Whether it’s about the latest cure for cancer or how fish oil may help boost memory, health news is everywhere. People rely on health news for information that can affect their lives in profound ways. Writing well about health isn’t just about getting the facts right – it’s also about making sure your readers understand the context of those facts.
A headline is a key factor in grabbing reader attention for any story, and it’s especially important for health stories. Incorrect, incomplete or misleading headlines can spread misinformation and harm readers’ health. This is particularly dangerous for health articles, where people make decisions about their own health and safety (or that of loved ones) based on what they read.
The lede is like an extension of a headline – it’s the one or two-sentence spiel that appears just after the headline and encourages people to keep reading. A good lede is clear, concise and factual, but it should also be interesting enough to grab reader attention and draw them into the article.
Including expert interviews and quotes in your health feature content can add depth and create engagement. It’s important to find experts who have a strong voice, but be careful about who you choose and how they fit with your article’s overall tone and subject matter.