I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
Dear Mosquitoes, Buzz Off!
General Health Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Mosquitoes are highly active this time of year, and they can cause problems beyond pesky buzzing and itchy red bumps. Cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which are both viruses spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, have been reported in the U.S. 🦟 There have been 289 West Nile Virus cases in Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are approved and on the way!
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The US FDA gave the official thumbs up to the 2024-2025 updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 last week. *NOVAVAX UPDATE*: The updated Novavax vaccine was approved this week for ages 12 and up and expected to be available within a week! 🎉 The US FDA gave Read more…
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
Does my response to vaccines change as I get older?
Aging Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
Dear Mosquitoes, Buzz Off!
General Health Infectious DiseasesAshley Sever, MPH
Mosquitoes are highly active this time of year, and they can cause problems beyond pesky buzzing and itchy red bumps. Cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which are both viruses spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, have been reported in the U.S. 🦟 There have been 289 West Nile Virus cases in Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are approved and on the way!
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The US FDA gave the official thumbs up to the 2024-2025 updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 last week. *NOVAVAX UPDATE*: The updated Novavax vaccine was approved this week for ages 12 and up and expected to be available within a week! 🎉 The US FDA gave Read more…
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
Does my response to vaccines change as I get older?
Aging Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Mosquitoes are highly active this time of year, and they can cause problems beyond pesky buzzing and itchy red bumps. Cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which are both viruses spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, have been reported in the U.S. 🦟 There have been 289 West Nile Virus cases in Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are approved and on the way!
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The US FDA gave the official thumbs up to the 2024-2025 updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 last week. *NOVAVAX UPDATE*: The updated Novavax vaccine was approved this week for ages 12 and up and expected to be available within a week! 🎉 The US FDA gave Read more…
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
Does my response to vaccines change as I get older?
Aging Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
The US FDA gave the official thumbs up to the 2024-2025 updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that target the KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 last week. *NOVAVAX UPDATE*: The updated Novavax vaccine was approved this week for ages 12 and up and expected to be available within a week! 🎉 The US FDA gave Read more…
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
Does my response to vaccines change as I get older?
Aging Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
Does my response to vaccines change as I get older?
Aging Infectious Diseases VaccinesClara Ke, BSN, RN
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Although our immune response to vaccines decreases with age, vaccines remain crucial for reducing infection severity and risk in older adults. Adjusting vaccine components or administration can help offset this change. TL;DR Our immune systems naturally get weaker with age, making it harder to fight off infections. Numerous accepted vaccination adjustments can compensate for these age-related Read more…
Why did the World Health Organization declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern?
Hot Health Topics Infectious DiseasesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data Literacy
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
There has been a concerning number of mpox cases in Africa due to a new mutation. The virus has a high fatality rate in Africa, and it is crucial that they receive access to resources to help manage and contain the outbreak to save lives in Africa and to prevent it from impacting more countries. Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Data LiteracyAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General Health
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website at thosenerdygirls.org (by keyword, phrase, and topic)! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions and almost all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *104* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *188* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, Read more…
Can the power of positivity support my brain health?
Aging General HealthBrianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPN®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain health includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brain’s main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases Read more…
Does metformin treat COVID-19 and help prevent long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID TreatmentsElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Some data suggest that metformin may help treat infection and reduce long COVID risk. But so far these data are not conclusive and we need further studies before metformin would be recommended for treating COVID. Metformin is an FDA approved drug with a good safety history. It is most often used to help lower blood sugar in Read more…
Yes, there is a lot of COVID around right now.
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
There is a lot of COVID around. Now is a good time to take extra precautions to reduce your risk and protect those around you. If you feel like a lot of people have COVID right now, you’re right. Recent estimates from wastewater data suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 – Savvy Supplement Shopping
General Health VideosChana Davis, PhD
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Join Those Nerdy Girls and Unbiased Science to learn about savvy supplement shopping and why we need a heavy dose of skepticism in the wellness section. Hosted by: Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls @thosenerdygirls & Fueled by Science @fueledbyscience Jess Steier, DrPH, PMP: Unbiased Science Podcast @unbiasedscipod NB: Always seek the advice of your Read more…
Are you caught up? 8 health screenings for women and people assigned female at birth that can’t wait
General HealthAshley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely. We Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines to be rolled out in the US in September
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are expected to be rolled out in the US this coming September. The CDC recommends that “everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious health consequences from COVID-19 this fall and winter.” This advice also applies to Read more…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (“forever chemicals”)?
General Health Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
Testing your blood for PFAS (“forever chemicals”) is not recommended for most people. However, for the small fraction of people with a history of high PFAS exposure, the potential benefits of testing may outweigh the harms. PFAS blood tests can flag unusually high blood levels of these chemicals or offer peace of mind, but they Read more…
