I recently saw an article stating SARS-CoV-2 was made in a lab.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: How do I evaluate the quality of this claim and support good science? A: This extraordinary claim requires some serious evaluation to prevent the spread of misinformation. Curiosity and scientific skepticism are quite healthy, though the new pre-print article violates many foundational principles of scientific inquiry. Lindsay’s Laws of Infodemiology provide a useful guide Read more…
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
With the holidays approaching, I am wondering….does a pod still make sense?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Time for a TBT moment (Previous post)! Yes, a pod can help you socialize while minimizing your risk of infection. The basics: What is it? A pod (aka social bubble, bubble) is a small, stable, self-contained group of people (usually children and adults) who interact with one another in a limited or not socially Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
Can COVID-19 literally break my heart? What the heck is myocarditis?
Clinical Symptoms
A: In short, yes—COVID-19 infection can damage your heart. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, and recently social media has been blowing up with reports of athletes opting out of play due to myocarditis. We’ve got your back to give you some answers about myocarditis. The most recent reports suggest that myocarditis, or inflammation of Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
What do voting and COVID-19 have in common?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical Symptoms
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
Q: How do I evaluate the quality of this claim and support good science? A: This extraordinary claim requires some serious evaluation to prevent the spread of misinformation. Curiosity and scientific skepticism are quite healthy, though the new pre-print article violates many foundational principles of scientific inquiry. Lindsay’s Laws of Infodemiology provide a useful guide Read more…
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
With the holidays approaching, I am wondering….does a pod still make sense?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Time for a TBT moment (Previous post)! Yes, a pod can help you socialize while minimizing your risk of infection. The basics: What is it? A pod (aka social bubble, bubble) is a small, stable, self-contained group of people (usually children and adults) who interact with one another in a limited or not socially Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
Can COVID-19 literally break my heart? What the heck is myocarditis?
Clinical Symptoms
A: In short, yes—COVID-19 infection can damage your heart. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, and recently social media has been blowing up with reports of athletes opting out of play due to myocarditis. We’ve got your back to give you some answers about myocarditis. The most recent reports suggest that myocarditis, or inflammation of Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
What do voting and COVID-19 have in common?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical Symptoms
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
With the holidays approaching, I am wondering….does a pod still make sense?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Time for a TBT moment (Previous post)! Yes, a pod can help you socialize while minimizing your risk of infection. The basics: What is it? A pod (aka social bubble, bubble) is a small, stable, self-contained group of people (usually children and adults) who interact with one another in a limited or not socially Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
Can COVID-19 literally break my heart? What the heck is myocarditis?
Clinical Symptoms
A: In short, yes—COVID-19 infection can damage your heart. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, and recently social media has been blowing up with reports of athletes opting out of play due to myocarditis. We’ve got your back to give you some answers about myocarditis. The most recent reports suggest that myocarditis, or inflammation of Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
What do voting and COVID-19 have in common?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical Symptoms
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Time for a TBT moment (Previous post)! Yes, a pod can help you socialize while minimizing your risk of infection. The basics: What is it? A pod (aka social bubble, bubble) is a small, stable, self-contained group of people (usually children and adults) who interact with one another in a limited or not socially Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationA: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
Can COVID-19 literally break my heart? What the heck is myocarditis?
Clinical SymptomsA: In short, yes—COVID-19 infection can damage your heart. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, and recently social media has been blowing up with reports of athletes opting out of play due to myocarditis. We’ve got your back to give you some answers about myocarditis. The most recent reports suggest that myocarditis, or inflammation of Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
What do voting and COVID-19 have in common?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical Symptoms
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
What do voting and COVID-19 have in common?
Staying SafeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical Symptoms
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: A LOT! We Nerdy Girls are proud to be engaged citizens and passionate advocates for exercising our right to vote. In fact, we are launching a weekly series to help offer you some practical tips for voting safely and supporting your community. **As a friendly reminder, the Dear Pandemic community is strictly non-partisan, and Read more…
How can I tell if I have symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke or COVID?
Clinical SymptomsMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: In dramatic satellite images released yesterday, smoke from wildfires on the West coast is shown stretching across much of the United States. As if 2020 hasn’t already offered us enough uncertainty, wildfire smoke and COVID cause a set of common symptoms, making it hard to tell which you’re facing. Shared symptoms include coughing, wheezing, Read more…
I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?
Clinical Symptoms Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
Dear Pandemic: Q&A Live Dr. Leininger and Dr. Jones answer follower questions! Link to original FB post
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
The Nerdy Girls join the millions of folks who remain heartbroken about the recent passing of Mr. Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at the age of 43. From Jackie Robinson to the Black Panther, King T’Challa, Mr. Boseman played Black icons and told beautiful stories through his art. Our thoughts are with his grieving loved Read more…
How do I call bull$hit on COVID misinformation?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Be kind. Be correct. Replace fiction with credible fact. Your Nerdy Girls remain committed to providing tools for sleuthing out and slaying pandemic misinformation. Which is why we are so very delighted that a pair of powerhouse scientists, Dr. Carl Bergstrom and Dr. Jevin West, both at University of Washington, have recently published the Read more…
I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?
Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…
Yikes! I just cracked a tooth!! Can I blame the pandemic?
Mental Health Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health School
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Yes! Dentists are seeing an uptick in cracked and damaged teeth that might very well be pandemic-related. As if we didn’t have enough to worry about! In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Tammy Chen, a Manhattan prosthodontist, explained how COVID-19 might lead to dental fractures. (Info here is excerpted and adapted from Read more…
It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?
Families/Kids Mental Health SchoolMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…
