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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…

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.

Families/Kids General Health Treatments

Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…

Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?

General Health Treatments

Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially hard to Read more…

What’s with the American Heart Association’s new claims about the heart healthiness of alcohol?

General Health Health Policy

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently suggested that light drinking may be a positive for heart health. The health benefits of even moderate alcohol use seem very small while the risks are real. In July, the Association, which is a leader in the heart health field, published a review suggesting that not only is light Read more…

Could telehealth be a good option for me?

General Health

Knowing when telehealth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to prepare can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Telehealth [archived link], also known as telemedicine or virtual care, is a method of accessing certain types of healthcare services and information without visiting a clinician’s office, using a phone, tablet, or computer instead. During a typical Read more…

Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?

General Health

Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…

What is a mitochondrial disease?

Biology/Immunity General Health

Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…

From Civil Rights Hubs to Pharmacy Deserts: What Pharmacy Closures Mean—And How You Can Take Action

General Health Health Policy Social and Racial Justice

Pharmacies provide essential care, from medications to vaccinations and more. The loss of a nearby pharmacy hurts the people who rely on it the most. Here’s why more pharmacies are closing—and what you can do to support pharmacy access for all. Imagine stepping into your local pharmacy—the place where you ask questions, get vaccines, and Read more…