A free gift for you: reading health headlines like a Nerdy Girl
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Thank you for reading. We made a guide for you, our readers. These are some of the tips we use ourselves when a health headline sounds too dramatic, too good, or too misleading to be true. We hope you find this helpful and would love you to share this with your networks. Those Nerdy Girls Read more…
I am registered to vote and I know where my polling place is; what else should I do before I go vote on Tuesday?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Get familiar with what’s on your ballot, find out what identification you need to vote, and make a plan for getting to your polling place. TL;DR: Before Tuesday, you can view a sample ballot online, look up what ID you need to bring, figure out if you get (paid) time off work to vote, and Read more…
Is daylight saving time bad for us?
General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. Well, it’s complicated, but science tells us that permanent standard time is best for our sleep and circadian biology, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Sleep and circadian scientists advocate for ending the twice annual shifting of the clock. However, rather than switching to permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time Read more…
Election season is in full swing, and the news is getting even more hectic!! How do I make sure my sources are accurate?!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
A: The abundance of information that comes our way these days is often overwhelming. This makes it harder than ever to cut through the noise, and election season absolutely adds to this challenge. The good news is that Lindsey’s Laws for news diligence, which we’ve been using here at Those Nerdy Girls to fight misleading Read more…
What are all the ways people can vote?
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Thank you for reading. We made a guide for you, our readers. These are some of the tips we use ourselves when a health headline sounds too dramatic, too good, or too misleading to be true. We hope you find this helpful and would love you to share this with your networks. Those Nerdy Girls Read more…
I am registered to vote and I know where my polling place is; what else should I do before I go vote on Tuesday?
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
Get familiar with what’s on your ballot, find out what identification you need to vote, and make a plan for getting to your polling place. TL;DR: Before Tuesday, you can view a sample ballot online, look up what ID you need to bring, figure out if you get (paid) time off work to vote, and Read more…
Is daylight saving time bad for us?
General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. Well, it’s complicated, but science tells us that permanent standard time is best for our sleep and circadian biology, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Sleep and circadian scientists advocate for ending the twice annual shifting of the clock. However, rather than switching to permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time Read more…
Election season is in full swing, and the news is getting even more hectic!! How do I make sure my sources are accurate?!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
A: The abundance of information that comes our way these days is often overwhelming. This makes it harder than ever to cut through the noise, and election season absolutely adds to this challenge. The good news is that Lindsey’s Laws for news diligence, which we’ve been using here at Those Nerdy Girls to fight misleading Read more…
What are all the ways people can vote?
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Get familiar with what’s on your ballot, find out what identification you need to vote, and make a plan for getting to your polling place. TL;DR: Before Tuesday, you can view a sample ballot online, look up what ID you need to bring, figure out if you get (paid) time off work to vote, and Read more…
Is daylight saving time bad for us?
General HealthLauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR. Well, it’s complicated, but science tells us that permanent standard time is best for our sleep and circadian biology, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Sleep and circadian scientists advocate for ending the twice annual shifting of the clock. However, rather than switching to permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time Read more…
Election season is in full swing, and the news is getting even more hectic!! How do I make sure my sources are accurate?!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
A: The abundance of information that comes our way these days is often overwhelming. This makes it harder than ever to cut through the noise, and election season absolutely adds to this challenge. The good news is that Lindsey’s Laws for news diligence, which we’ve been using here at Those Nerdy Girls to fight misleading Read more…
What are all the ways people can vote?
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
TL; DR. Well, it’s complicated, but science tells us that permanent standard time is best for our sleep and circadian biology, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Sleep and circadian scientists advocate for ending the twice annual shifting of the clock. However, rather than switching to permanent daylight saving time, permanent standard time Read more…
Election season is in full swing, and the news is getting even more hectic!! How do I make sure my sources are accurate?!
Uncertainty and MisinformationThose Nerdy Girls
A: The abundance of information that comes our way these days is often overwhelming. This makes it harder than ever to cut through the noise, and election season absolutely adds to this challenge. The good news is that Lindsey’s Laws for news diligence, which we’ve been using here at Those Nerdy Girls to fight misleading Read more…
What are all the ways people can vote?
