Why We Use a 6th-Grade Reading Level at Atlee Wellness

At Atlee Wellness, we keep our writing clear and easy to follow. You’ll notice that our blog, resources, and membership content are written at about a 6th-grade reading level — and that choice is very intentional.

Not because the information is “simple,” but because understanding health shouldn’t feel confusing or intimidating.

Health information is often full of long explanations, medical terms, and language that’s hard to apply in real life. When that happens, people can feel overwhelmed, shut down, or unsure where to start. We want the opposite experience.

We want you to feel supported, included, and capable as you learn about your health.

Here’s why clear language matters to us…

1. Health Information Is Often Harder Than It Needs to Be

Many adults struggle with medical language, scientific jargon, or explanations that feel overly complex. Clear writing helps people understand information more quickly and actually use it.

Learning about your health shouldn’t feel like taking a test or trying to decode a textbook.

2. It Respects Busy, Real-Life Schedules

Most people are balancing a lot…work, family, caregiving, stress, or full schedules that don’t leave much extra time.

Clear, simple language makes it easier to read something once, understand it, and move on with your day. You don’t need to reread or translate it in your head before it makes sense.

3. It Makes Learning More Inclusive

When information is easy to understand, it can be shared across ages and life stages. Clear language supports:

• teens and young adults

• parents and caregivers

• people returning to learning

• anyone who feels new to health education

It enables people to talk about and explore wellness together.

4. It Reduces Shame and Builds Confidence

No one should feel embarrassed when learning about their own body or health. When language feels complicated, people may assume the problem is them, not the information.

Clear writing creates safety. It helps people feel more confident, more curious, and more willing to keep learning.

5. Clear Language Can Still Be Science-Based

Using a 6th-grade reading level doesn’t mean the information is watered down.

Everything at Atlee Wellness is evidence-informed, reviewed for accuracy, and created with care. We simply explain things in a way that feels usable, not overwhelming.

Science matters… but so does understanding it!

6. It Supports People Facing Real Barriers

My background in social work and workforce development has shown me how many people face barriers that make learning more difficult, including limited time, high stress, unstable housing and schedules, learning differences, or limited access to healthcare.

Clear language helps remove one of those barriers. It makes health education more accessible and more humane.

Choosing accessible language isn’t just a writing style. It’s a way of showing respect. We choose calm, clear language so you can learn, grow, and feel confident in your health. 

Want to take your health to the next level?

Join the Self-Health Membership today! Click here to learn more.