Our Editorial Team

Moira Lawler

Contributing Health Writer

Moira Lawler is a writer who has spent the past decade covering a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, travel, food, and the intersection of them all. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and now lives (and writes) in Chicago. In addition to Everyday Health, she has written for Men's Health, Women's Health, Shape.com, Self.com, Greatist, Livestrong, and Chicago Magazine.

Expertise

Fitness and Nutrition

Education

Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Northwestern University

Contact Moira

Latest Work

6 Serious Health Risks of Steroid Drug Use to Boost Athletic Ability

Taking these drugs for performance and muscle enhancement is illegal. Here’s what doctors want you to know about the dangerous side effects.

By May 4, 2023

Maca Root Supplement 101: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Maca root is a popular supplement used for touted benefits including boosting libido, treating infertility, and lessening menopause symptoms. Learn more...

By April 24, 2023

10 Tips to Lower Blood Sugar Naturally

Crush your A1C goal by turning to these natural solutions to help keep your blood sugar on target and diabetes complications at bay.

By April 19, 2023

7 Sunscreen Mistakes That Hurt Your Skin

Even the best sunscreen won't protect you well if you don't apply it right. And those missteps can leave you more prone to skin cancer, not to mention...

By April 14, 2023

What Is Blue Light? A Complete Scientific Guide

You’ve heard of blue light, but what is it? Read about its benefits and risks, as well as whether blue-light-blocking glasses and night mode work to reduce...

By April 13, 2023

6 Places You’re Missing When You Apply Sunscreen

Is your SPF routine thorough enough? Find out which spots you’re most likely to miss (and how the experts say you can keep yourself covered).

By April 13, 2023

8 Ways to Avoid Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Flare-Ups in the Summer

Fun in the sun may be bad news for your eczema. Here’s how to protect your skin when the weather warms up, from sunscreen to moisturizer.

By April 11, 2023

10 Surprising Foods That Have Little Impact on Blood Sugar

Sweet potatoes, fruit, cereal, and plain, nonfat yogurt all belong on your diabetes grocery list. Here’s why.

By April 8, 2023

8 Foods High in Water That Can Help Prevent Dehydration

Eat your water to stay hydrated. These 8 foods high in water can help you fend off dehydration. Click through to discover which to add to your grocery...

By April 6, 2023

What Is Keto Cycling, and Can It Help You Lose Weight on the Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low carb diet that can be hard to stick to. Enter keto cycling, a part-time keto approach where you give your body...

By April 4, 2023

The Weird Way the Ketogenic Diet Affects Your Period

The drastic weight loss some people see on the keto diet may cause a drop in estrogen levels, and thus irregular periods. Read about these health risks...

By April 4, 2023

What Is Down Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Down syndrome is the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the United States. It’s when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 and can ...

By April 1, 2023

Caregiver Burnout: What It Is, Signs You’re Experiencing It, and How to Cope

Being a caregiver to someone with a chronic condition or illness comes with a lot of stressors. But if you’re withdrawing from other friends and family...

By March 29, 2023

What Are the Risk Factors for a High BMI?

Environmental factors, certain medications, a suboptimal diet, and inactivity are all high-BMI risk factors. Learn how they’re connected and find expert...

By March 23, 2023

Stress Management 101: How to Cope Better and Find Relief

A guide to managing and getting relief from stress.

By March 22, 2023

What Is Self-Care, and Why Is It So Important for Your Health?

Self-care is an important part of dealing with the stressors of everyday life, experts say. Here’s a guide to all the ways practicing self-care regularly...

By March 17, 2023

The Possible Benefits of Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes and Other Health Conditions

Glucophage (metformin) is commonly used to treat diabetes, but studies suggest the medication may help with other conditions, including COVID-19.

By March 17, 2023

Aloe Vera 101: A Complete Guide

Aloe vera has long been praised for its medicinal properties. Nowadays, you can find aloe vera juice, aloe vera gel, aloe vera drinks, and aloe water ...

By March 14, 2023

What Are the Possible Complications of Type 2 Diabetes, and How Can You Avoid Them?

Controlling blood sugar is key for preventing type 2 diabetes complications. But that starts with awareness. Learn why nerve damage, cardiovascular disease...

By March 11, 2023

Health Complications Linked to Down Syndrome

People with Down syndrome are not guaranteed to have these conditions, but they are at higher risk. Routine medical care helps identify any problems that...

By March 5, 2023

Raising a Child With Down Syndrome: What to Expect

Growing up is different for children with Down syndrome. Physical growth, as well as cognitive development and learning, is usually slower than for other...

By March 3, 2023

How to Follow a Vegetarian Ketogenic Diet in a Healthy Way

The ketogenic diet restricts carbohydrates and even some protein, so it can be tough to add another dietary restriction like avoiding meat to the mix....

By February 28, 2023

What Is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet? A Detailed Beginner’s Guide

Anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds may help prevent chronic diseases. Get a complete food list, find beginner tips for...

By February 24, 2023

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes?

There are many potential causes of type 2 diabetes, including genetics and diet and lifestyle habits. Are you at risk? Learn more in this science-based...

