We know that people turn to user-generated content on social media to research their health concerns, but how influential is this health information?
And, more importantly, how does this type of influence impact the health content we create?
Want to transition to freelance life? Ask yourself these questions first
If you’re contemplating a move from working as an employed health writer to working for yourself, it’s important to realise the magnitude of this decision. Working as a freelance health writer has the potential to change your hours, job purpose and even personal life.
How health buzzwords trick consumers: Research
Health buzzwords like ‘protein’, ‘paleo’ and ‘organic’ are used by marketers as key selling points for many of today’s health products. Yet these words can also trick consumers into believing a product is healthier than it really is.
Health literacy in South Africa – research from a local province
As health writers, we need to recognise and understand the social factors that limit health literacy so we can help our readers understand our health information. We can do this by looking at the key outcomes from a range of health literacy research into both local and global communities.
Communication between healthcare professionals – which channels work?
As health writers, we need to identify the ideal medium to share our key messages to our target audience to ensure our writing influences health outcomes.
How processing fluency can design health messages and materials
While quality medical evidence underlies accurate health writing, clear writing helps the information translate easily – enter the concept of ‘processing fluency’.
Writing for teens and supporting informed decision-making
New research provides insight into how we can help high-school students understand health information and make better-informed health decisions.
Help people quit smoking with short and sweet messages
A study recently published in the Journal of Health Communication has looked at warning labels on cigarette packages in the Netherlands.
Community engagement benefits health communication
Digital educational interventions play a huge role in helping to educate community members outside the boundaries of traditional clinical care.
Parenting and freelance writing
Here are few tips to help you manage your freelancing health writing career and your parenting obligations.
Overcoming writing anxiety – tips for beginner writers
Even the most experienced writers will feel trepidation when starting new projects or work – here’s how to control those nervous thoughts.
How to retain freelance clients and secure ongoing work
If you haven’t yet developed a business plan for client retention, it helps to have some strategies in place for securing your freelance income from your existing business.
The voice recorder apps you need in your writing toolkit
Here’s how to find the most useful apps for recording audio or video interviews.
Referencing software: EndNote or Mendeley?
Confused about referencing software? We break it down.
When to use case studies in your writing
In our final article in our series on clinical evidence, we’re going to consider case studies and when to use them in your writing.