such as 8 p.m.
• Hyphenate compound modifiers when they appear before the noun, except when the modifier is a
compound noun form that is a nonhyphenated entry in the American Heritage.
I–K * * * * * * * * *
ID card
i.e.
Avoid this abbreviation, which means that is to say. Also not interchangeable with e.g.
immunizations
• combined tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)
• diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) - Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease; tetanus
is also known as lockjaw; pertussis is also known as whooping cough. (DTaP preferred over DTP
per CDC.)
• tetanus-diphtheria (Td)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B (hep B)
• HPV
• inactivated poliovirus (IPV) - the ACIP, AAP, and AAFP recommend that all doses of poliovirus
vaccine be IPV
• influenza (flu)
• measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) - hyphenate this per the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Rubella is also known as German measles.
• oral poliovirus (OPV) - no longer recommended
• pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• rotavirus
• varicella (chickenpox)
iningrown, inpatient. But in-house, in-service.
inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
See immunizations.
Inc.
Generally, do not use in the name of a company that is obviously the name of a company. If you
must use it, do not set off with commas.
including
Do not use this term for a list that is complete. Use only when some items are not included. If the
list is complete, change the verb to are, as in The four team members are Joe, Tim, Steve, and
Mike.
initials
No periods and no space between.
in-line skates
Not Rollerblades (brand name). See Rollerblades.
inpatient, outpatient
in situ
Latin term. Use italics: carcinoma in situ.
intellectual disability
Do not use mental retardation or mentally challenged.
Internet
Net is also acceptable.
irradiate
To treat with radiation.
italics
Try to avoid in text. Instead of, “The term symbiotic means,” use “Symbiotic means . . .”
IUD
You don’t need to spell out first.
IV
You don’t need to spell out first.
Jr./Sr./III
Do not use a comma before them: Martin Luther King Jr. and John Smith III (per AP).
Kebab
Kegel exercises
Use pelvic floor muscle exercises instead.
Kmart
kneecap
knock-knees
L ***********
lab
Do not use laboratory.
Lap-Band
The brand name for a type of minimally invasive weight-loss surgery. Do not use all caps. Per
StayWell style, do not use a registered trademark symbol. See trademarks, etc.
latchkey child
latch-on (noun), latch on (verb)
Latin names
For a complete Latin name, capitalize the genus and lowercase the species: Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli (E.coli). For a reference to a genus alone, rather than a proper Latin
name, lowercase: salmonella, candida, staphylococci. Do not italicize in either case.
layperson
Not layman.
LDL
low-density lipoprotein. See cholesterol.
leading
Do not use hyphen. For example: second leading cause of death.
leafy green vegetables (spinach, romaine, watercress) vs. dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens,
turnip greens, bok choy)
less and more
Do not need hyphens when used as part of a compound adjective. For example: less invasive
procedure.
less than
Use for numbers. Use under for physical location.
life cycle
life expectancy
life span
life support
lifesaver
lifestyle
life-threatening
lifetime
lightheadedness
-like
This suffix no longer takes a hyphen. For the exceptions, see Words Into Type. They include
words that end in l or ll (gull-like); after proper nouns (Disney-like); or after words of three or
more syllables (cauliflower-like).
listing
DO NOT USE. Use list.
lists (See also numbering, bullet style.)
• Within text, generally do not use numerals or letters to separate elements of a simple list or series;
use commas. If enumeration is needed, use numerals or lowercase letters enclosed in parentheses
without periods.
• Lists that are set off from text may use bullets or numerals to separate the items. Use an initial cap
for all bullet items. Always use a period at the end of a bullet item if it forms a complete sentence
by itself. Do not use a period if the item is a phrase or single word.
living will
One kind of advance directive. See advance directive.
log on (verb), logon (noun)
longlong-term, long-time, long-lived
-long
daylong, weeklong, monthlong, yearlong, lifelong
lowlow-fat diet, low-impact aerobics, low-risk behavior, low literacy testing
low back pain
Use instead of lower-back pain.
low-birth-weight baby
But The baby had a low birth weight.
low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
See cholesterol.
lower-extremity occlusion
low-fat cheese
But nonfat milk.
