What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called š„EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. š„ So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease š„ The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: š„ Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. š„ Donāt Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) Itās summer. Youāre hiking, youāre camping, youāre living your best summer life. So letās talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. Itās very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called š„EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. š„ So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease š„ The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: š„ Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. š„ Donāt Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) Itās summer. Youāre hiking, youāre camping, youāre living your best summer life. So letās talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. Itās very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called š„EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. š„ So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease š„ The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: š„ Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. š„ Donāt Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) Itās summer. Youāre hiking, youāre camping, youāre living your best summer life. So letās talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. Itās very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: š„ Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. š„ Donāt Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) Itās summer. Youāre hiking, youāre camping, youāre living your best summer life. So letās talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. Itās very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) Itās summer. Youāre hiking, youāre camping, youāre living your best summer life. So letās talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. Itās very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health VideosMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, letās celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General HealthMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. š·ļø The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!š
VaccinesMegan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve peopleās lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. š¦Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
Iāve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General HealthA: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but donāt stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someoneās lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that itās becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial JusticeMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEMMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š
Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use todayās post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! š Read more…
What does the science say about gender identity?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
A: Differences in brain structure and/or function, hormone levels during different phases of development, and even genetics seem to shape our internal sense of gender identity. We all have a gender identity, or an internal sense of self as belonging somewhere on a gender spectrum. For most people, their gender identity aligns with what is Read more…
How long does it take to grieve the death of a loved one?
Mental HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
The process of grief is different for everyone taking place over weeks, months, and often years. This post provides science on grief as well as perspective on coping with the death of a loved one with the hope of normalizing a process that is both extremely personal and universally shared. Grief is the process of Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being āgentrifiedā in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But hereās the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
