Can COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s possible. #MaskUptoGetItUp TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, hard data is needed. This eyebrow raising headline made the rounds recently based on comments during a television interview by Dr. Dena Read more…
December 6, 2020
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Alison Buttenheim
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we’re launching a new series: a chance to meet Those Nerdy Girls! We’ll be introducing you to one of our contributors each week so you can get to know us & our backgrounds better. 🤗 First up, we’d like to introduce you to our co-founder, Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Dr. Buttenheim is an Associate Professor Read more…
December 5, 2020
I have family members and close friends who say they don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. How can I encourage them?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Lead with love, then with facts. Share your enthusiasm and commitment. Make it easy and fun. Acknowledge past hurts. We already know that hesitancy about the Covid-19 vaccine is running high. Recent survey data (linked below) show that anywhere from 20-40% of US residents report being “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get the vaccine. Read more…
December 5, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
On this week’s Live COVID Q&A, we’ll be taking all the questions about vaccines!! We have four nerdy girls today: Drs. Kinder, Coles, Leininger and Jones will be tackling a few of your MANY vaccine questions! If you have a question, please put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! ➡️ Intros (0:00 – 2:15) Read more…
December 4, 2020
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
December 4, 2020
¿Qué puedo hacer con mi propia ansiedad cuando parece que todos están ansiosos en este momento?
Mental Health Posts en Español
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
December 4, 2020
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: It’s possible. #MaskUptoGetItUp TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, hard data is needed. This eyebrow raising headline made the rounds recently based on comments during a television interview by Dr. Dena Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Alison Buttenheim
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we’re launching a new series: a chance to meet Those Nerdy Girls! We’ll be introducing you to one of our contributors each week so you can get to know us & our backgrounds better. 🤗 First up, we’d like to introduce you to our co-founder, Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Dr. Buttenheim is an Associate Professor Read more…
December 5, 2020
I have family members and close friends who say they don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. How can I encourage them?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Lead with love, then with facts. Share your enthusiasm and commitment. Make it easy and fun. Acknowledge past hurts. We already know that hesitancy about the Covid-19 vaccine is running high. Recent survey data (linked below) show that anywhere from 20-40% of US residents report being “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get the vaccine. Read more…
December 5, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
On this week’s Live COVID Q&A, we’ll be taking all the questions about vaccines!! We have four nerdy girls today: Drs. Kinder, Coles, Leininger and Jones will be tackling a few of your MANY vaccine questions! If you have a question, please put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! ➡️ Intros (0:00 – 2:15) Read more…
December 4, 2020
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
December 4, 2020
¿Qué puedo hacer con mi propia ansiedad cuando parece que todos están ansiosos en este momento?
Mental Health Posts en Español
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
December 4, 2020
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Today we’re launching a new series: a chance to meet Those Nerdy Girls! We’ll be introducing you to one of our contributors each week so you can get to know us & our backgrounds better. 🤗 First up, we’d like to introduce you to our co-founder, Dr. Alison Buttenheim. Dr. Buttenheim is an Associate Professor Read more…
I have family members and close friends who say they don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. How can I encourage them?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Lead with love, then with facts. Share your enthusiasm and commitment. Make it easy and fun. Acknowledge past hurts. We already know that hesitancy about the Covid-19 vaccine is running high. Recent survey data (linked below) show that anywhere from 20-40% of US residents report being “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get the vaccine. Read more…
December 5, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
On this week’s Live COVID Q&A, we’ll be taking all the questions about vaccines!! We have four nerdy girls today: Drs. Kinder, Coles, Leininger and Jones will be tackling a few of your MANY vaccine questions! If you have a question, please put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! ➡️ Intros (0:00 – 2:15) Read more…
December 4, 2020
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
December 4, 2020
¿Qué puedo hacer con mi propia ansiedad cuando parece que todos están ansiosos en este momento?
Mental Health Posts en Español
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
December 4, 2020
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: Lead with love, then with facts. Share your enthusiasm and commitment. Make it easy and fun. Acknowledge past hurts. We already know that hesitancy about the Covid-19 vaccine is running high. Recent survey data (linked below) show that anywhere from 20-40% of US residents report being “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get the vaccine. Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
On this week’s Live COVID Q&A, we’ll be taking all the questions about vaccines!! We have four nerdy girls today: Drs. Kinder, Coles, Leininger and Jones will be tackling a few of your MANY vaccine questions! If you have a question, please put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! ➡️ Intros (0:00 – 2:15) Read more…
December 4, 2020
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
December 4, 2020
¿Qué puedo hacer con mi propia ansiedad cuando parece que todos están ansiosos en este momento?
Mental Health Posts en Español
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
December 4, 2020
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
On this week’s Live COVID Q&A, we’ll be taking all the questions about vaccines!! We have four nerdy girls today: Drs. Kinder, Coles, Leininger and Jones will be tackling a few of your MANY vaccine questions! If you have a question, please put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! ➡️ Intros (0:00 – 2:15) Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeA: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
¿Qué puedo hacer con mi propia ansiedad cuando parece que todos están ansiosos en este momento?
Mental Health Posts en Español
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
December 4, 2020
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
R: Enfóquese en lo que puede controlar y continúe desde allí. Tiene razón de sentirse ansioso en este momento. Una encuesta reciente de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (American Psychiatric Association, APA) sugiere que casi 2 de cada 3 participantes reportaron más ansiedad este año que en la misma época del año pasado. Los expertos Read more…
How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
December 3, 2020
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
December 3, 2020
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
December 2, 2020
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
December 2, 2020
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
¿Cuáles son algunas cosas prácticas que puedo hacer para protegerme a mí mismo, a mi familia y amigos de contraer COVID-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Staying Safe
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
December 2, 2020
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
R: Aunque estamos viendo un aumento de casos nuevos en muchas partes de los Estados Unidos y Europa, todavía hay acciones que podemos tomar para reducir el riesgo de contraer COVID-19. 1: Evite pequeñas reuniones sociales con gente fuera de su hogar. 2: Póngase en cuarentena por 2 semanas si ha sido expuesto al virus. Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
December 1, 2020
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
December 1, 2020
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…