How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
What resources are available to help train the next generation of Nerdy Girls (and Guys) to navigate misinformation?
Data Literacy Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Whether you are a teacher or a parent, there are lots of resources available to help kids boost their skills in navigating misinformation. Check out a few we like below! 🔵 Checkology: a free e-learning platform from The News Literacy Project that offers interactive lessons led by journalists and other experts on topics including Read more…
How can we help our kids (or our grown-ups) cope with needles?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
For children and adults who do not respond to relaxation or distraction, application of light touch, cold, or vibration near an injection site can override the body’s pain center, making shots feel less painful. As anyone who’s held down a screaming toddler during their immunizations knows, they don’t like shots. Toddlers don’t like a lot Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/KidsAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
What resources are available to help train the next generation of Nerdy Girls (and Guys) to navigate misinformation?
Data Literacy Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Whether you are a teacher or a parent, there are lots of resources available to help kids boost their skills in navigating misinformation. Check out a few we like below! 🔵 Checkology: a free e-learning platform from The News Literacy Project that offers interactive lessons led by journalists and other experts on topics including Read more…
How can we help our kids (or our grown-ups) cope with needles?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
For children and adults who do not respond to relaxation or distraction, application of light touch, cold, or vibration near an injection site can override the body’s pain center, making shots feel less painful. As anyone who’s held down a screaming toddler during their immunizations knows, they don’t like shots. Toddlers don’t like a lot Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
What resources are available to help train the next generation of Nerdy Girls (and Guys) to navigate misinformation?
Data Literacy Families/Kids Uncertainty and MisinformationAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Whether you are a teacher or a parent, there are lots of resources available to help kids boost their skills in navigating misinformation. Check out a few we like below! 🔵 Checkology: a free e-learning platform from The News Literacy Project that offers interactive lessons led by journalists and other experts on topics including Read more…
How can we help our kids (or our grown-ups) cope with needles?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
For children and adults who do not respond to relaxation or distraction, application of light touch, cold, or vibration near an injection site can override the body’s pain center, making shots feel less painful. As anyone who’s held down a screaming toddler during their immunizations knows, they don’t like shots. Toddlers don’t like a lot Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: Whether you are a teacher or a parent, there are lots of resources available to help kids boost their skills in navigating misinformation. Check out a few we like below! 🔵 Checkology: a free e-learning platform from The News Literacy Project that offers interactive lessons led by journalists and other experts on topics including Read more…
How can we help our kids (or our grown-ups) cope with needles?
Families/Kids VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
For children and adults who do not respond to relaxation or distraction, application of light touch, cold, or vibration near an injection site can override the body’s pain center, making shots feel less painful. As anyone who’s held down a screaming toddler during their immunizations knows, they don’t like shots. Toddlers don’t like a lot Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
For children and adults who do not respond to relaxation or distraction, application of light touch, cold, or vibration near an injection site can override the body’s pain center, making shots feel less painful. As anyone who’s held down a screaming toddler during their immunizations knows, they don’t like shots. Toddlers don’t like a lot Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving
Families/Kids Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small steps you take to Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Does getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy help protect the newborn?
Families/Kids Reproductive Health VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Tl;dr: Yes! Getting a COVID vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk that the baby will need to be hospitalized for COVID illness in the first 6 months of life. A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduced the risk the baby would Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and MisinformationGretchen Peterson, Production Team
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
What should I know about marijuana now that it’s becoming legal in more states?
Families/Kids Mental HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Marijuana may not be as addictive as opioids or alcohol, but it is definitely associated with some negative consequences, especially among adolescents. In June of this year, a study was published in Nature Medicine detailing the efficacy in a small trial of an experimental drug to combat marijuana addiction. When it comes to marijuana, there Read more…
What’s to know about the new Surgeon General report on social media and youth mental health?
Families/Kids Mental HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: The report indicates strong signals of social media’s harm to youth mental health, although it is still hard to know for sure if social media directly causes mental health problems. Last month, the Surgeon General released an in-depth report about the potential harms of social media to youth mental health. Amidst a crisis of Read more…
Can kids 6 months to 4 years old get an updated COVID-19 vaccine (targeting both the original and BA.4 and BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2)?
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids aged 6 months to 4 years old that got the original Moderna vaccine for the primary series get an updated Moderna booster and that kids in this age group that got the original Pfizer vaccine for all three doses of the primary series get Read more…
Can my kids get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A: Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe to give with other vaccines. Vaccination is incredibly important and delaying vaccination can result in increased risks of infection, serious illness, or death. Many parents and families worry about giving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. But we come with good news! It Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying SafeJoanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
