Daily Archives: May 27, 2020

How to Make Money as a Healthcare Writer

Are you knowledgeable in the field of healthcare? Combine that knowledge with good writing skills and you have the formula for a winning freelance writing business. There’s a strong market for people who have the knowledge and expertise to be a good healthcare writer. Even if you’ve never been to medical school if you have basic health knowledge and a knack for the written word, there’s likely a market for your work. This is your Guide to Marketing Your Med Spa and how you can hone your skills as a medical writer. 

As a healthcare writer, who needs your services? There is a multitude of doctors who need printed information to give to their patients. A doctor may also be interested in publishing a book or article on his or her area of expertise but may not have the time to do the research and writing themselves. You could offer your services as a medical ghostwriter or editor to doctors in your area who want to establish their credibility as an expert.

Another niche for a healthcare writer is publishing monthly newsletters for local doctor’s offices. Doctors need a way to keep in touch with their patients and a newsletter provides an effective way of reminding patients of the services they offer. You could also write a newsletter and market it to a variety of doctors, leaving room for them to personalize it with their name and logo. Your newsletter could include seasonally relevant medical information such as the importance of getting a flu shot as well as general information such as how to lower cholesterol levels. Many doctors would like to offer a newsletter to their patients but don’t have the time or resources to write it.

Doctors aren’t your only potential market as a healthcare writer. Other healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, osteopathic doctors, pharmacists, and alternative medical practitioners could use your services too. Once you’ve tackled these smaller markets and gained some experience, you could approach larger markets such as hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. Hospitals and drug companies may be interested in having you write information for brochures, manuals, product-related literature, or press releases.

Start by approaching the offices of local health care providers in your area to find out what their needs are. Be sure to have a professional business card that discusses the services you offer as a healthcare writer. Carry a portfolio that shows samples of your writing along with any awards you’ve won and health-related information you’ve published.

Before you offer your services as a healthcare writer, be sure you have good medical research skills as well as the desire to keep abreast of the latest medical studies. It’s important to include references when you write professional medical articles to support your statements. It may help to take a course on medical writing if you don’t have extensive experience writing in the healthcare field.

If health information is your interest and writing is your passion, a career as a healthcare writer may be a perfect match.

A Lesson in Skin Irritants

Some of our skincare products contain ingredients that can actually be irritating to our skin. This is just another reason why it is important to read the label and the product ingredients before buying or using them. These irritants are not just bad for people with sensitive skin; they can also be irritating to those with perfectly normal skin. Be mindful of what you are doing to your skin when you think you are caring for it and it will be good for you too.

Although it might help make you think your skincare routine is working, your skin does not have to tingle or feel at all like it is being stimulated to actually be getting properly cleaned. It especially should not hurt your skin, whatever your routine may be. Scrubbing your skin until it is raw will not make it any clearer; it will just make it sore. Here’s a list of products that can cause skin irritation as discovered by Ethos Spa. 

Acetone can cause irritation to the skin. This is usually found in nail polish removers. When there is an open sore around the finger acetone will make it burn and sting.

Alcohol can be drying to the skin, which can cause itching and irritation. Alcohol is used in many cleansers and toners, as well as hair styling products.

Some herbal ingredients and essential oils can be irritating to the skin in higher doses. The ones to watch out for are bergamot, cinnamon, clove, citrus oils, coriander, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, marjoram, melissa (lemon balm), mint, orange, papaya, peppermint, sandalwood, thyme, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang. Most of them are irritating in a way that may cause burning and redness in high doses.

Ammonia may be found in skincare ingredients and can cause both irritations to the skin and to eyes.

Camphor and menthol can also be irritating to the skin and eyes and can be found in some facial cleansers.

Skin Care Steps And Products That Cause Irritation

Abrasive scrubs are not needed to clean the skin. Although they may flake off dead skin, they will also damage the good skin underneath.

Astringents and toners with irritants in their ingredients are not necessary.

Exfoliating and scrub mitts are just as bad as abrasive scrubs.

Too cold of water or too hot of water can be irritating to the skin. If the water is hot enough that it turns your skin red then it is too hot. Always use lukewarm water when showering or washing your face.

Steaming the skin can also be harmful and irritating. It can cause as little as a first-degree burn to the face, which will cause redness.

Facial masks with irritating ingredients are a bad idea. If you put on your mask and your face starts to itch at all it is wise to wash it off right away and clean your face with a mild cleanser to help remove any irritants that may have stayed behind.

Loofahs are another item that can be passed upon because of their abrasiveness to the skin.

Avoid bar soaps, which can be drying and make your skin itch. Instead use liquid soaps with moisturizers included for soft, smooth, and clean skin.

How to Reduce Complications from Surgery

Are you planning to have surgery in the near future? Going under the knife can be a scary prospect if you’re not prepared both mentally and physically. Although you may feel you’re completely in the hands of your surgeon, you have more control over the outcome than you might think. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications after surgery:

Reduce complications from surgery: Know your surgeon’s record

Before you get any type of surgical procedure, particularly one with higher risks, investigate your surgeons’ record thoroughly. Your surgeon should be board certified in surgery which means he’s received advanced surgical training and has passed a qualifying exam. You can obtain this information by contacting the American Board of Medical Specialties. They also have an online site for easy access to this information. Ask your surgeon how many similar procedures he’s performed and what his success was with your particular procedure. Also do a quick Internet search by Googling the name of the surgeon to see if there are any negative news stories about the doctor’s performance. You can also ask people in your community about experiences with this particular surgeon.

Reduce complications from surgery: Get a second opinion

If surgery is recommended for a health condition, particularly if the procedure to be performed is a hysterectomy, back surgery, gall bladder surgery, or cataract removal, seek a second opinion before committing to the procedure. These are some of the surgeries most likely to be performed unnecessarily.

Reduce complications from surgery: Understand the risks of anesthesia

If you or any members of your family have had problems with anesthesia, the anesthesiologist needs to be aware of this. It’s also important that he be aware of any medical conditions or medications you’re on that may make anesthesia more risky. Always inform the anesthesiologist of any drug allergies you have and make sure these are clearly marked in your chart and on your wrist band at the time of surgery. Be sure to avoid eating or drinking within eight to ten hours of your scheduled surgery. The work of the team at Progressive Spine will reduce the complications in the body. The history of all the medical issues and treatment should be disclosed to the surgeon. A chart can be prepared so that there will be availability of the best services for treatment of different problems in person’s body. 

Reduce complications from surgery: Stop smoking before surgery

Smoking can significantly increase your risk of developing post surgical respiratory complications. Quit smoking at least two months before your scheduled procedure to maximize your lung function as much as possible. Ask for an incentive spirometer to use after surgery to help keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia.

Reduce complications from surgery: Start walking as soon as possible

Your risk for contracting a blood clot goes up the longer you remain in bed after surgery. Ask that your catheter be removed as soon as possible so you have the opportunity to move up and down the hall to reduce the risk of dangerous clots.

By being prepared, you can significantly reduce the potential risks as well as the stress of an upcoming surgical procedure so you can be back on the path to good health.