Writing for US and UK Health Publications
by Rachel Newcombe
Health and fitness are universal concerns. People want to look after their health, keep fit and learn about new treatments and therapies. Consequently, there are a growing number of health and fitness publications in the U.S. and UK that offer opportunities for writers worldwide.
Although many publications carry health-related news, specialist publications provide an in-depth look at specific health concerns, illnesses, new treatments, advances in medicine, ways to keep fit and advice for readers. Magazines are focusing increasingly on complementary medicines and therapies (including practices such as yoga and tai chi, and treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture), and there has been a definite change over the years in the acceptability and interest in this area. Some magazines, such as Positive Health and Here's Health in the UK and Natural Living Today in the US, focus on alternative/complementary medicine, while other titles regularly include references to alternatives.
The health and fitness market used to be dominated by publications designed for women, but in recent years there has been a growing trend of magazines aimed at male readers. Obviously this is a positive move for writers, as it opens up further opportunities. The men's publications are surprisingly similar to those aimed at women, except that the workouts and fitness regimes are devised specifically for men.
Many health publications prefer writers who are experts in their chosen fields. Don't despair, however, as there are still opportunities even if you aren't an expert and don't have a specialty. Writers who have contributed to health and fitness magazines in their country of residence will be at a definite advantage when tackling international publications, as will those who are able to accurately research and write the type of material favoured by individual magazines.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest health and fitness news and developments is crucial. Luckily the Internet makes this task far easier, and enables international writers to keep track of news in foreign countries (see Resources, below). It is also important when writing for international publications to remember that the availability and use of some drugs varies between countries. For example, Melatonin is used for treating certain conditions and is freely available for purchase in the U.S., but is not obtainable in the UK. It is thus imperative to check all factual information before submitting your article to health publications.
Typical articles found in health and fitness publications tend to focus on various aspects of fitness, sports, complementary medicine and therapies; particular injuries or illnesses; and health in general.
Fitness. Articles relating to fitness typically provide details of new workouts, tips on mastering particular techniques, workouts for certain muscles, and how a healthy diet can aid fitness. The UK and U.S. versions of Men's Fitness magazine, for example, have regular sections devoted to general gym, sports and general fitness articles.
Sports. Articles often profile particular sports. Sport-related articles in health and fitness magazines recently have included skiing, kick boxing, snowboarding, water sports, tai chi and even juggling!
Alternative/Complementary Medicine and Therapies. The primary focus of the U.S. magazine Natural Health Today and UK's Positive Health and Here's Health magazines are complementary/alternative medicine and therapies. Articles covered by these publications either take an in-depth look at one particular medicine or therapy (such as acupuncture or Bach Flower Remedies), or look at several different therapies, perhaps considering how each can offer help to sufferers of particular conditions. (E.g., Here's Health recently ran article on how Candida can be helped by kinesiology, homeopathy and nutrition.) Some opportunities for similar articles exist in other publications, but rarely more than one or two in a single issue.
Injuries or Illness. Many articles focus on particular injuries or illnesses: what causes them, the effects and how they can be helped. Typical examples include back pain, RSI, asthma, SAD, stress and arthritis.
General Health. General health articles are popular and tend to offer such things as tips for improving your health, relieving stress, relaxation, ways to stay healthy, boosting your energy, eating healthily and nutrition. Often, anything not covered by the other categories is likely to fit under the general health category.
Other Possibilities. Many treatments, particularly new complementary therapies and fitness-related activities, often gain popularity abroad prior to reaching the UK. There is often a market in the UK for articles highlighting new U.S. health and fitness trends; for instance, a UK magazine recently carried an article on the U.S. fitness trend of mall-walking. Also, don't forget that other general publications, both in the UK and the U.S., often include health and fitness articles.
In general, writing for health and fitness magazines can be a demanding but highly enjoyable experience. It is a popular market, both with readers and writers, and offers many opportunities for writers wanting to explore this field.
MARKET DETAILS
U.S. Publications
American Fitness
15250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200
Sherman Oaks CA 91403
Tel: 818-905-0040;
Fax: 818-990-5468
Editor: Dr. Meg Jordan (americanfitness@afaa.com
http://www.americanfitness.com/
This bimonthly magazine focuses on fitness, health and nutrition. Likes in-depth, well researched articles, but doesn't want first-person accounts.