M ***********
magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
mammogram
A photograph of the breasts made by X-rays. The mammogram revealed a tumor.
mammography
The mammogram procedure itself. Schedule a mammography today.
manmade
MD
Doctor of Medicine. A degree, not a person. Incorrect: She is an MD. Correct: She has an MD.
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
See immunizations.
measurements
See numbers.
medical
Be careful not to use this term when health or healthcare should be used. Medical should be used
only when illness or injury is involved.
medical alert bracelet
Not MedicAlert.
medical degrees
MD, DO, OD. See also separate entries and abbreviations and acronyms.
medical terms
Use consumer term followed by medical term in parentheses. For example, belly (abdomen).
medication
Use medicine instead. DO NOT USE drug or drugs when referring to medications.
mental health
Do not hyphenate as an attribute adjective: mental health benefits.
mg/dL
Milligrams per deciliter (cholesterol and blood sugar measurement). Cap L.
mid
Per AP, no hyphen unless a capitalized word follows: mid-Atlantic, midterm. But use when
precedes a figure: The temperature outside is in the mid-90s.
milk
Whole milk (full fat), reduced fat or low-fat (0.5%, 1%, or 2%), and skim (fat-free or nonfat).
mL
Milliliter. Cap L.
mind/body
ministroke
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain.
mmHg
Millimeters of mercury. No space and cap H.
money
Use figures for sums of dollars and cents; use a dollar sign but the word cents: 5 cents, 75 cents,
$20, $9.98, $2,500, but $2 million, $3.5 billion.
more than
Use for numbers. Use over for physical location.
mouthguard
mouthpiece
MRA
magnetic resonance angiography
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
mucous/mucus
Mucous is the adjective; mucus is the noun.
multiNo hyphen: multicellular, multimedia, multinational
MyPlate
Do not use Choose MyPlate.
N ***********
911
Generally, call out by putting in bold or in a separate section/box. Call 911 or your local
emergency number.
Narcotic/narcotics
DO NOT USE. This is the law enforcement term for these the illegal use of these pain reliever
medications. Use opioids or prescription pain medicines instead.
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Use the NCQA when used as noun. Capitalize specific accreditations—Commendable
accreditation—but lowercase accreditation.
National Institutes of Health
Takes singular verb: The National Institutes of Health is working on a study …
Native American
DO NOT USE. Use American Indian instead.
nauseous/nauseated
Something that causes you to feel nauseated is nauseous. You do not feel nauseous. The
nauseous fumes made Bob feel nauseated.
neck ache
needlestick
New Year
Capitalize when referring to the holiday: Make your New Year’s resolutions. Lowercase when
used in the general sense: See you in the new year.
news feed
nonClose up all words with the prefix non (nonfat milk, nonsmoking, nondairy, nonsmoker,
nonprofit), except if the word includes a hyphen (non-life-threatening, non-English-speaking,
non-weight-bearing).
number one priority
number ranges see “ranges”
numbers
Refer to AP.
• Use numerals in bulleted advice or instructions:
o Exercise 3 times a week.
o Repeat 5 times.
• Use numerals for all units of measure (weight, time, speed, dimensions): Recovery may take 6
weeks or longer. The incision may be 1 to 2 inches long.
• Spell out numbers under 10 when used with just two things, as in arms, legs, eyes: Bring in one
leg at a time. Place one hand in front of the other. You can have the test in one of two ways.
• Spell out numbers under 10 when they are used idiomatically: Fish and beans are two good
choices.
Use numerals for ratios (1 in 10 chance) and grades (4th-grader, 10th-grader). Use figures for
ages, dates, percentages, money, mathematical computations, time (2 p.m., 2 hours), formulas,
proportions (3 parts milk to 1 part chocolate), and millions and billions (3 million).
