Sara Novak

Sara Novak is a freelance journalist who writes about health and science. For Fatherly, she covers parenting, fitness, child development, public health, men’s health, and everything weird and wonderful about the human body.

Sara is a contributing writer at Discover Magazine and has written for publications such as Scientific American, Popular Science, New Scientist, Sierra Magazine, and more. She has a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Georgia and is pursuing a Master’s in science writing from John Hopkins University.

Dad Bod

Should You Do Cardio Before Or After Weights?

By Sara Novak

It depends on what your fitness goals are.

Winter Blues

What Happens To Your Body When You Don't Get Enough Light

By Sara Novak

The dark time of year has some serious implications for your mind and body. Here’s exactly what’s happening — and how to reverse it.

Sick Kids

RSV Season Is Back — And In Full Force For 2022

By Sara Novak

RSV is filling up hospitals fast. This is how you keep your kid safe.

Fit Fads

Bulking And Cutting Is Massively Popular — And Has Grave Consequences

By Sara Novak

A new study finds that nearly half of men from 16 to 30 are bulking and cutting, getting ripped but dealing with some serious long-term problems.

Put Your Phone Down

Parents Who Use Their Phones To Relax Are (Usually) Worse Parents

By Sara Novak

Using your phone or computer to unwind when the kids are around is linked to worse parenting outcomes, a recent study finds.

COVID-19

Everything You Need To Know About The New COVID Booster

By Sara Novak

The FDA has authorized an updated COVID-19 booster shot. Are you eligible? Are your kids? Here’s what you need to know.

Controversial Parenting

Child Leashes Deserve All The Hate They Get, Experts Say

By Sara Novak

But not for the reasons you might think.

Hair, Hair Everywhere

Why Do I Have Such Hairy Toes? A Podiatrist Explains

By Sara Novak

Your Hobbit feet could be a sign of good health.

Pop!

Is Chewing Gum Bad Or Good For You? A Dentist Explains

By Sara Novak

Here’s the truth about the habit — and no, swallowed gum doesn’t take seven years to digest.

The Summer Slide

Kids Lost Invaluable Skills During COVID — Here Are 4 Ways To Get Them Back

By Sara Novak

Summer is the time to gain back the skills kids lost during the last few years of COVID. This is how to do it.

Men's Health

The Leading Causes Of Death In Men Should Be A Wakeup Call To Everyone

By Sara Novak

Men in the U.S. live shorter lives than both American women and men in other wealthy nations.

Mental Health

This Is Why Postpartum Depression In Men Is So Underreported

By Sara Novak

1 in 10 new dads has postpartum depression, but there’s no accepted diagnosis.

Skills

Kids Need These 5 Skills to Face an Uncertain Future

By Sara Novak

The world you’re living in is not the one your children will face as adults.

Health

7 Scientific Things About Sweat That Will Make You Go “Ew”

By Sara Novak

Sweating doesn't actually make you stink or lose weight.

Health

Everything Parents Need To Know About The MMR Vaccine

By Sara Novak

And no, the vaccine doesn't cause autism.

Men's Health

Why We Don’t Talk About The 10 Million Men With Eating Disorders

By Sara Novak

Eating disorders aren’t just a women’s issue.

Catching Zzz's

7 Reasons Why Sleeping Naked Means Sleeping Better

By Sara Novak

And one reason why it’s actually gross.

Men's Health

New Dads Are Facing A Public Health Crisis

By Sara Novak

A new study points to a rash of health concerns for new fathers. What gives?

Kids' Health

Everything Parents Need To Know About The Meningitis Vaccine

By Sara Novak

Meningitis can kill within 24 hours. The vaccine, on the other hand, is extremely safe.

Introducing Foods

When Can Babies Have Ice Cream? A Pediatrician Explains

By Sara Novak

There’s a difference between when babies can try ice cream and when it can become a more regular treat.