What is The Health Journal?
It’s a free, monthly consumer health publication that is family owned and operated serving Richmond and Hampton Roads, Va.
Our Story
The Health Journal started in 2005 in Williamburg, Va.
It was the brainchild of Brian M. Freer and his best friend and uncle, Ravi V. Shamaiengar, M.D. They shared a vision for a free, consumer health publication that would point readers to health resources, introduce them to inspiring people in their community, feature health advice from leading local experts and help readers improve their health every day.
Freer took the reigns as publisher, and Shamaiengar assumed the role of medical editor. Page Bishop-Freer and Beth Shamaiengar would serve as the magazine’s editors, while Freer’s mother, Rita Kikoen, M.B.A., was elected executive director.
A family business was born.
The Williamsburg edition gained speed and by January 2007 the company was ready to expand to the Virginia Peninsula, to include Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown and Poquoson.
Two editions led to three, with a South Hampton Roads edition debuting in May 2008, covering Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk. By this point The Health Journal covered most of the Hampton Roads, sharing stories of interest and awe throughout the region.
In March 2010, the decision was made to expand yet again, this time into the Richmond market.
The Health Journal has grown exponentially in size but the vision has not changed: Now in its seventh year of publishing, The Health Journal continues to raise the bar on local health news.
“Our mission is to empower readers with knowledge of essential health topics and resources needed to enjoy optimum physical and emotional wellness at any life stage. ” – Brian Freer, Publisher, The Health Journal
