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Families/Kids

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Ugh, what’s the deal with this new study from South Korea about kids transmitting COVID-19?

Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening

Does this mean going back to school is more dangerous than we thought? A: As you’ve noticed by now, headlines are often more sensational than the underlying facts. This is a large, solidly conducted study but doesn’t move the needle on what we already know: younger children seem less likely to contract and spread SARS-CoV-2, Read more…

With so much talk about schools and reopening, what factors are important to consider when weighing risks/benefits of doing so?

Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe

As nerdy girls, parents, and educators, we want so much to have clarity around school reopening. But, we just don’t yet know everything we need to know (and may not in 6 weeks!). So our best offering to you, our dear followers, is to share our ideas about how to assess the issue. We hope Read more…

What steps should families who want to visit relatives who are older and/or more vulnerable to complications of COVID-19 take to protect their loved ones?

Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel

A: We all miss our families (yes, us too!) and while navigating how to keep loved ones safe can feel overwhelming, the Nerdy Girls are here to help you make the best decisions possible based on the best information available! Luckily there are some key things (as highlighted in the NPR article below) you can Read more…

What can I do to continue to help the children in my life cope with the realities of the pandemic?

Families/Kids Mental Health Staying Safe

A: Provide children with a sense of control. Keep them informed. Get them engaged. The basic rules: 1. Answer children’s questions in a developmentally appropriate manner (using stories or play is a great way to do this for younger children). 2. Stick to routine and schedule (this is harder to do so many months into Read more…

How do I facilitate outdoor playdates?! Please help!

Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe

A: Boy how we empathize – safer socializing outdoors with kids is tricky. We’re here to help! The Nerdy Girls’ Outdoor Playdate Checklist helps you balance the need for children’s socialization with the need to reduce infection risk. Context: Yesterday the Nerdy Girl/IMPACT4HC team had the opportunity to talk about outdoor socializing with the wonderful Read more…

We are vacationing with another family in a shared rental house in July.

Families/Kids Socializing Travel

We wipe down our groceries. They don’t. We wear masks whenever we’re outside. They don’t. How is this going to work? I really need this to be a relaxing break for everyone but I’m already stressed. A: Oh, we hear you! Several Nerdy Girls are negotiating similar arrangements this summer. To help make this smooth Read more…

How has the pandemic affected fathers?

Families/Kids Mental Health

Introducing Nerdy Guest Dr. Tova Walsh, PhD, MSW of UW-Madison School of Social Work. Dr. Walsh’s research focuses on improving health and wellbeing in families that are experiencing special stressors. Her work includes understanding the parenting support needs of new fathers and military-connected parents. A: Short answer: Like everyone else, dads have been through a Read more…

Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19

Families/Kids Mental Health

Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…

Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?

Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids

A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…

Is it safe to go back to the doctor?

Families/Kids Staying Safe

A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…