COVID is not gone.
Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
August 17, 2023
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
August 14, 2023
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
August 10, 2023
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
August 9, 2023
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
August 7, 2023
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
August 14, 2023
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
August 10, 2023
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
August 9, 2023
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
August 7, 2023
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
August 10, 2023
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
August 9, 2023
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
August 7, 2023
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
August 9, 2023
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
August 7, 2023
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
August 7, 2023
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
August 5, 2023
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
Health & Wellness 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…
August 4, 2023
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. 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…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health VideosMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
August 3, 2023
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & Wellness
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. https://youtu.be/YsBdF92KfL8 Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
Health & WellnessMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
July 30, 2023
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
July 27, 2023
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
Katherine Bolte, Social Media Intern
Katherine is a Social Media Intern for Those Nerdy Girls. When she’s not creating some of the graphics you see on TNG social media pages, she attends high school in Missouri. She’s been involved with TNG since December of 2022 and is especially passionate about their advocacy efforts in the reproductive health spaces. Outside of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
July 25, 2023
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
July 24, 2023
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
July 12, 2023
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July 7, 2023
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Social and Racial JusticeMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
June 30, 2023
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEM
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Mental health matters for all! Did you know that July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States? Across the nation (and world), racial and ethnic minority communities contend with unique mental health struggles that urgently require our attention. Due to wide-ranging inequities across housing, transportation, healthcare, and related sectors, BIPOC Americans (a Read more…
Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ2SIA+ scientists and clinicians!
Women in STEMMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
June 26, 2023
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
To round out the end of Pride Month, Those Nerdy Girls would like to use today’s post to celebrate our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) brothers, sisters, and siblings in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Wow, that is a mouthful! Thank goodness for acronyms! 😅 Read more…
Are doulas accessible to everyone?
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
June 23, 2023
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
The Short Answer: Like many holistic care practices today, there is a valid concern that doulas are at risk of being “gentrified” in the sense that they will become more inaccessible as they grow more popular. But here’s the truth: Anyone who is planning a family, starting a family, or is looking to make a Read more…
Doulas: Who are they?
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
Happy Pride Month, Nerds! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧ Each day, we find ourselves on the receiving end of rhetoric that minimizes and even directly threatens the joy, safety, lives, and livelihoods of LGBTQIA+ folks. This, combined with the ongoing challenges to reproductive health rights, means that we could all use any emotional support we can come across. And Read more…
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
June 21, 2023
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
I heard that “the pill” might become illegal? Is it all birth control pills?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. Other types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in the U.S. Read more…