How can I stay healthy as I celebrate the holidays with my family and friends this season?
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeHannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
How can I stay healthy as I celebrate the holidays with my family and friends this season? Signed, A concerned mom of teens in California To reduce your risk of getting sick while gathering with friends and family, use tried-and-true layers of protection. Vaccines, masking, ventilation, hand-washing, testing, and staying home all work together to Read more…
November 24, 2024
Nerdy Tips for a Safer Holiday Season
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we approach the festive season 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 reduce risk are Read more…
September 20, 2024
Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Q: Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself? A: A confluence of factors are making mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue and West Nile virus) more frequent, including climate change, urbanization, and decline in the widespread use of the insecticide DDT, among other factors. You may have heard Read more…
September 13, 2024
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. Read more…
September 10, 2024
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
August 26, 2024
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
How can I stay healthy as I celebrate the holidays with my family and friends this season? Signed, A concerned mom of teens in California To reduce your risk of getting sick while gathering with friends and family, use tried-and-true layers of protection. Vaccines, masking, ventilation, hand-washing, testing, and staying home all work together to Read more…
Nerdy Tips for a Safer Holiday Season
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we approach the festive season 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 reduce risk are Read more…
September 20, 2024
Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Q: Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself? A: A confluence of factors are making mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue and West Nile virus) more frequent, including climate change, urbanization, and decline in the widespread use of the insecticide DDT, among other factors. You may have heard Read more…
September 13, 2024
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. Read more…
September 10, 2024
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
August 26, 2024
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
‘Tis the season of SO many respiratory viruses! As we approach the festive season 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 reduce risk are Read more…
Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself?
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Q: Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself? A: A confluence of factors are making mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue and West Nile virus) more frequent, including climate change, urbanization, and decline in the widespread use of the insecticide DDT, among other factors. You may have heard Read more…
September 13, 2024
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. Read more…
September 10, 2024
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
August 26, 2024
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
Q: Why do cases of mosquito-borne illnesses seem to be going up? How can you protect yourself? A: A confluence of factors are making mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue and West Nile virus) more frequent, including climate change, urbanization, and decline in the widespread use of the insecticide DDT, among other factors. You may have heard Read more…
What should I know before stocking up on hand sanitizer?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeSandy Laping
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. Read more…
September 10, 2024
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
August 26, 2024
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs. Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. Read more…
Is it a cold or COVID? 3 good reasons to test.
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
August 26, 2024
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
There are still lots of practical reasons to test for COVID if you have any symptoms or an exposure. Knowledge is power! There is STILL lots of COVID around. While the bad summer surge may have peaked, back-to-school means lots of new opportunities for transmission that may slow the decline in cases. You may find yourself Read more…
Free COVID Tests Available Soon!
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
July 16, 2024
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying Safe
Harm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
July 5, 2024
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
The Biden Administration has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available starting in late September. Once available, you will be able to order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through Read more…
What is harm reduction?
Health Policy Staying SafeHarm reduction or risk reduction is a strategy that aims to reduce the negative impacts of specific behaviors. This is the first in a series of posts meant to look at harm reduction: what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can use it to effect positive change in people we care about (including Read more…
Are chemical sunscreens really “toxic,” as some social media influencers say?
Families/Kids General Health Staying SafeDaphne Berryhill, RPh
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
July 3, 2024
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
Chemical sunscreens have no proven health risks, but they ARE proven to protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. As with many things in our daily lives, we can’t be sure that chemical sunscreens are 100% risk-free. Still, medical and scientific experts agree that the benefits Read more…
4th of July Safety Tips
Families/Kids Staying SafeGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
🇺🇸🇺🇸 Those Nerdy Girls wishes a safe and happy 4th of July to all who celebrate! Here are some tips to get you, your family, and your pets through safely. ➡️ FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS (courtesy American Red Cross) The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Read more…
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying SafeDaphne Berryhill, RPh
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…
June 7, 2024
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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ 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…
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying SafeSarah 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…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ 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…
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
May 21, 2024
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
May 9, 2024
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
April 19, 2024
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Aging General Health Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
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…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ 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…
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
November 21, 2023
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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common 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…
October 18, 2023
How can I reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ 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 reduce the risk of infection at an event I really care about attending?
Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
For better viewing with links, read this on our Substack. You can’t eliminate the risk of infection AND there are many things you can do to decrease your risks. Balancing the tradeoffs of infection risk and engagement in meaningful life events will look different for everyone. Be open to the risk reduction options available and Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
June 22, 2023
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 06/22/23
COVID Variants Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosThose Nerdy Girls discuss COVID-19 risks, precautions, and boosters. Hosted by: – Jenn Dowd, PhD: TNG Editor in Chief & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Introductions (00:00-01:12) ➡️ Current COVID-19 risk level (What is it and how is it measured?) (1:13-5:13) ➡️ Read more…