A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
A: Recovering from nicotine dependence is not about willpower. It is about brain science. Nicotine dependence is a chronic disease that creates long-term changes in your brain. Recovery is possible but may require medical support. Ask your primary care team or a tobacco treatment specialist for help. Read on for more details. A link for Read more…
A: The at-home colon cancer screening test uses a self-collected stool sample to look for signs of cancer DNA. It is an effective and convenient screening test option for most people aged 45-75. The at-home DNA test (marketed as Cologuard in the U.S. and Colo-Alert in Europe) is a newer option for colon cancer screening. Read more…
A: TL; DR. Permanent Standard Time is best for our sleep and circadian biology, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Sleep and circadian scientists advocate for ending the twice annual shifting of the clock. However, rather than switching to permanent Daylight Saving Time (which has more light at the end of the day), Read more…
A: The answer depends on age, breast cancer risk, and more. For average risk cisgender women, regular screening mammograms are widely recommended from age 50 to 70. Earlier and later in life, the balance of benefits and risks is murkier in this population. There are additional considerations for those at higher risk of cancer, and Read more…
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
A: Birth control pills probably won’t, but life probably will. TL;DR: Many people who use hormonal birth control (i.e., pills, patches, rings or shots) report gaining weight, but it just so happens that people who aren’t using birth control also gain weight, at the same rates! Modern life is fattening! In large reviews of data Read more…
A: Maybe. Period changes after you get the COVID-19 vaccine or are sick with COVID-19 are possible, but do not last long. Period changes lasting more than a few cycles should be reported to your health clinician. Anything that might affect hormonal balance, uterine lining, or your ovaries may cause a change in your menstrual Read more…
Nyquil chicken, or “#sleepychicken,” isn’t a new thing. It’s been around for years but has recently made a little come back on TikTok. The idea: boil chicken in Nyquil or other liquid cold medicines. Some videos even encourage draining off the braising liquid of Nyquil and chicken juice back into the Nyquil bottle for future Read more…
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
