What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
I live with a toddler. How can we all survive the summer together?
Families/Kids Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Pair the live-in-the-moment attitude of Dory with the caution and planning of Marlin from Finding Nemo. Toddlers thrive on attention and routines. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has added more to the plates of adults while altering most daily routines. You can and will get through this! Here are a few suggestions inspired by your questions: Safety Read more…
If someone in my household tests positive for COVID-19, how can I best care for them and keep the rest of my household safe?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Staying Safe Treatments
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If someone in your household develops symptoms of COVID-19 (see link below for symptom list), or suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact their health care provider to get a test or, if available, visit a community testing site to get tested for COVID-19. If COVID-19 is suspected based on symptoms Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
There’s inevitably going to be some socializing this summer. How do I stay safe?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
I live with a toddler. How can we all survive the summer together?
Families/Kids Mental Health Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Pair the live-in-the-moment attitude of Dory with the caution and planning of Marlin from Finding Nemo. Toddlers thrive on attention and routines. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has added more to the plates of adults while altering most daily routines. You can and will get through this! Here are a few suggestions inspired by your questions: Safety Read more…
If someone in my household tests positive for COVID-19, how can I best care for them and keep the rest of my household safe?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Staying Safe Treatments
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If someone in your household develops symptoms of COVID-19 (see link below for symptom list), or suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact their health care provider to get a test or, if available, visit a community testing site to get tested for COVID-19. If COVID-19 is suspected based on symptoms Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
There’s inevitably going to be some socializing this summer. How do I stay safe?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: Pair the live-in-the-moment attitude of Dory with the caution and planning of Marlin from Finding Nemo. Toddlers thrive on attention and routines. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has added more to the plates of adults while altering most daily routines. You can and will get through this! Here are a few suggestions inspired by your questions: Safety Read more…
If someone in my household tests positive for COVID-19, how can I best care for them and keep the rest of my household safe?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Staying Safe TreatmentsAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If someone in your household develops symptoms of COVID-19 (see link below for symptom list), or suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact their health care provider to get a test or, if available, visit a community testing site to get tested for COVID-19. If COVID-19 is suspected based on symptoms Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
There’s inevitably going to be some socializing this summer. How do I stay safe?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: If someone in your household develops symptoms of COVID-19 (see link below for symptom list), or suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact their health care provider to get a test or, if available, visit a community testing site to get tested for COVID-19. If COVID-19 is suspected based on symptoms Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
There’s inevitably going to be some socializing this summer. How do I stay safe?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
There’s inevitably going to be some socializing this summer. How do I stay safe?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Q: How do I tell my kids and my parents to stay safe? A: Stay SMART! Wow, these are some unusual times! Some of us are in the streets every day with large groups (see our recent posts on that), some of us haven’t left our homes in months. But many of us are starting Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying SafeSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?
Families/Kids Mental Health SocializingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…
How high a priority is it to get my kid to the pediatrician’s office for routine vaccines? Is it safe to go there?!?
Families/Kids Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: High priority. Super high. *Please* try to keep your kids up-to-date on their vaccination schedule. It’s better for them, and better for all, but there is evidence that coverage is slipping as parents skip or delay well-child visits. Wrapping up our weekend special series on kids + COVID with an up-close look at a Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/KidsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids SchoolAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare!
Families/Kids Staying SafeSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Q: Parenting young children while infected with COVID-19: This sounds like a nightmare! Is there anything I can do to prepare for such a scenario? A. First, let’s acknowledge – yes this is a nightmare. The virus and the need for social distancing has stripped families of their caregiver networks, forcing parents (or a single Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening SchoolAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