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
A: The abundance of information that comes our way these days is often overwhelming. This makes it harder than ever to cut through the noise, and election season absolutely adds to this challenge. The good news is that Lindsey’s Laws for news diligence, which we’ve been using here at Those Nerdy Girls to fight misleading Read more…
What are all the ways people can vote?
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial JusticeThose Nerdy Girls
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
A: In-person, by mail, and absentee. Once you are registered, there are several options for voting. See below for information on these options, and make sure to check deadlines in your state for each one. In-person voting: On election day, November 3rd, you can vote in-person. To find your polling location, visit https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/find-your-polling-place. The hours Read more…
Why is my skin getting dark spots, and what can I do about them?
General HealthDaphne Berryhill, RPh
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Hyperpigmentation is a common cause of darkened skin spots. Hormone changes, inflammation, and even some medications can trigger it, but a common culprit is sun exposure, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Regular use of sun protection, including a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen, is the best way to prevent hyperpigmentation. Your clinician can also recommend treatments Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesRebecca Raskin-Wish
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
Vote! Your voice deserves to be heard.
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial JusticeThose Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls wants everyone to be able to participate in our democracy by voting. Your voice deserves to be heard. Remember that in tight races, just a few votes can make a big difference. One of those votes could be yours. Although it is too late to register in some states, there are plenty Read more…
Why is the plague trending on some social media sites?
Hot Health Topics Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
On October 11th, we celebrated International Day of the Girl!
Social and Racial JusticeThose Nerdy Girls
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive Health
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
This celebration was started by the United Nations to “recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.” The International Day of the Girl: ✊ Focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face ✊ Promotes girls’ empowerment ✊ Works to protect and fulfill their human rights This year’s theme Read more…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are Dense Breasts?
Reproductive HealthKatherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
A: We say breasts are dense if they have more fibrous and connective tissue. Less dense breasts have more fat and less fibrous tissue. Tissue is typically graded from A through D in terms of density. A is almost entirely fat, while D is almost entirely thicker fibrous tissue. I think of this like the Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease.✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among young Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies
Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
In this collaboration series, Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things dissects some common logical fallacies that can lead people astray. Logical fallacies are common patterns of reasoning that seem true on the surface but have one or more critical flaws. At their root, many are oversimplifications–like a cognitive shortcut. They are appealing because Read more…
What is an eating disorder?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
What is an eating disorder? Please read on to learn a little bit more about eating disorders and how to get help. What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious diseases responsible for both medical and physical illness. They are defined as changes in eating behaviors and patterns that affect mental and physical health. Up Read more…
What’s happening with the ongoing measles outbreaks? How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
Infectious DiseasesMeasles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
VaccinesSandy Laping, MSc
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Community immunity (aka “herd immunity”) is a really important factor in preventing the spread of infectious diseases… and just like an umbrella can protect you and the person standing next to you from the rain, vaccination can do the same. Did you know? The term herd immunity was first used when British scientists back in Read more…
Why do we know so little about migraines?
General HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
Gaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Despite affecting at least 12% of the US population, our understanding of migraines is limited due to a combination of difficulties with diagnosis, an extremely complex genetic picture, and the historic lack of investment in studying conditions that primarily affect women. On August 31, 2026, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental HealthGaylen Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
TL; DR: There are steps that all of us can take to raise awareness around suicide, to help someone who is struggling, and to intervene when there is a risk of suicide. Read on to learn more about the different levels of prevention. Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide*. If Read more…
Why do I still feel grief months or years later?
Mental HealthKelly Valentin, MPH
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids
Pamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
Grief doesn’t always act the way we may expect it to in ourselves or others. It can change, surprise us, and feel different from one day to the next. Turns out, there is a reason. We know the loss happened months or maybe even years ago. Most of the time, we’re okay. We’ve returned to Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day.
Families/KidsPamela Chung, MD
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
September 16th is National Working Parents Day. Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. Read more…
