Samantha's Portfolio

Samantha is a freelance feature writer and blogger sharing stories of people, brands, and organizations who make a difference in their world.  

She covers lifestyle topics that touch on our daily lives, including food, wellness, health, science, and consumer technology. 

Currently based in Corvallis, OR. 

Friendly, Empowering Health Content

Readers are hungry for health content that is easy to understand. Sam writes content for blogs, publications, doctor's offices, fitness professionals, and healthy brands. She typically ghostwrites health and fitness content, but here are some examples of her bylined blog posts or articles in the niche.

The Corvallis Advocate •

The Science of Taste and Smell & the Covid-19 Connection

What can your sense of taste and smell tell you about your health? The answers may surprise you.

OSU Food Science Professor Juyun Lim studies how people experience taste, smell, and other related chemosensory stimuli. Her research focuses “primarily on understanding how human taste and smell work and the role of underlying human taste and smell perception and the role of human sensory perception in food preference,” she said.
The Corvallis Advocate •

OHA Sex Advice in the Time of COVID-19

The Oregon Health Authority wants you to quarantine and chill – safely. In case you missed it, the agency tweeted an infographic on April 8, outlining ways Oregonians can enjoy sexual activity while social distancing.

One tip from the OHA graphic explains, “you are your own safest sex partner.” The OHA encourages Oregonians to “take this time to find out what makes you feel good.”

The infographic “Sex in the Time of COVID-19″ was credited to the OHA community initiative project End HIV Oregon.
The Corvallis Advocate •

Gadusol: Safer Sunscreen for Fish & Humans

Every summer, ocean lovers face the sunscreen dilemma. Fully protective sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and skin cancer, yet some popular sunscreen ingredients may harm marine life and the environment. Gadusol Laboratories is a Corvallis-based startup that hopes to offer a nature-inspired solution to the sunscreen dilemma by developing new sun protection alternatives based on a naturally occurring compound, called gadusol, found in marine organisms which provides UVB protection to the organisms.
Biostrap Blog •

Sleep Health: How Your Natural Circadian Rhythms Can Boost Health and Productivity

Every cell in your body responds to an internal clock, kind of like how you plan your day around a schedule. Researchers are beginning to learn how our internal rhythms affect every aspect of our health and well being.

"We didn't realize at the time that this clock would be represented all over the body in many different tissues and control so many different biological processes that we go through every day. It left us with the understanding that our whole body is rhythmically active."
The Corvallis Advocate •

Coronavirus Emerges in Oregon: Updates, Tips and Resources

The Oregon Health Authority confirmed the state’s first presumptive case of Novel Coronavirus on Friday afternoon February 28. Earlier that morning Governor Kate Brown announced the formation a Coronavirus Response Team to coordinate responses to COVID-19.

“Our first concern is for this individual, to make sure they’re being cared for and is able to recover,” said OHA Director Patrick Allen. “Our next priority is finding out who this individual had contact with and make sure they know about the
Biostrap Blog •

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Most grocery stores feature fresh foods on the perimeter of the store and more processed foods inside. So the outer perimeter usually includes the fresh produce, fresh protein, bakery, deli, and dairy. Shopping from the outside-first saves time because you choose your fresh foods first. Keep in mind that the outer parameter might also include the bakery, alcoholic beverages, and deli. Not everything on the outside is healthy or thrifty! Grocery stores tend to organize their store this way because the outer perimeter has easy access to refrigeration, ovens, and other appliances.
Biostrap Blog •

Swimming: Take a Dip in the Fountain of Youth and Other Benefits

Swimming is a classic recreational and aerobic activity. Did you know that a regular swimming practice might also help keep you younger and relieve stress?

This post is not intended to substitute for medical or professional advice. We just wanted to highlight some often overlooked and surprising benefits to swimming.

Swimming positively affects several metrics tracked by your Biostrap! In addition, your Bootstrap's Activity Classification system is already set up to track your swimming workout
Feeling Fit, Bit By Bit •

Try These 5 Easy Ways to Stop Stress Now

Stress is a killer! It comes from the flight or fight impulse that helps with crisis situations. However, when stress is chronic and not managed, it is dangerous. Reducing stress is essential to your fitness and wellbeing.

Managing stress is vital to your fitness and wellbeing. While some of these tips may seem obvious, I wanted to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that will help reduce stress.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and other is