What exactly are Ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Bottom line up front – Medical research is strictly regulated, and ethical Read more…
May Is Osteoporosis Awareness Month: Why Bone Health Matters for Everyone
Aging General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
TL;DR: Osteoporosis is a common condition caused by low bone mass and a higher risk of fractures. Bone loss can happen for many reasons, and anyone can develop osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to keep their bones healthy! May is a month of renewal as plants and trees flourish with Read more…
What is a confounder (confounding variable) and why should I care? — Tips for making sense of science
Data Literacy
Chana Davis, PhD
Confounders (or confounding variables) are factors that are associated with both the “cause” and “effect” (or exposure and outcome) in a potential cause-and-effect relationship. If ignored, they can cause misleading results and conclusions. Common confounders include age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Imagine a study that looked at the relationship between diet and various health conditions. Read more…
How do we know clinical trials actually work?
General Health Treatments Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications and vaccines work and that their benefits outweigh the risks. We know these trials work because we can find examples where trials were paused or stopped due to concerns with safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications or vaccines work (officially called efficacy) Read more…
What can we learn from the CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Bottom line up front – Medical research is strictly regulated, and ethical Read more…
May Is Osteoporosis Awareness Month: Why Bone Health Matters for Everyone
Aging General HealthDaphne Berryhill, RPh
TL;DR: Osteoporosis is a common condition caused by low bone mass and a higher risk of fractures. Bone loss can happen for many reasons, and anyone can develop osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to keep their bones healthy! May is a month of renewal as plants and trees flourish with Read more…
What is a confounder (confounding variable) and why should I care? — Tips for making sense of science
Data Literacy
Chana Davis, PhD
Confounders (or confounding variables) are factors that are associated with both the “cause” and “effect” (or exposure and outcome) in a potential cause-and-effect relationship. If ignored, they can cause misleading results and conclusions. Common confounders include age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Imagine a study that looked at the relationship between diet and various health conditions. Read more…
How do we know clinical trials actually work?
General Health Treatments Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications and vaccines work and that their benefits outweigh the risks. We know these trials work because we can find examples where trials were paused or stopped due to concerns with safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications or vaccines work (officially called efficacy) Read more…
What can we learn from the CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
TL;DR: Osteoporosis is a common condition caused by low bone mass and a higher risk of fractures. Bone loss can happen for many reasons, and anyone can develop osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important for everyone to know how to keep their bones healthy! May is a month of renewal as plants and trees flourish with Read more…
What is a confounder (confounding variable) and why should I care? — Tips for making sense of science
Data LiteracyChana Davis, PhD
Confounders (or confounding variables) are factors that are associated with both the “cause” and “effect” (or exposure and outcome) in a potential cause-and-effect relationship. If ignored, they can cause misleading results and conclusions. Common confounders include age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Imagine a study that looked at the relationship between diet and various health conditions. Read more…
How do we know clinical trials actually work?
General Health Treatments Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications and vaccines work and that their benefits outweigh the risks. We know these trials work because we can find examples where trials were paused or stopped due to concerns with safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications or vaccines work (officially called efficacy) Read more…
What can we learn from the CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Confounders (or confounding variables) are factors that are associated with both the “cause” and “effect” (or exposure and outcome) in a potential cause-and-effect relationship. If ignored, they can cause misleading results and conclusions. Common confounders include age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Imagine a study that looked at the relationship between diet and various health conditions. Read more…
How do we know clinical trials actually work?
General Health Treatments VaccinesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications and vaccines work and that their benefits outweigh the risks. We know these trials work because we can find examples where trials were paused or stopped due to concerns with safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications or vaccines work (officially called efficacy) Read more…
What can we learn from the CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and Metrics
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications and vaccines work and that their benefits outweigh the risks. We know these trials work because we can find examples where trials were paused or stopped due to concerns with safety and efficacy. Clinical trials are done to ensure that medications or vaccines work (officially called efficacy) Read more…
What can we learn from the CDC’s Mapping Injury, Overdose, and Violence Dashboard?
Data and MetricsIlana Gerjuoy, MPH
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective 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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more…
What is Belief Perseverance, and how do I avoid it?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Belief perseverance, also called the backfire effect, occurs when we hold on to our beliefs even after they are proven wrong. Critical thinking, meaningful reflection, and open-mindedness to a broad array of trustworthy resources can help prevent us from falling into that trap! It feels like everyone has that friend or weird uncle who clings Read more…
How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health PolicyThose Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General HealthClara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental HealthKelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General HealthRebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
AgingClara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental HealthKelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy NotesRebecca Raskin-Wish
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
This is another in our new series Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse. In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious DiseasesMeasles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health UncategorizedMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
