Megan Austwick
I have been writing and editing professionally since 2017, covering a range of topics, including health and wellness, pet care and behavior, and technology. I am particularly passionate about content that destigmatizes mental health and chronic conditions, incorporates real-life experiences, and offers practical tips that readers can apply to their own health journeys.
When working on a new piece, I like to start by familiarizing myself with the topic or refreshing my knowledge of it. This typically includes reading the most recent research and checking forums to see what information real people are seeking.
When suitable, I try to incorporate features such as medical images that show real, inclusive examples of how health conditions can look on different people, as well as actionable next steps, including links to find a local specialist or support group.
I feel passionate about making health and wellness content accessible and easy to understand. At Healthline, we aim to focus on clarity, inclusivity, and clear citations that allow readers to delve deeper if they wish. Each article I write is checked by a medical professional from Healthline’s medical affairs team with experience in that area, ensuring the highest accuracy and most up-to-date information.
My passion for creating reliable health information is, in part, due to having multiple chronic conditions myself. I know, firsthand, the importance of empathetic, respectful language and concise, transparent information when you’re learning about your health.
What does medically reviewed content mean?
As part of my editorial and writing process, I dedicate a lot of time to finding high quality studies and reviews, and translating complex health information into lay terms.
This article on Healthline Group’s site, Medical News Today (MNT), gave me the opportunity to share this process with readers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically assess medical content online for accuracy and offering next steps when reliable information is unavailable.
Read It Here: What does medically reviewed content mean?
What health responsibilities does an employer have?
Chronic conditions can affect all aspects of life, and it can feel challenging to advocate for yourself at work if you need more support. In this article on MNT, I sourced key employment health laws and summarized people’s rights in simple terms.
I hope the practical examples of occupational support and tips for speaking with an employer about health will help readers feel empowered to advocate for themselves and understand their options.
Read It Here: What health responsibilities does an employer have?
7 Tips to Create a Home Pamper Session
Stress is a trigger for so many health conditions. In this article, I curated seven easy self-care strategies people can use at home to reduce stress and look after themselves. This piece was part of our 30-Days of Winter Wellness challenge, an initiative I was proud to be part of, as it offered structured, actionable wellness tips that were easy for our readers to try out.
Read It Here: 7 Tips to Create a Home Pamper Session
What is a digital detox?
In an age with almost constant exposure to technology, burnout is increasingly common, and is something I have personal experience of. For this article on MNT, I was able to interview real people with similar experiences and incorporate their stories to provide additional insights for readers. I also hope that the practical tips for starting a digital detox will help readers who wish to try one.
Read It Here: What is a digital detox?
What does inflammatory breast cancer look like in early stages?
For this article on MNT, I included a slideshow of medical images, which showcases symptoms on a range of skin tones. Cancer can be a scary topic, and having inclusive visual examples of symptoms may help people feel justified in seeking help if they previously felt uncertain.
Read It Here: What does inflammatory breast cancer look like in early stages?