“Have you seen that other Health Journal?” my cousin Jason asked during a recent family get-together. “No, I haven’t,” I replied, trying to remain calm. “Another Health Journal? Tell me about it.” Healthy competition in this industry is one thing, but a copycat? “Well, I’m pretty sure they also call themselves the ‘Health Journal,’” my cousin continued, “but it’s more like a magazine, and their editor is a guy. He writes the column up front like you do.”
Ahhhhh. It was all starting to make sense. That “guy” my cousin was referring to is actually Chris Jones, whose columns have appeared in this same spot consistently since January. Chris took on my longtime role as editor-in-chief earlier this year and has done a fine job of managing content, mentoring our writers and connecting with readers through his monthly Editor’s Note. And as for that Health Journal imposter? Well, there isn’t one.
When we switched formats in January—from nine years on newsprint to the full-glossy magazine you’re holding now—it never dawned on me that not only would readers be surprised by the change but that some might not recognize it as the same publication! So when Chris asked me to pen this column for this Anniversary Issue that marks the start of our 10th year in publishing, I saw it as a chance to share some of the exciting changes happening at the Health Journal.
In some ways, this is a new magazine. In addition to our new size and paper upgrade, we’ve added features such as the popular Brain Teasers (p. 46) and re-introduced monthly columns like “Second Opinion” and “Over 50.” Based on reader feedback, we’ve upped the number of articles relating to food and nutrition in each issue. Just check out this month’s cover—a culinary collaboration with Waypoint Seafood and Grill. You’ll find their mouth-watering recipe inside on p. 31. And your summer is sure to sizzle with the bonanza of grilled delights you’ll see starting on p. 26. Our staff prepared, photographed and taste-tested every recipe in this issue. Get ready to drool.
This month’s feature story, “Organic Growth,” focuses on organic food labeling practices and features Virginia-based Whiffletree Farm. The article showcases the work of several artists and reflects the Health Journal’s interactive approach to content. Be sure to watch our documentary on the life of organic farmer Jesse Straight and learn why he chose to follow his passion for small, sustainable farming. We are hoping to reach 20,000 views with this short film, so if you watch it—and like it—please share it! You can find the link on p. 25 or go to www.thehealthjournals.com.
When my staff sat down as a team to review the video piece to “Organic Growth,” one of our folks noted what they like best about it is that instead of harping on what’s wrong with the food industry—have you seen Food, Inc.?—our video highlights what’s right with it. And I believe that’s a goal we’ve always aspired to at the Health Journal—delivering positive, uplifting stories that educate and inspire. And we will continue to do this for our readers, regardless of the paper we print on.