Alia is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has contributed content to HowStuffWorks for going on a decade now, with a specialty in health writing. She’s also been published by TLC, Animal Planet, and a number of corporate clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), and might someday get around to setting up a professional website. Until then, check her out on LinkedIn.
She and her husband are proud parents to three handsome, too-smart-for-their-own-good boys. Alia is a passably not terrible tennis player, lover of all things dance and music, brownie-obsessed, avid reader and off-key car singer. Her two favorite types of people are those who have a healthy sense of humor and those who actually read articles in their entirety before posting comments.
RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Although it's far more common in women, men get breast cancer too. And they have a much higher fatality rate. Why is this and what can be done?
It's hard to sum up something as big as a state in just a few words, but that doesn't stop them from trying! What does it mean to be from the 'Show-Me' state or to be a Sooner? Find out how vast your state nickname knowledge is with our quiz!
This study of more than 30 years has yielded many valuable insights on Alzheimer's including a link between multilingualism and warding off dementia. Why are nuns the ideal study group?
Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel bread, are all the rage. But where did that name come from? And are they really better than other breads?
You've probably seen the ads for drugs to treat depression, and the warnings that they may cause suicidal thoughts. But why would that be?
DNA websites can give you info about your ancestry and possible health issues. They can also give you trait reports about taste preferences and personal habits. But how much of that is really DNA-driven?
When you're grabbing something to go with your coffee in the morning, which of these three baked treats will do the least damage to your health?
For what looks like a big old lump of putty, the human brain is a truly incredible thing. Think of it as the body's Mission Control Center. Find out how much of a brainiac you are with our quiz.
There are so many uses for this essential oil, including soothing irritable bowel syndrome, relieving headaches, even keeping head lice away.
People who hallucinate typically see, hear, feel, smell or otherwise experience things that simply aren't real. Often, these sensory fake-outs indicate a serious medical condition.
You might be adept at racking up coins and saving the ever-in-peril princess, but how much do you really know about the iconic video game series? Take our quiz and find out!
The rumor mill says that if a person were to intentionally swallow a tapeworm their excess pounds would simply melt away. But what's the truth about the 'tapeworm diet'?
Chlorophyll doesn't just make grass green – it has properties that help people too. And some folks are taking chlorophyll supplements to get more of it. Is this a good thing?
If you've got a pain in your head or body, you'll probably reach for whatever's in your medicine cabinet. But is it really the right treatment? One size doesn't fit all – we explain the differences in pain relievers.
Whether you’re a tween, teen or middle-aged mom, chances are good that at some point, your heart has been captured by at least one boy bander. So, we think you've got the right stuff to ace this quiz.
You can fulfill that childhood dream of becoming like Ariel in "The Little Mermaid." Mermaid classes are popping up all over the U.S. and internationally. Some people even make a career of it.
From "Showboat" to "Hamilton," each of these 10 shows pushed the musical genre forward in some way. Did your favorite show make the list?
This tropical fruit, grown all over the tropics, has lots of health benefits. Even its leaves get in on the act.
Candy Crush seems easy — simply match three candies of the same color. But something about it keeps players hooked. How sweet are you on this addictive game? Take the Candy Crush quiz and find out!
Citric acid is added to everything from food to medicines to cleaning supplies. Although it occurs naturally, it's mostly manufactured from black mold. But does that mean we need to be worried?
