What are the nicotine vaping trends among young people?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Megan Reilly, Intern
Over the past decade, vape use has increased among young people in the US and is now far more popular than other types of nicotine or tobacco products. Increase in Vaping Among Young People According to the US National Youth Tobacco Survey of 2023, vapes (also called e-cigarettes) are by far the most popular nicotine or tobacco Read more…
June 27, 2024
How can I be an effective ally?
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
As a cisgender woman, Pride Month always feels like a good time for me to do some thinking on what it means to be an effective ally for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) and Same Gender Loving (SGL) people. The Human Rights Campaign defines “ally” as “A Read more…
June 25, 2024
Are we seeing more colorectal cancer cases in younger adults?
Clinical Symptoms General Health Hot Health Topics
Yes. There is a recent global uptick in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50. If you are aged 45 or older (or <45 with increased risk of colorectal cancer due to family history or certain medical conditions), talk to your clinician about getting screened. In the US, colorectal cancer (CRC) – cancer that starts in Read more…
June 24, 2024
Q: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride?
Social and Racial Justice
Q: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride? June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and Read more…
June 21, 2024
Why are girls entering puberty earlier?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Girls are getting their first period at younger and younger ages, especially girls of color and of low socioeconomic status. Potential reasons include both higher BMI and stress, but it’s still not fully understood. This change is important, as earlier sexual maturation brings with it concerns for both physical and social health. A recent study of over Read more…
June 19, 2024
Honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
Today Those Nerdy Girls honor Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. We first wrote about her last year (scroll down to read that post) and now want to give you some exciting updates on her amazing life and contributions to society. 🟣 On May 3, 2024, Dr. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Read more…
June 18, 2024
Who is most exposed to PFAS (forever chemicals)?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Chana Davis, PhD
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
June 17, 2024
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
June 15, 2024
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial Justice
June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
June 14, 2024
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Over the past decade, vape use has increased among young people in the US and is now far more popular than other types of nicotine or tobacco products. Increase in Vaping Among Young People According to the US National Youth Tobacco Survey of 2023, vapes (also called e-cigarettes) are by far the most popular nicotine or tobacco Read more…
How can I be an effective ally?
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
As a cisgender woman, Pride Month always feels like a good time for me to do some thinking on what it means to be an effective ally for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) and Same Gender Loving (SGL) people. The Human Rights Campaign defines “ally” as “A Read more…
June 25, 2024
Are we seeing more colorectal cancer cases in younger adults?
Clinical Symptoms General Health Hot Health Topics
Yes. There is a recent global uptick in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50. If you are aged 45 or older (or <45 with increased risk of colorectal cancer due to family history or certain medical conditions), talk to your clinician about getting screened. In the US, colorectal cancer (CRC) – cancer that starts in Read more…
June 24, 2024
Q: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride?
Social and Racial Justice
Q: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride? June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and Read more…
June 21, 2024
Why are girls entering puberty earlier?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Girls are getting their first period at younger and younger ages, especially girls of color and of low socioeconomic status. Potential reasons include both higher BMI and stress, but it’s still not fully understood. This change is important, as earlier sexual maturation brings with it concerns for both physical and social health. A recent study of over Read more…
June 19, 2024
Honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
Today Those Nerdy Girls honor Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. We first wrote about her last year (scroll down to read that post) and now want to give you some exciting updates on her amazing life and contributions to society. 🟣 On May 3, 2024, Dr. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Read more…
June 18, 2024
Who is most exposed to PFAS (forever chemicals)?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Chana Davis, PhD
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
June 17, 2024
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
June 15, 2024
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial Justice
June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
June 14, 2024
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
As a cisgender woman, Pride Month always feels like a good time for me to do some thinking on what it means to be an effective ally for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning, Two Spirit, Intersex, Agender, and Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA+) and Same Gender Loving (SGL) people. The Human Rights Campaign defines “ally” as “A Read more…
Are we seeing more colorectal cancer cases in younger adults?
Clinical Symptoms General Health Hot Health TopicsYes. There is a recent global uptick in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50. If you are aged 45 or older (or <45 with increased risk of colorectal cancer due to family history or certain medical conditions), talk to your clinician about getting screened. In the US, colorectal cancer (CRC) – cancer that starts in Read more…
Q: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride?
