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.

Kids' Health

Everything Parents Need To Know About The Meningitis Vaccine

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

Men's Health

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

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

Winter Blues

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

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.

Hair, Hair Everywhere

Why Do I Have Such Hairy Toes? A Podiatrist Explains

Your Hobbit feet could be a sign of good health.

Good Eats

When Can Babies Eat Eggs? A Pediatrician Explains

Although rare, be ready for an allergic reaction.

Controversial Parenting

Child Leashes Deserve All The Hate They Get, Experts Say

But not for the reasons you might think.

Sick Kids

RSV Season Is Back — And In Full Force For 2022

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

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.

Parenting

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

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

COVID-19

Everything You Need To Know About The New COVID Booster

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

Tasty Treats

When Can Babies Eat Cheerios? A Pediatrician Explains

Cheerios shouldn’t be among the first solid food your baby eats.

Introducing Foods

When Can Babies Have Ice Cream? A Pediatrician Explains

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

Pop!

So, Is Chewing Gum Good Or Bad For You?

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

Catching Zzz's

7 Reasons Why Sleeping Naked Means Sleeping Better

And one reason why it’s actually gross.

The Summer Slide

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

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

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

Men's Health

New Dads Are Facing A Public Health Crisis

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

Mental Health

This Is Why Postpartum Depression In Men Is So Underreported

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

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

Health

Everything Parents Need To Know About The MMR Vaccine

And no, the vaccine doesn't cause autism.