• Never begin a sentence with a numeral. Spell it out or restructure the sentence: Three hundred
and sixty-five days make up a year can become There are 365 days in a year.
• Use Arabic numerals for divisions, volumes, parts, and the like: Healthy Pregnancy, Part 1. Also
use Arabic numerals with disease phases and stages (a phase 5 epidemic, stage 1 cancer) and
health plan tiers (a tier 2 drug).
• Don’t use zeros with even-dollar amounts ($4.50 in advance, $5 at the door).
• Say a 10% discount on, a $10 savings on, save $10 on, but 10% off, $10 off.
• Fractions: Use a super and subscript, if possible (½). Otherwise, use numbers and slash (1/2). Use
hyphens when using a measurement as a word. For example: 8-by-9-inch.
• Always use comma in 4-digit numbers (and greater)
• Always use the percent symbol (%) instead of the word, in both text and charts. Repeat symbol
after each number in a range, for example, 45% to 50%.
nurse-midwife, nurse-midwives, certified nurse-midwife
•
O ***********
ob-gyn
Short for obstetrics/gynecology and obstetrician/gynecologist.
OD
Doctor of Optometry
offline
off-site
OK
Not okay.
omega-3s
on call
No hyphen unless used as an adjective: The doctor is on call. The on-call doctor can answer your
questions.
one out of every/one in…
Takes a singular verb. One in four dentists recommends this toothpaste. One out every four
children in the U.S. is overweight.
online
on-site
Hyphenate as adjective/adverb; don’t hyphenate as preposition. There is a doctor on
site. The on-site doctor is in.
onto/on to
Climb onto the table. But sign on to get fitness rewards.
open heart surgery
No hyphens.
ophthalmology
opioids
Use this term or prescription pain medicines, not narcotics. Opiods is the medical term for these
pain relieving medications.
oral poliovirus (OPV)
No longer recommended. See immunizations.
orthopedics
Not orthopaedics. But don’t change Orthopaedics in an organization’s or department’s formal
name.
outpatient, inpatient
over/under
Over and under refer to spatial relationships. He walked under the bridge. She flew over the
ocean. Try to avoid these words when referring to ages, quantities, etc., Use older than/younger
than, more than/less than, instead:
• All women older than age 40, rather than all women over 40.
• A bagel weighing less than 2 ounces, rather than a bagel weighing under 2 ounces.
• More than 1 million people, rather than over 10 million people.
over the counter (adverb), over-the-counter (adjective) (OTC)
Drugs that you buy over the counter are over-the-counter drugs.
P ***********
PA
physician assistant
Pap test
Preferred over Pap smear. Pap exam is the entire exam, including the pelvic exam. Cap the P for
Papanicolaou.
papillomavirus
parentheses
Use parentheses sparingly to enclose parenthetical material. Never use a comma before an open
(leading) parenthesis, although a comma can follow a close parenthesis. Periods go inside a close
parenthesis if the contained material is completely separated from the preceding material by a
period; periods go outside if the material is attached to preceding material. If you’re using both
brackets and parentheses, the correct notation is parentheses outside of brackets.
NOTE: Always use parentheses in pairs. In enumerating items in text, enclose the numbers or
lowercase letters in parentheses: Among other things, copy editors are responsible for (1) correct
spelling, (2) correct grammar, (3) correct punctuation, and (4) correct word usage. If
enumerated items are broken out into vertical list form, use numbers or letters followed by a
period: Copy editors are responsible for what some consider the four most important things in
published materials:
1. Correct spelling
2. Correct grammar
3. Correct punctuation
4. Correct word usage
patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA)
peak-flow meter
pelvic floor muscle exercises
Can use Kegels in parentheses after this term.
people
Use people instead of patient.
percent
See numbers.
period
Use periods in lists when items are complete sentences and begin with a capital letter. Periods go
inside quotation marks, and they go outside parentheses except when the entire sentence is inside
parentheses.
person with cancer (or other disease condition)
Do not use cancer patient. Use person with cancer. Do not use diabetic. Use person with
diabetes.
PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy
phone numbers
Do not use parentheses; a hyphen should be used between the area code and the number. Do not
use a “1” before toll-free numbers. All phone numbers used in online content should be verified.
physician
In text, healthcare provider is preferred over doctor; doctor is preferred over physician.
physician assistant (PA)
pigeon toes (noun), pigeon-toed (adjective)
the pill
Oral contraceptive. Birth control pill is preferred.
plurals
• Figures: Add s. For example: The custom began in the 1920s. The airline has two 727s.
Temperatures will be in the low 20s. There were five size 7s.
• Single letters: Use ’s. For example: Mind your p’s and q’s. He learned the three R’s and brought
home a report card with four A’s and two B’s. The Oakland A’s won the pennant. Catch your z’s
tonight.
• Multiple letters: Add s. For example: She knows her ABCs. I gave him five IOUs. Four VIPs were
there.
• See AP for further discussion.
p.m.
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
See immunizations.
Pneumovax
Brand name for pneumococcal/pneumonia vaccine.
podcast
PO Box
poison control center
postNo hyphen: postanesthesia, postnasal, postnatal, posttraumatic. But post-op.
prediabetes
prefixes
Almost all words formed with prefixes are written closed (no hyphen). The exceptions include
compounds that include a capitalized word (un-American), a numeral (pre-1940), an already
hyphenated term (post-latency-period), and homographs (re-creation). Check American Heritage
for other exceptions.
Hyphenate words where the prefix ends with the same vowel as the word begins with (antiinflammatory).
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
preventive
Not preventative.
preventive care
or preventive healthcare. Not preventive health.
primary care physician, primary care provider
No hyphen.
prior to
DO NOT USE. Use before.
pronouns
All language should be gender-inclusive; avoid him/her, he/she whenever possible. Use plural
forms (them, they) instead, or he or she and him or her. BUT make sure that the subject and
object are in agreement. Wrong: When your child has a fever, make sure they are comfortable.
Right: When your child has a fever, make sure he or she is comfortable.
Use second person (you) whenever it makes sense, unless the article is specifically written for a
caregiver.
-proof
No hyphen: childproof, foolproof, waterproof
prostate-specific antigen test
pursed-lip breathing
Q ***********
Q&A
quarter
For words that incorporate quarter, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re
hyphenated. For example: quarter hour. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For
example: quarter-century. See fractions.
quitline
quotation marks
• Do not use to set off technical terms or new terms. If you need to call attention to the term, use
bold the first time it is used in an article.
• Generally, commas and periods go inside quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside. Set
quotation marks outside of exclamation points and question marks that are part of the quotation;
inside of exclamation points and question marks that are not. She said, “Where are you going?”
but What did they mean by saying, “I’ve gone there before”?
• Use single quotation marks to enclose quoted matter within a quotation.
R ***********
ranges
In text, always use the word “to” instead of hyphens: 3 mg to 5 mg; in charts, tables, and graphs,
OK to use hyphens.
RDA
Recommended dietary allowance. This is being replaced by the dietary reference intake (DRI).
recipes
For steps, make sure ingredients are listed in the same order as the ingredients list.
servings and serving size
• Include number of servings (Serves 4 or 4 servings) and size of serving (serving size is 1
cup). Example: Serves 4; serving size is one chicken breast and ½ cup vegetables.
• Serving size figure: Use figures for all. For example: Serves 8. Serves 12.
measurements
• Use numerals for ingredient amounts in both ingredients list and direction steps. Add 2
tablespoons and stir for 2 minutes.
• Use abbreviations (2 tsp sugar) in ingredients list, but spell out in steps (add 2 teaspoons of
sugar).
• Common abbreviations:
teaspoon: tsp
tablespoon: tbsp
cup: cup
gallon: gal
milligram: mg
ounce: ounce
•
pound: pound
Measurement figure should refer to the specific item. For example: 1 green pepper, chopped,
BUT 1 cup chopped green pepper.
Use hyphens when using a measurement as a word. For example: 8-by-9-inch.