Social and Racial JusticeQ: June is Pride Month. Why do Those Nerdy Girls feel it is important to write about Pride? June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and Read more…
Why are girls entering puberty earlier?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Girls are getting their first period at younger and younger ages, especially girls of color and of low socioeconomic status. Potential reasons include both higher BMI and stress, but it’s still not fully understood. This change is important, as earlier sexual maturation brings with it concerns for both physical and social health. A recent study of over Read more…
June 19, 2024
Honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
Today Those Nerdy Girls honor Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. We first wrote about her last year (scroll down to read that post) and now want to give you some exciting updates on her amazing life and contributions to society. 🟣 On May 3, 2024, Dr. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Read more…
June 18, 2024
Who is most exposed to PFAS (forever chemicals)?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Chana Davis, PhD
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
June 17, 2024
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
June 15, 2024
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial Justice
June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
June 14, 2024
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Girls are getting their first period at younger and younger ages, especially girls of color and of low socioeconomic status. Potential reasons include both higher BMI and stress, but it’s still not fully understood. This change is important, as earlier sexual maturation brings with it concerns for both physical and social health. A recent study of over Read more…
Honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Social and Racial Justice
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
Today Those Nerdy Girls honor Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. We first wrote about her last year (scroll down to read that post) and now want to give you some exciting updates on her amazing life and contributions to society. 🟣 On May 3, 2024, Dr. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Read more…
June 18, 2024
Who is most exposed to PFAS (forever chemicals)?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Chana Davis, PhD
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
June 17, 2024
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
June 15, 2024
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial Justice
June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
June 14, 2024
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Today Those Nerdy Girls honor Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth. We first wrote about her last year (scroll down to read that post) and now want to give you some exciting updates on her amazing life and contributions to society. 🟣 On May 3, 2024, Dr. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Read more…
Who is most exposed to PFAS (forever chemicals)?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Chana Davis, PhD
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
June 17, 2024
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health Videos
Those Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
June 15, 2024
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial Justice
June is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
June 14, 2024
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Certain jobs and communities face higher exposure to PFAS (a type of forever chemical) and a higher risk of health impacts. Three jobs with higher exposure to PFAS are: firefighters, ski wax technicians, and chemical manufacturing workers. Communities near facilities that make or use PFAS may also have increased exposure. Those Nerdy Girls recommends caution, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 06/17/24 – The Ins and Outs of Cancer Screening
General Health VideosThose Nerdy Girls discuss the ins and outs of cancer screening. Which cancers should you get screened for? What are the pros and cons? Why do screening guidelines keep changing? Hosted by: – Sarah Coles, MD: TNG Contributing Writer, Family physician and Assistant Professor – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled Read more…
This month I’m seeing Pride 🏳️🌈 and Trans 🏳️⚧️ flags everywhere. What is that all about?
Social and Racial JusticeJune is Pride Month in the U.S. and many countries around the world. (Pride is celebrated during other months in countries such as Denmark.) Pride events serve to celebrate, honor, uplift, educate, and increase understanding and visibility for and among members of Queer communities and their families and loved ones. Visibility is important because it Read more…
Are there any updates on COVID-19 we should know about?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
June 11, 2024
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
A: Here is what’s new in the realm of COVID-19 right now: In a nutshell: ➡️ There is a new COVID variant family called FLiRT that may lead to an increase in cases this summer. ➡️ Current vaccines will provide some protection against FLiRT variants. ➡️ Data so far does not suggest that FLiRT variants Read more…
Are mineral sunscreens *really* better than chemical ones?
General Health Staying Safe
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
June 10, 2024
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the body, so they may be safer than chemical ones. But when you need sunscreen, any type of sunscreen is better than none. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid skin cancer and visible signs of sun damage. While it’s true that some people have Read more…
Q: Are there more whooping cough cases occurring than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
June 7, 2024
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
A: In the first 5 months of 2024, there were nearly 3 times the number of cases reported in the U.S. by this time last year. Cases are also up globally. Make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine! TL; DR: Whooping cough cases are on the rise. Key time points for this vaccine are Read more…
How can I keep kids safe around water?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
June 5, 2024
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
A: Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get some healthy, fun exercise outdoors and there are simple steps that we can take to protect children from water injury and drowning. Learn CPR, fence off pools, keep a watchful eye on children around water, teach kiddos how to swim, and use life Read more…
2023 TNG Annual Report
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
June 4, 2024
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
It’s hard to believe that Those Nerdy Girls is now four years old! As we continue to grow and expand as a sustainable organization, we are pleased to introduce our first Annual Report. While preparing this overview, we were once again filled with gratitude for your generous support in 2023. Your contributions have been instrumental Read more…
Does Paxlovid reduce the risk of long COVID?
Infectious Diseases Long COVID Treatments
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
May 31, 2024
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Unfortunately, data is mixed on the usefulness of Paxlovid for the prevention of long COVID. We need more data, including clinical trials that are carefully designed, to evaluate whether or not there is a benefit. Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to lingering symptoms that emerge in some individuals following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more…
Is vaping better for me than smoking cigarettes?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Megan Reilly, Intern
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
May 30, 2024
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
Vaping has not been around long enough to know the long-term health effects, but research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes (also called vapes) and regular cigarettes have a lot in common. They both contain nicotine, the addictive part of tobacco products, and people inhale both products to access Read more…
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current avian flu situation?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
May 29, 2024
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
This information is up to date as of May 29, 2024 at 12 pm EDT. Here is what’s new and what we know about the current HPAI/H5N1/avian/bird flu situation (We know, we know, how many names can one virus have?! Jeesh! In this post we will call it the avian flu unless quoting another source.) Read more…
It’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
May 25, 2024
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
As we wind down this beautiful month of May, we would like to take a moment to highlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. People of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries are from approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. These ancestries include Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and more. Read more…
Do you know of any resources for educators who want to help kids build skills in identifying and evaluating information this summer?
Data Literacy Families/Kids
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
May 24, 2024
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
A: Yes! So glad you asked! Tl; DR: The News Literacy Project just released a new (and free!) ‘Camp Fact-Check” kit that is designed to help educators build kids in searching for information, evaluating evidence, and assessing claims. Are you teaching summer school and looking for curriculum ideas that can boost kids skills in news Read more…
Ivermectin – What’s the harm?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…
There is no evidence that ivermectin can prevent or treat COVID-19, and it can cause harm. In the early days of a pandemic when there are no vaccines or treatments, sometimes we look at existing drugs to see if they might be effective against a new virus. This is what happened in 2020 with a Read more…