Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
The month of May is brimming with blooms, celebrations, and plans. As you gear up for summer, it’s also a good time to check in on your sun-safety routine. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light is a major risk factor for skin cancer, but it’s a preventable one with good daily habits. The 3 essential sun-safe Read more…
National Women’s Health Week is an observance that aims to ➡️ Highlight women’s health issues and priorities and ➡️ Encourage women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This year’s theme is Empowering Women, Cultivating Health: Celebrating Voices, Wellness, and Resilience. The Office on Women’s Health uses this week to celebrate Read more…
PFAS (a type of forever chemical) are all around us – in water, food, dust, consumer products and more. Exposure to high levels of PFAS is a serious health hazard but the impact of low levels (that most people face) is unclear. PFAS pose the greatest threat to those who are highly exposed or are vulnerable Read more…
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Organize your thoughts beforehand on paper, and bring a friend or family member if you need additional support. It can be easy to get flustered sitting in an exam room. Yet your time with your clinician is a valuable opportunity to get your questions answered and prepare to continue to take care of your health. Read more…
A: There is good scientific consensus that GMO foods are safe and pose no threat to human health. The AAP’s recent report on GMOs was useful in some ways but presented a misleading, alarmist view of the risks posed by the weedkiller glyphosate, a view that conflicts with multiple health agencies. In December, the American Read more…
Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced bone density that increases risk of fracture. Women over age 65 and those over age 50 with additional risk factors should be screened with a DEXA scan. Repeat screening intervals depend on the baseline bone density and can range from 1 to 15 years between tests. What is osteoporosis? Read more…
Look out for signs of dehydration and build hydration habits into your daily routine. Be mindful of situations where you may need more water. The National Academy of Medicine guidelines recommend drinking at least 9-13 cups of water a day. However, it’s easy in the business of life to forget. By checking for signs of Read more…
Even though January is over, it’s a good time to look back and talk about whether the concept of Dry January is actually effective. TL;DR: Dry January can be effective to reset your relationship with alcohol. However, heavier drinkers may need more time to heal. That depends on your goals and relationship with alcohol. Dry Read more…
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
Semaglutide (aka, Ozempic/Wegovy), reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, even if you don’t have diabetes. But we still have a lot to learn. A new paper published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine reported very interesting results from a clinical trial of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. The Read more…
This post discusses intimate partner violence. ______________________ A: Supporting healthy relationships and creating a safe environment are key to preventing and stopping teen dating violence. TL; DR: Partner violence can start in early teen years. The emotional and behavioral effects are severe and can carry over into adulthood for both victims and perpetrators. However, abuse Read more…
Health literacy requires communities, systems, and institutions to unite in ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and resources to make informed and empowered decisions about their health. It is not the sole responsibility of the healthcare system, and it is certainly not the sole responsibility of the individual. The journey to achieving health literacy must Read more…
This post discusses intimate partner violence. If you or anyone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Anonymous, confidential help is available 24/7. How does Intimate Partner Violence affect the LGBTQ+ community? TL;DR: People in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience IPV. The Read more…
This post discusses intimate partner violence. If you or anyone you know needs help, please call the US National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Anonymous, confidential help is available 24/7. IPV is abuse or aggression in a romantic relationship. IPV can happen to anyone, and it is usually about power and Read more…
A: Possibly. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, often comparable to antidepressant medication And a combination of both exercise and medication can be even more effective! A recent study got some attention for making this point. The study compared the effects of a running program (45 minutes 2-3 Read more…
