Editorial Standards

Sourcing and fact-checking

Every story links to its sources. We favor primary research published in peer-reviewed journals, clinical practice guidelines from professional societies, and information from government health agencies such as the CDC, NIH and FDA. When we cite a number, we link to where it came from.

We distinguish between kinds of evidence. Randomized controlled trials can show cause and effect. Observational studies show associations, and we describe them that way. When evidence is early, mixed or limited to small studies, we say so plainly.

Claims are checked against cited sources before publication by our research desk.

Independence from our publisher

New England Anti-Aging is published by Align Wellness, which offers some of the treatments we write about, including hormone therapy, medical weight loss, IV infusion and aesthetic care. That creates an obvious potential conflict, so we handle it directly.

• We report what the evidence shows about a treatment, including when the evidence is weak or negative.
• We do not describe any treatment as a cure or promise results.
• We do not publish patient testimonials, before and after photos or paid placements.
• Clinic staff may suggest topics, but they do not approve or alter conclusions.
• Calls to action that point to the clinic are clearly labeled and kept separate from reporting.

Medical information

Our stories are written for general education. They are not medical advice, and they cannot account for an individual's history, medications or conditions. Read our medical disclaimer.

How we label stories

• Analysis interprets published evidence and explains what it means, including where experts disagree.
• Explainer lays out how something works and what the research shows, with less interpretation.
• Guide is practical service journalism focused on decisions readers can make.
• Field Notes covers health topics specific to Rhode Island and New England.
• Reporting will be used for stories built on original interviews, documents or data gathered by our staff.
• Opinion will be clearly labeled and kept separate from news and analysis.

Every story ends with a section called What the Evidence Doesn't Settle, which lays out limitations and competing views, and a note explaining how the story was put together.

Editorial review

Before publication, each story is reviewed for factual accuracy against its sources, originality, fair representation of competing evidence, headline accuracy and readability.

Corrections

We correct errors of fact promptly and transparently. Significant corrections are noted at the bottom of the affected story with the date of the change and listed on our corrections page. To report an error, use our contact form and include the story link and the specific claim.

Images

Photographs are licensed from Unsplash contributors under the Unsplash License or drawn from public domain and Creative Commons works on Wikimedia Commons, and each is credited beside the image. People shown in stock photography are models, not patients, and are not connected to the conditions or treatments discussed.

Updates

Health guidance changes. When a major trial or regulatory decision changes the picture on a topic we have covered, we update the story or publish a new one and link between them.