•
Per Serving
• The items in the Per Serving should be listed in the order of the Nutrition Facts label:
Calories
Total fat
Saturated fat
Trans fat
Cholesterol
Sodium
Total carbohydrate
Dietary fiber
Sugars
Protein
record keeping
registered nurse (RN)
registration marks/trademarks
Use only at the request of clients or trademark holders.
rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
Used for the management of soft-tissue stress or injury.
retweet
Reye syndrome
rib cage
risk: at risk for, not of
Other uses: use of before a gerund (your risk of developing), use for before a noun (your risk for
high blood pressure); when at risk appears in a headline, both words should be capped.
RN
registered nurse
Rollerblades
DO NOT USE. Use in-line skates. Rollerblades is the brand name. See in-line skates.
RSS
S ***********
Saint John’s wort
salmonella
See Latin names.
saltshaker
saltwater
same-day surgery
seasons
Use lowercase unless part of a formal name: I’m going to the beach this summer. In summer 1999
I went to Venice. She is competing in the Summer Olympics. See the Summer 2001 issue of
Digest.
seat belt
secondhand
selfAlways hyphenated: self-care, self-image
semicolons
Limit use for readability. Better to break up the two main clauses into separate sentences or revise
so a semicolon is not needed.
seniors
DO NOT USE. Use mature adults or older adults instead.
sexist language
All language must be gender inclusive; avoid him/her, he /she wherever possible. Using genderinclusive language, however, is not an excuse for using pronouns that do not agree. Neither John
nor Judy would lend me his toothbrush is sexist. Neither John nor Judy would lend me their
toothbrush is grammatically incorrect. In this case, simply avoid the possessive pronoun: Neither
John nor Judy would lend me a toothbrush.
side effects
Not hyphenated.
-sized (adjective, used in combination)
Not size: medium-sized house. Midsized, but pocket-sized.
sleeved
long-sleeved shirt
slogans, mottoes, etc.
Use quotation marks and cap first word: Forget the slogan “No pain, no gain.”
soft tissue injury
Not hyphenated.
smartphone
smoking-cessation program/classes
so, so that
Use so that when meaning in order that or with the result that and do not precede it with a
comma: We took the shortcut through the woods so that we would not be late for supper. Use so
when meaning consequently or therefore and do precede it with a comma (a little like that and
which): We had already missed supper, so we took the long way home.
Social Security number
SPF
For sun protection factor. Use abbreviation.
spokesperson
Use only if sex unknown; otherwise use spokesman or spokeswoman.
staff
Usually takes singular verb. See collective nouns.
stage of disease
Use lower-case “s” followed by Arabic numeral: stage 2 cancer.
stomachache
stye
strength training (noun); strength-training (adjective); strength-train (verb)
substance abuse
Do not hyphenate as an attributive adjective: substance abuse therapist.
sunscreen
Not sunblock.
symptom
Traditionally, a symptom is a subjective sensation; it’s what a patient feels or notices. Symptoms
of the flu include tiredness and achiness. A sign is objective evidence of a condition or disease
that a doctor would recognize. A sign can be noticed by a patient—a skin rash, for instance. Or it
may only be observed by the doctor. High blood pressure, for instance, is found only by using a
blood pressure cuff/monitor. Today, symptom is becoming more of a catch-all term for both
symptoms and signs. We still try to include both terms in a list if signs are among the items. Call
your doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
syndrome
Always lowercase: Down syndrome.
T ***********
tai chi
talk with, not to
Talk with your doctor about scheduling a mammogram.
target heart rate range
Equals 60% to 80% of heart’s maximum capacity (220 minus your age).
Td/Tdap
See immunizations.
TDD
Telecommunications device for the deaf. In most cases, TTY will be accurate (not TDD).
tearsheet
temperature
No space between degree symbol and F and C. Indicate Fahrenheit temp first, followed by
Celsius temp in parentheses: 100.4°F (38°C).
