I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might Read more…
August 11, 2025
Can you detox your body with supplements or oils?
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Can you detox your body with supplements or oils? No, unfortunately not. Supplements and oils sold as ‘detoxifying’ aren’t doing much for you, but the good news is, your body has many mechanisms to help it detox itself! You can support your body’s detox systems with lifestyle choices (like eating leafy greens and exercising). Watch Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
August 7, 2025
What’s the difference between a DO and MD?
General Health Health Policy
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a physician, either is fine! When looking online for a doctor, you might have noticed that some physicians are MDs and others are DOs. MD stands for doctor of medicine and DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. So what’s the difference, and does it matter? Practically, there is no Read more…
August 5, 2025
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
August 4, 2025
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might Read more…
Can you detox your body with supplements or oils?
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Can you detox your body with supplements or oils? No, unfortunately not. Supplements and oils sold as ‘detoxifying’ aren’t doing much for you, but the good news is, your body has many mechanisms to help it detox itself! You can support your body’s detox systems with lifestyle choices (like eating leafy greens and exercising). Watch Read more…
August 8, 2025
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
August 7, 2025
What’s the difference between a DO and MD?
General Health Health Policy
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a physician, either is fine! When looking online for a doctor, you might have noticed that some physicians are MDs and others are DOs. MD stands for doctor of medicine and DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. So what’s the difference, and does it matter? Practically, there is no Read more…
August 5, 2025
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
August 4, 2025
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Can you detox your body with supplements or oils? No, unfortunately not. Supplements and oils sold as ‘detoxifying’ aren’t doing much for you, but the good news is, your body has many mechanisms to help it detox itself! You can support your body’s detox systems with lifestyle choices (like eating leafy greens and exercising). Watch Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
August 7, 2025
What’s the difference between a DO and MD?
General Health Health Policy
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a physician, either is fine! When looking online for a doctor, you might have noticed that some physicians are MDs and others are DOs. MD stands for doctor of medicine and DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. So what’s the difference, and does it matter? Practically, there is no Read more…
August 5, 2025
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
August 4, 2025
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
What’s the difference between a DO and MD?
General Health Health Policy
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a physician, either is fine! When looking online for a doctor, you might have noticed that some physicians are MDs and others are DOs. MD stands for doctor of medicine and DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. So what’s the difference, and does it matter? Practically, there is no Read more…
August 5, 2025
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
August 4, 2025
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a physician, either is fine! When looking online for a doctor, you might have noticed that some physicians are MDs and others are DOs. MD stands for doctor of medicine and DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. So what’s the difference, and does it matter? Practically, there is no Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
August 4, 2025
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
⁉️What’s up with NAD+ supplements? 💊
General Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
August 1, 2025
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up. Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. Check out the slides👇for all the details, and read the full post from Nerdy Girl Rebecca Read more…
Osteoporosis treatment options: pills, injections, or lifestyle changes — how do I choose what’s right for me?
Aging General Health Treatments
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
July 31, 2025
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Managing osteoporosis begins with lifestyle approaches. Medication can further lower the chance of a bone break from osteoporosis. Your clinician can help you decide which treatment is right for you. When my mom was first diagnosed with osteoporosis, she was both surprised and upset. The idea of thinning bones is an unsettling thought. It’s especially Read more…
What can we learn from CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
July 30, 2025
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
📊 Want to see how overdose, suicide, homicide and firearms death trends are shifting in your community and across the U.S.? A new dashboard from the CDC makes local and national data easier to explore. Use it to learn about trends, support your work, or advocate for change. Clear, local, up-to-date data is a foundation Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
July 29, 2025
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
July 25, 2025
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
My bone mass is low — what can I do to protect my bones?
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
July 24, 2025
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Lifestyle changes can help with low bone mass. Small steps like getting enough calcium-rich foods, moving more, and exercising your muscles can strengthen your bones. In some cases, osteoporosis medication may also be needed. Bones naturally become weaker as we age, but sometimes bone loss happens faster and becomes severe. ➡️ Osteoporosis [archived link] is Read more…
What do we know about the new COVID variant Nimbus?
COVID Variants Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
July 23, 2025
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) shares what we know about the new, currently circulating COVID variant called Nimbus. Read the full post here. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on social Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
July 22, 2025
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
How to talk to conspiracy theorists
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
July 21, 2025
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…
Absolute vs Relative Risk
Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
July 18, 2025
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
This has been updated from the original post from May 26, 2020. ❓Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
July 16, 2025
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about bone health!
Aging General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
July 14, 2025
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
🦴Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something that matters to all of us—bone health! 💡Did you know your skeleton is constantly being rebuilt—so much so that every 10 years, you basically have a brand-new skeleton! So, how can you keep your bones strong and healthy now and throughout life? 👀Watch this video to find out! Additionally, Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
July 11, 2025
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
What’s the deal with heavy metal poisoning?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
July 10, 2025
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Heavy metals, like lead, can build up in the body and cause poisoning or toxicity. For most people, this is unlikely to happen from everyday exposures. Your clinician can tell you if testing is a good idea. Heavy metal toxicity can be very dangerous, but it is the amount of heavy metals that you’re in Read more…
What is osteoarthritis?
Aging General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by joint breakdown over time. There’s currently no cure, but lifestyle changes and certain treatments can help with symptoms Osteoarthritis, or OA, is caused by chronic breakdown of the entire joint, including cartilage (the soft connective tissue “shock absorber”), tendons and ligaments (tissues connecting Read more…