By February 24, 2023

What Is Hypersomnia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness can be a sign of a bigger underlying health issue. Here’s what to look for and what could be causing it.

By February 23, 2023

What Is Scurvy? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. It is rare in the developed world, but certain groups may be more prone to scurvy. Learn more here...

By February 22, 2023

What Are Ear Infections? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Ear infections are common, especially in children, and they can be painful. Here’s what you need to know.

By February 20, 2023

What Are Parasocial Relationships — and Are They Healthy?

Mental health pros explain what parasocial relationships are, why they can be good for us, and when they cross over into an unhealthy zone.

By February 17, 2023

15 Celebrities Who’ve Tried the Keto Diet (and How It Worked for Them)

The ketogenic diet is an extremely low-carb, high-fat diet that many celebrities, including Katie Couric, Halle Belle, and Melissa McCarthy, have tried...

By February 17, 2023

Burnout: How to Avoid It, How to Know When You’re Burned Out, and What to Do About It

Burnout can result from work, caregiving responsibilities, managing your own chronic illness, or other burdens. Here’s how to recognize it — and what ...

By February 12, 2023

Ceramides 101: A Detailed Guide

Ceramides are lipids, or fatty molecules, that help maintain a healthy skin barrier. They’re a common ingredient in skin-care products including moisturizers...

By February 10, 2023

Healthy Relationships: Definition, Why They’re Good for You, and How to Foster Them

Do you know the signs of a healthy relationship from an unhealthy one? Here’s what therapists and psychologists want you to know about growing positive...

By February 8, 2023

How to Get Over a Breakup: 7 Things Therapists Want You to Know

Ending a relationship is tough, particularly if the relationship involved someone you had (or still have) strong feelings for. Mental health experts share...

By February 8, 2023

What Is Tinnitus? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Everything you need to know about what tinnitus is and its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Plus, the latest on new research that aims to cure tinnitus...

By February 3, 2023

8 Unusual Signs of Burnout

Being burnt out doesn’t look the same on everyone. Pessimism, weight gain, and having trouble sleeping can all be signs you’re emotionally spent.

By January 31, 2023

Burnout: Tips for Coping When You Can’t Just Quit

If you’re burnt out from caregiving, parenting, or something else you can’t walk away from, here’s how experts say you can cope.

By January 29, 2023

New to Retinol? A Complete Guide to the Skin-Care Ingredient

Scientific research proves that retinols and their counterpart retinoids can help delay signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Find out how they...

By January 28, 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

To treat type 2 diabetes, what type of oral medication, insulin, and diet is best? In this detailed article, learn about the various treatments for diabetes...

By January 24, 2023

Snail Mucin 101: A Detailed Guide

Snail mucin is a Korean skin-care product made from, you guessed it, snail slime. You can use snail mucin daily to help improve skin health and appearance...

By January 23, 2023

What’s the Difference Between the Keto and Atkins Diets?

The ketogenic or keto diet and the Atkins diet are both low-carb diets that have been studied for several decades, but they have subtle differences. Here...

By January 10, 2023

What Is Flaxseed? Nutrition, Health Benefits, Types, and How to Eat

Flaxseed has fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but when eaten without drinking enough water, side effects like digestive problems may occur. Read...

By January 9, 2023

How 11 Popular Diets Affect the Environment

Considering trying the keto diet, the paleo diet, or Whole30 to boost your health or lose weight? Here's how these popular diet plans, along with meat...

By December 29, 2022

What Is a Kosher Diet and Does It Have Health Benefits?

While kosher food has traditionally been for people following Judaism, more consumers are using the kosher label as a shortcut for healthier eating. But...

By December 20, 2022

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Obstructive sleep apnea involves a physical obstruction of the airways during sleep. It’s the most common type of the sleep disorder.

By December 6, 2022

The 8 Best Winter Fruits to Help Keep You Healthy

Which fruits are in season in the winter? Check out this list of healthy winter fruits and find out why they’re beneficial for things like immunity and...

By December 6, 2022

What’s a Healthy BMI in Adults? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Body mass index (BMI) is a common measure for obesity, but it isn’t perfect. In this detailed article, learn the BMI ranges for adult men and women, find...

By December 3, 2022

Can Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Diet Help You Lose Weight?

You can add apple cider vinegar to your diet for a burst of flavor, and some say it can also help you lose weight. But the research on this benefit is...

By December 1, 2022

7 Common Myths About Atopic Dermatitis You Shouldn’t Believe

Can you tell fact from fiction when it comes to atopic dermatitis? Here, three dermatologists weigh in on myths about the skin condition known as eczema...

By December 1, 2022

Cranberries 101: Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, and More

These little ruby fruits are good for more than a splash of color for your holiday menu. Discover the health perks and uses of cranberries here. Plus,...

By November 29, 2022

Can Using My Headphones Cause Tinnitus?

It’s definitely possible that listening to music or other audio through headphones can cause hearing loss that results in tinnitus — but it’s the volume...

By November 27, 2022