Senior Health Editor

Beth Skwarecki

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Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor and has been writing about health, fitness, and science here since 2015. Beth was the recipient of the 2017 Carnegie Science Award in science communication, and has written two books: Outbreak! 50 Tales of Epidemics That Terrorized the World (2016) and Genetics 101: From Chromosomes and the Double Helix to Cloning and DNA Tests, Everything You Need to Know About Genes (2018). She has a bachelor’s degree in biology, has worked as a bioinformatics analyst, and has taught college-level courses in biology, environmental science, and nutrition.

Beth is also certified as a personal trainer and coach, with qualifications as an ACE-CPT, IKO kettlebell instructor, and USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach. She has competed in powerlifting, weightlifting, strongwoman, kettlebell sport, grip sport, and odd lift competitions (USAWA). Olympic weightlifting is her current focus. Her best front squat is 101 kilograms, and the lift she’s most proud of is a 510 pound Dinnie deadlift. Beth has also run races ranging from a 2K to a marathon. Beth has a 100% win rate in Wordle and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor and has been writing about health, fitness, and science here since 2015. Beth was the recipient of the 2017 Carnegie Science Award in science communication, and has written two books: Outbreak! 50 Tales of Epidemics That Terrorized the World (2016) and Genetics 101: From Chromosomes and the Double Helix to Cloning and DNA Tests, Everything You Need to Know About Genes (2018). She has a bachelor’s degree in biology, has worked as a bioinformatics analyst, and has taught college-level courses in biology, environmental science, and nutrition.

Beth is also certified as a personal trainer and coach, with qualifications as an ACE-CPT, IKO kettlebell instructor, and USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach. She has competed in powerlifting, weightlifting, strongwoman, kettlebell sport, grip sport, and odd lift competitions (USAWA). Olympic weightlifting is her current focus. Her best front squat is 101 kilograms, and the lift she’s most proud of is a 510 pound Dinnie deadlift. Beth has also run races ranging from a 2K to a marathon. Beth has a 100% win rate in Wordle and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Stories by the Author

Life Hacker: Why You Should Spray Your Shoes With Permethrin This Summer

Ticks tend to grab onto your shoes and pants first, so treating those items with permethrin is a good first line of protection.

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April 14, 2026

Life Hacker: Why You Should Spray Your Shoes With Permethrin This Summer

Spraying permethrin on your shoes, clothes, and camping gear will repel ticks and doesn't wash off.

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December 2, 2025

Life Hacker: Why You Should Spray Your Shoes With Permethrin This Summer

Ticks tend to grab onto your shoes and pants first, so treating those items with permethrin is a good first line of protection.

Life Hacker: Why You Should Spray Your Shoes With Permethrin This Summer

Spraying permethrin on your shoes, clothes, and camping gear will repel ticks and doesn't wash off.

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