Body and Soul
Editorial Department
Body+Soul
601 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
http://www.wholeliving.com/about-body-and-soul-magazine
Bi-monthly magazine aimed at helping people live healthier, more balanced lives. Topics covered include nutrition, integrative medicine, organic living, mind/body issues and self-help. Guidelines available.
Fitness Magazine
Meredith Corporation
125 Park Avenue, 25th floor
New York, NY 10017
Managing Editor: Kathy Green
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com
Aimed at women, this monthly publication covers fitness, health, nutrition and beauty issues.
Health
Time Inc.
211 Lakeshore Dr.
Birmingham AL 35209
http://www.health.com/health/service/magazine
Published nine times a year, this magazine covers health, fitness and nutrition topics. Likes unusual, well-researched articles. Submit article ideas via the Feedback page.
Men's Health
Men's Health Online
733 Third Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Peter Moore, Editor
http://www.menshealth.com
The magazine focuses on men's health and fitness issues. Topics covered include nutrition, relationships, mental and physical health and well-being. Published 10 times a year. Send story ideas to MHletters@Rodale.com
Shape Magazine
Weider Publications Inc.
21100 Erwin St.
Woodland Hills CA 91367
Tel: 818-595-0593;
Fax: 818-704-7620
Editorial Director: Anne Russell
http://www.shapemag.com
Aimed at women, this monthly magazine covers topics such as fitness, sports, nutrition and health. Prefers established writers.
Women's Health
Women's Health Online
733 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Amy Van Deusen, Editor - WHOnline@womenshealthmag.com
Queries: tellus@womenshealthmag.com
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/
Yoga Journal
475 Sansome St. Ste. 850
San Francisco, CA 94111-3135
Tel: 415-591-0555
Queries: queries@yogajournal.com
http://www.yogajournal.com
Guidelines
Bi-monthly magazine. The primary focus is on yoga, but it also covers nutrition, diet, natural skin care and cooking. Guidelines are available.
UK Publications. (Note for US writers: When dialing a UK number, dial the access code and country code, and omit the (0): 011-44-number. When writing from the US, be sure to include "UK" after the address listed.)
Health and Fitness Magazine
Highbury wViP
53 - 79 Highgate Road
London NW5 1TW
Tel: +44 (0) 7331 1184;
Fax: +44 (0) 7331 1108
http://www.healthandfitnessonline.co.uk/
Monthly publication. The main areas covered are fitness, health and nutrition.
Here's Health
Endeavour House
189 Shaftesbury Avenue
London, WC2H 8JG
Tel: +44 (0) 20 74379011
Monthly magazine focuses on alternative/complementary medicine, nutrition, organics and wholefoods. Expert contributions favoured.
Men's Health
7-10 Chandos Street
London W1G 9AD
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7291 6000;
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7291 6053
Editor: Simon Geller
http://www.menshealth.co.uk/
Monthly. Covers health, fitness, lifestyle, nutrition, stress and sex.
Natural Health and Well-being
Aceville Publications Ltd
Castle House,
97 High Street
Colchester,
Essex CO1 1TH
Tel: +44 (0) 1206 505 971
Monthly. Focusing on a range of natural ways of taking care of health and well-being.
Positive Health
Positive Health Publications Ltd
105 Madeira Road
Portsmouth PO2 0SY
Tel: +44 02392 653267 - Direct Line;
Fax: +44 02392 699980
Editor and Director: Sandra Goodman, Ph.D. (sandra@positivehealth.com)
http://www.positivehealth.com
Monthly magazine. Focuses on complementary medicine/therapies and natural health care. Prefers experts, but some opportunities for general freelancers.
Zest
National Magazine House
72 Broadwick Street
London W1V 2BP UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7439 5000;
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7312 3750
http://www.zest.co.uk
Monthly women's magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, beauty and well-being.
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Rachel Newcombe is an award-winning UK-based writer, editor and researcher. She contributes news, features and reviews to a wide range of publications, including BUPA, Allergy magazine, Discovery Health, Child Education magazine, Channel 4, UKTV, Families First for Health, Moira Allen's TimeTravel-Britain.com, and Berkshire's County Child. She's currently editor of a women's health website and involved in the launch of a new lifestyle magazine. She can be found on the web at: http://www.newcombe.co.uk/media.
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