For “When to Call the Doctor” section write as follows:
English: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Spanish: Fiebre de 100.4°F (38°C) o más alta
tendonitis
tetanus-diphtheria (Td)
See immunizations.
that
Do not use that for people; use who or whom. For example: a child who is ill.
thirdhand
3-D
Not three-dimensional.
TIA (transient ischemic attack)
Ministroke, a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain.
time
• Use numerals for clock time, followed by a.m. or p.m. (lowercase; no spaces): The office hours
are from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Don’t repeat a.m. or p.m. in an interval: The fair runs from 2 to 5
p.m. The classes are between noon and 3 p.m.
• In text, use noon and midnight. Never use 12 a.m. or 12 p.m.
• Don’t use zeros for time on the hour (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Use to for intervals.
time-consuming
timesaving
time zones
Capitalize the full name of the time in force within a particular zone: Eastern Standard Time,
Eastern Daylight Time, daylight saving time. Lowercase all but the region in short forms:
Mountain time, Pacific time. The abbreviations EST, CDT, and so on are acceptable on first
reference for zones used within the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico only if the abbreviation
is linked with a clock reading: 2:30 a.m. EST, 9 p.m. PST.
tinnitus
titles, courtesy (Mr., Mrs.)
DO NOT USE
titles, personal
Initial cap when they precede a person’s name: Medical Director Jane Doe. Lowercase when
they follow a name: Jane Doe, medical director. Lowercase when used generically: Jane Doe,
Health Plan’s medical director or Health Plan's medical director, Jane Doe.
titles, publications
Italicize books, TV shows, movies, brochures, pamphlets, periodicals (no quotation marks—
exception to AP). With magazine and journal titles, “the” should be lowercased and roman (the
New York Times). Exception: The Lancet.
TLC
Therapeutic lifestyle changes; TLC takes singular verb.
TM disorders
TM joint
DO NOT USE TMJ.
to-do list
toll-free
See phone numbers for style on toll-free numbers.
touch-tone phone
toward
Not towards.
trademarks, etc.
In general, do not use.
transesophageal
trans fat, trans fats, trans fatty acids
All OK.
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A ministroke, a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain.
trending
Acceptable as a verb.
triglyceride (adjective), triglycerides (noun)
Triglyceride level, but, triglycerides are a form of fat.
tweet, tweeting, tweeted
Acceptable verbs. See also retweet.
type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 is known as non-insulindependent diabetes. Do not use adult-onset diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes.
U–V * * * * * * * * *
under way
Almost always two words; one word only as an adjective: an underway project.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
unfriend, unfollow
-up
flare-up, follow-up, sit-up, start-up, warm-up. But backup, buildup, checkup, cleanup, lineup,
pushup, touchup, workup.
up-to-date (adjective)
Hyphenate before and after verb: an up-to-date style; keep copy editors up-to-date in style.
urogynecological
U.S.
With periods. Use as both an adjective and a noun.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
As of February 1, 1999, the CPSC tests bicycle helmets for their ability to protect the head from
injury and administers safety standards. Helmets that meet impact standards have a CPSC label
inside. Don’t use ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or ASTM (American Society for
Testing and Materials).
USDA
Abbreviation for U.S. Department of Agriculture; abbreviation acceptable on first reference.
utilize
DO NOT USE. Use use instead.
UVA, UVB
Ultraviolet light: A is long wavelength, B is intermediate, C is short.
vaccine
Do not use vaccination.
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
varicella
Another name for the virus that causes chickenpox and often used as the name for the vaccine.
The full term is varicella zoster virus, but don’t use full term. See immunizations.
veggies
Use sparingly. Vegetables is preferred.
venous
versus/vs.
Use vs.
Veteran
Cap V for custom work only. Otherwise, veteran is correct in referring to someone who has
served in the U.S. military.
vitamins
Lowercase vitamin and use a dash between the letter and number: vitamin B-12.
vulgarity
DO NOT USE any word or term labeled or noted as considered vulgar in American Heritage.
