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I keep hearing about New World Screwworm in the news. Can you tell me more about it?

General Health Infection and Spread

A parasitic fly called the New World Screwworm has recently been found in US animals for the first time in decades. Although the current risk to people in the US is very low, it’s worth knowing the signs, especially if you have pets and live in an affected area. What is New World Screwworm (NWS)? Read more…

What is an asthma action plan?

General Health

An asthma action plan is a form that you fill out with a clinician that details asthma medications, triggers, symptoms, and plans for asthma flares. An asthma action plan is a clinician-approved guide that covers medications, triggers, symptoms, and ER guidelines for people with asthma. You fill out the form with your clinician and it’s Read more…

What do I need to know about daraxonrasib, the new treatment for pancreatic cancer?

General Health Treatments

A new drug called daraxonrasib nearly doubled survival time for patients enrolled in a phase-3 clinical trial. That’s a big deal, because treatment options for pancreatic cancer are limited and survival rates at 5 years are very low. In 2002, my grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Six months later she was admitted to hospice, Read more…

Can some medications make me more heat sensitive?

General Health

Yes, certain medications can make you more likely to experience heat-related illness. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare and help more people stay safe. To understand how medications can affect our bodies when outside temperatures rise, let’s look at the body’s normal cooling process. Our warm-blooded bodies are designed to maintain a Read more…

What are cold sores, and what causes them?

General Health

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1, one of the most common recurring viral infections in the world. Let’s clear up some of the stigma and confusion that still exists. âť“ What are cold sores? Cold sores (also called fever blisters) are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or Read more…

What is a differential diagnosis?

General Health

Tl;dr: Differential diagnosis helps clinicians figure out what questions to ask, makes sure they rule out “can’t miss” diagnoses, and helps them determine what testing and follow-up a patient needs. If you’ve ever read the note your doctor, PA, or NP wrote about you on your patient portal for an emergency room visit, hospital stay, Read more…

What are the 3 most important sun-safe habits your skin will thank you for?

Families/Kids General Health

Sun safety requires a combination of everyday protective measures. These include covering up, using sunscreen, and being sensible about sun exposure. 🌞 🌞 Be sure to look out for our post coming tomorrow: “There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.” (Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the Read more…

What is Psyllium, and is it good for you?

General Health

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and dietary fiber supplement. Psyllium may also have small benefits for heart and metabolic health. It’s best to talk with your clinician before taking it regularly. For generations, psyllium has been a go-to solution for pooping problems. As a kid in the 80s, I remember my grandma mixing the orange Read more…

We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation about Applied Behavior Analysis

Families/Kids General Health Treatments

We Missed Some Important Things. You Told Us. We Listened. 🧡 A conversation with Priscilla Corson, AuDHDer and therapist Hosted by MK Haber, Executive Director, Those Nerdy Girls &+ Recorded April 17, 2026 A note before we begin: In February, Those Nerdy Girls published a post on therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was Read more…

Can a tick bite really make you allergic to meat?

Clinical Symptoms General Health

Yes. A tick bite really can trigger a new allergy to meat, thanks to a condition called alpha‑gal syndrome (AGS). But this tick‑borne food allergy isn’t only about meat. AGS can also cause delayed allergic reactions after eating dairy and other products from mammals, including some that are hidden as ingredients. Updated [5/26/26]: We value Read more…

Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?

General Health

A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…

How do I best navigate a health appointment?

General Health

Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…

What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?

General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…