What Really Works to Prevent Youth Substance Use?
Health Policy
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
As with many other health issues, strong, supportive relationships, social-emotional and practical skills, policies that reduce harm, and communities where young people are able to thrive help most to prevent and reduce youth substance use. 🍳 “This is your brain on drugs. From the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, several widely promoted drug-prevention efforts in Read more…
From Civil Rights Hubs to Pharmacy Deserts: What Pharmacy Closures Mean—And How You Can Take Action
General Health Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
Pharmacies provide essential care, from medications to vaccinations and more. The loss of a nearby pharmacy hurts the people who rely on it the most. Here’s why more pharmacies are closing—and what you can do to support pharmacy access for all. Imagine stepping into your local pharmacy—the place where you ask questions, get vaccines, and Read more…
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Social and Racial Justice Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day we hold in our hearts trans people who have died due to acts of violence and those who have died from suicide. We also are holding their loved ones as they remember and grieve. If you or a loved one is in crisis, here is the Read more…
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal?
Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal? Cholera is a bacteria that can cause really horrible diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly transmitted via contaminated water, and sometimes through contaminated food. Though around 75-90% of people can show mild symptoms, 10-25% of people have extreme, watery Read more…
I’ve heard a lot about the FDA reversing a black box warning on hormone therapy…what is that all about?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The FDA is asking companies to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause, and many experts agree. A black box warning, which appears in a black-bordered box on a medication, is a warning to healthcare providers that the medication may cause serious adverse effects. The original black box warning for hormone therapy was Read more…
Is bird flu still a thing?
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…
What’s the Hawthorne Effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
As with many other health issues, strong, supportive relationships, social-emotional and practical skills, policies that reduce harm, and communities where young people are able to thrive help most to prevent and reduce youth substance use. 🍳 “This is your brain on drugs. From the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, several widely promoted drug-prevention efforts in Read more…
From Civil Rights Hubs to Pharmacy Deserts: What Pharmacy Closures Mean—And How You Can Take Action
General Health Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
Pharmacies provide essential care, from medications to vaccinations and more. The loss of a nearby pharmacy hurts the people who rely on it the most. Here’s why more pharmacies are closing—and what you can do to support pharmacy access for all. Imagine stepping into your local pharmacy—the place where you ask questions, get vaccines, and Read more…
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Social and Racial Justice VideosMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day we hold in our hearts trans people who have died due to acts of violence and those who have died from suicide. We also are holding their loved ones as they remember and grieve. If you or a loved one is in crisis, here is the Read more…
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal?
Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal? Cholera is a bacteria that can cause really horrible diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly transmitted via contaminated water, and sometimes through contaminated food. Though around 75-90% of people can show mild symptoms, 10-25% of people have extreme, watery Read more…
I’ve heard a lot about the FDA reversing a black box warning on hormone therapy…what is that all about?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The FDA is asking companies to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause, and many experts agree. A black box warning, which appears in a black-bordered box on a medication, is a warning to healthcare providers that the medication may cause serious adverse effects. The original black box warning for hormone therapy was Read more…
Is bird flu still a thing?
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…
What’s the Hawthorne Effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day we hold in our hearts trans people who have died due to acts of violence and those who have died from suicide. We also are holding their loved ones as they remember and grieve. If you or a loved one is in crisis, here is the Read more…
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal?
Infectious DiseasesRebecca Raskin-Wish
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal? Cholera is a bacteria that can cause really horrible diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly transmitted via contaminated water, and sometimes through contaminated food. Though around 75-90% of people can show mild symptoms, 10-25% of people have extreme, watery Read more…
I’ve heard a lot about the FDA reversing a black box warning on hormone therapy…what is that all about?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The FDA is asking companies to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause, and many experts agree. A black box warning, which appears in a black-bordered box on a medication, is a warning to healthcare providers that the medication may cause serious adverse effects. The original black box warning for hormone therapy was Read more…
Is bird flu still a thing?
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…
What’s the Hawthorne Effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
What is cholera, and why is it a big deal? Cholera is a bacteria that can cause really horrible diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly transmitted via contaminated water, and sometimes through contaminated food. Though around 75-90% of people can show mild symptoms, 10-25% of people have extreme, watery Read more…
I’ve heard a lot about the FDA reversing a black box warning on hormone therapy…what is that all about?
Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The FDA is asking companies to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause, and many experts agree. A black box warning, which appears in a black-bordered box on a medication, is a warning to healthcare providers that the medication may cause serious adverse effects. The original black box warning for hormone therapy was Read more…
Is bird flu still a thing?
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…
What’s the Hawthorne Effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
The FDA is asking companies to remove black box warnings on hormone therapy for menopause, and many experts agree. A black box warning, which appears in a black-bordered box on a medication, is a warning to healthcare providers that the medication may cause serious adverse effects. The original black box warning for hormone therapy was Read more…
Is bird flu still a thing?
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, bird flu is still circulating, and you will likely start hearing more about it as flu season picks up. Let’s recap why we care about bird flu and what we currently know. Note: In the U.S., some of the data updating is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown and changes within the administration. Read more…
What’s the Hawthorne Effect?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
What is availability bias?
Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
Tl;dr: Availability bias, also called availability heuristic, is a type of cognitive bias that occurs when we rely disproportionately on the most readily available information to make decisions or judgments rather than the most representative or accurate data. Reflection and review of all available data can help us mitigate this particular bias. Sometimes do you Read more…
You haven’t written about measles in a while – can you give an update?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases in the U.S. and Canada continue to rise, but not as dramatically as they did. Vaccination is still the best way to protect your family and those around you who cannot be vaccinated. (Note – we use data from both the CDC and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Read more…
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
Infectious DiseasesThose Nerdy Girls
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/Immunity
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
Norovirus aka “stomach bug” season is around the corner, and cruise ships are a common hotspot for outbreaks. Luckily, there’s a team of public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep passengers safe from the moment they step on board. Did you know there is a team of about 15 scientists and public health Read more…
Q: What is immune imprinting, and should the public be worried about it?
Biology/ImmunityElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
A: Don’t let statements about imprinting stop you from getting your annual vaccines for COVID and flu. Immune imprinting refers to the fact that our immune response to a vaccine (or infection) is affected by previous exposures to similar vaccines (or infections). Imprinting has both pros and cons – it allows our immune system to Read more…
Do you know how you are going to feed your family this month?
Families/Kids Health Policy Social and Racial JusticeMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
Update: A federal judge ruled that emergency funds can be used for SNAP, but it’s not yet clear if this applies to all states or only those involved in the lawsuit. The decision could also be appealed or delayed. Even if funds are released, it will take time for them to reach families. That’s why Read more…