W–Z * * * * * * * *
Walgreens, Wal-Mart
-ward
Not -wards: afterward, toward
warm-up (noun), warm up (verb)
the Web, World Wide Web
webcast
web page
website
weight-loss group, weight-loss surgery
well
If it follows the verb to be, hyphenate it. For example: Her shoes were well-worn. Also hyphenate
if it’s used as an adjective. For example: She wore well-worn shoes.
well-baby, well-child, well-woman
well-being
wheelchair
which
Use to introduce a nonessential clause. Nonessential clauses are set off by commas. If you
remove a nonessential clause, the meaning of the sentence is unchanged. For example: Vaccines,
which are an important part of staying healthy, are available at your doctor’s office. (See also
that.)
whole-grain bread
whole-wheat bread
-wide
No hyphen: nationwide, companywide, statewide
words as words
In general, don’t italicize. If you need to call out a medical term on first reference, make it bold.
workNo hyphen: workbook, workday, workforce, workload, workshop, workup.
workers’ compensation
work out (verb); workout (noun)
worksite, workplace, workforce
workup (noun)
X-ray (noun and verb)
ZIP code
z’s For example: Catch some z’s tonight.
PRINT ADDENDUM
Boldface •
•
•
•
Boldface technical/medical terms when they are defined only if they are going to be used again in the document. This allows the reader to quickly find the term and definition if they’ve forgotten what it means. BF any abbreviation or version of the term that will be used in the booklet. ◦ After surgery, you may see a physical therapist (PT) for a guided exercise program. ◦ An arthroscope (scope) is a thin tube with a light and camera attached. Do not BF the definition that follows. Bold punctuation follows type. Boldface parentheses that lead or follow bold words. Do not boldface parentheses when the first or last words are not bold. Opening and closing parens must match—both bold or both light face. ◦ Soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) support the joint and make the knee stable. ◦ Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) is common with COPD. Capitalization of Print Heads and Titles These take initial caps in: • First and last words • Nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs (including all “be” verbs: Are, Be, Is) • Subordinating conjunctions (including If, Because, As, That) • Prepositions o Prepositions of 5 or more letters (About, After, Through, Within) o Prepositions that are an inseparable part of the verb (Check In, Give Up, Try Out o Prepositions in certain noun phrases (At Risk, On Target o Don’t capitalize “to” with infinitive • Second part of hyphenated word if equally important element (Pre-­‐Op, Follow-­‐Up) Copyright line NOTE: Two spaces before and after the phone number. Bold URL and phone. Periods in phone number. ©2015 The StayWell Company, LLC. www.kramesstore.com 800.333.3032 All rights reserved. Made in the USA. For booklets: For brochures: Degree symbol No space between degree symbol and F and C: 100.4 °F (38°C). Always: Fahrenheit temp (Celsius temp) Disclaimer Standard disclaimer for print medical titles This booklet [brochure, tearsheet, product, etc.] is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. NOTE: Disclaimer wording may vary from the above. Consult with Editor. Leaders and Labels Used for anatomical parts and surgical tools Check that labels have a leader Labels are initial capped. If on two lines, second line is not capped (unless word requires it). Resources Only national non-­‐profit or governmental agencies. List the name, toll-­‐free public telephone number if available, and website URL. (See “Website URLs” below.) Do not list mailing addresses. List phone numbers with dashes (NOTE: this is not consistent with copyright phone number) Subheads on Cover • Should have initial caps following same rules as heads inside booklet. • Style will be determined by Editors and may differ from specialty to specialty. NOTE: Discuss inconsistencies with Editor. Website URLs • URLs should be listed in as much detail so that end-­‐user can easily access the target information within one or two mouse clicks. • If Spanish is available, list URL that will lead reader to that on the Spanish product • NOTE: If URL is the last word/phrase in a complete sentence, use a period after the URL. Widows Rewrite or re-­‐rag to avoid when possible. Avoid the following widows: • A line consisting of one word (unless line length is short) • A line consisting of the continuation of a hyphenated word • A line less than ¼ of the width of the paragraph