Q: How can I check whether I am registered to vote?
Social and Racial Justice
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: How can I check whether I am registered to vote? A: Visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website. It can feel like there are a zillion websites with voter registration information, the rules are different in every state, and the information overwhelm can be wellā¦overwhelming! Donāt worry, we got you. An easy way to Read more…
The available data supports that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Q: I was sent the bulletin from the Florida Health Department regarding 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. It contains a lot of confusing and concerning pieces of information. Can you help me understand it? A: The Florida Department of Healthās bulletin contains a lot of misleading and inaccurate statements. They fail to mention the risks of infection Read more…
Whatās new with bird flu?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
This information is up to date as of September 16th, 2024 at 2 pm EDT. Pandemic potential remains low despite 14 cases* of H5N1 in humans for 2024, but the situation is still evolving. Cattle infected with H5N1 now spread across 14 states, with 4 human cases from cows, 10 cases from poultry (9 in Read more…
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and itās possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. šø What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Q: How can I check whether I am registered to vote? A: Visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website. It can feel like there are a zillion websites with voter registration information, the rules are different in every state, and the information overwhelm can be wellā¦overwhelming! Donāt worry, we got you. An easy way to Read more…
The available data supports that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Q: I was sent the bulletin from the Florida Health Department regarding 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. It contains a lot of confusing and concerning pieces of information. Can you help me understand it? A: The Florida Department of Healthās bulletin contains a lot of misleading and inaccurate statements. They fail to mention the risks of infection Read more…
Whatās new with bird flu?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
This information is up to date as of September 16th, 2024 at 2 pm EDT. Pandemic potential remains low despite 14 cases* of H5N1 in humans for 2024, but the situation is still evolving. Cattle infected with H5N1 now spread across 14 states, with 4 human cases from cows, 10 cases from poultry (9 in Read more…
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and itās possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. šø What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Q: I was sent the bulletin from the Florida Health Department regarding 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines. It contains a lot of confusing and concerning pieces of information. Can you help me understand it? A: The Florida Department of Healthās bulletin contains a lot of misleading and inaccurate statements. They fail to mention the risks of infection Read more…
Whatās new with bird flu?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
This information is up to date as of September 16th, 2024 at 2 pm EDT. Pandemic potential remains low despite 14 cases* of H5N1 in humans for 2024, but the situation is still evolving. Cattle infected with H5N1 now spread across 14 states, with 4 human cases from cows, 10 cases from poultry (9 in Read more…
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and itās possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. šø What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
This information is up to date as of September 16th, 2024 at 2 pm EDT. Pandemic potential remains low despite 14 cases* of H5N1 in humans for 2024, but the situation is still evolving. Cattle infected with H5N1 now spread across 14 states, with 4 human cases from cows, 10 cases from poultry (9 in Read more…
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
Health & Wellness Mental HealthIlana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and itās possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. šø What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and itās possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. šø What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeSandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when youāre on the go and donāt have access to hand-washing facilities, but they donāt eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others ā but they donāt eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines Videos
Join Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may haveĀ peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 09/06/24 – Fall COVID Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines VideosJoin Those Nerdy Girls for answers to your questions about updated COVID vaccines this fall. Why? Who? What? When? Where? Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief and Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science Always seek the advice of your health care provider Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. LĆnea de PrevenciĆ³n Read more…
Q: Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this yearās flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Influenza is actually a serious Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Health & Wellness Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Iāve 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). š„ But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A 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! š 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A 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, āThe COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through 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 Health & Wellness
Brianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A 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 Health & WellnessBrianna Morgan, PhD, CRNP, ACHPNĀ®
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
YES! Living life with meaning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining your social network can improve your brain health. Brain healthĀ includes things you can do to maximize how your brain works. Cognition is one of your brainās main jobs. Cognition is your ability to think, learn, and remember. As we age, cognition changes and brain diseases 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A 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, youāre right.Ā Recent estimates from wastewater dataĀ suggest over 900,000 new infections a day in the US and 1 in Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/07/24 ā Savvy Supplement Shopping
Health & Wellness 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
Health & Wellness
Ashley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A 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
Health & WellnessAshley Sever, MPH
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recentĀ 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…
Should I get a blood test for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā)?
Health & Wellness Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & Wellness
Megan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Testing your blood for PFAS (āforever chemicalsā) 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…
Cannabis vaping and young people: What do we know?
Health & WellnessMegan Reilly, Intern
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Most recent data show that about 10-14% of young people in the US have used cannabis vapes in the past 30 days. Itās more common in areas where recreational use is legal, and it can have negative health effects. Covering nicotine vaping in previous posts (postsĀ oneĀ andĀ two) has answered a lot of questions, but this Nerdy Read more…
How are vaccines developed, and how do we know they are safe?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSandy Laping
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
Vaccine development is regulated and monitored at every stage. A vaccine is only approved if it is deemed safe and effective, following a rigorous assessment of its benefits and risks. This ensures that you can trust vaccines offered by your healthcare professional, even those developed during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines have saved A Read more…
