Do CPAP machines work?
General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR. Yes! CPAP machines are devices that help patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by preventing the collapse of the airway during sleep. If you have concerns about your sleep health, talk to your doctor. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common (and treatable) sleep-related breathing disorder with prevalence rates around 15% for Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
The Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) looks promising, but we need more data to fully understand both safety and effectiveness. One thing is clear – this spray won’t make you bulletproof. It should be seen as a layer of protection, not a replacement for other precautions or treatments. This spray is available in several Read more…
Is COVID the new Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
A: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: TL; DR. Yes! CPAP machines are devices that help patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by preventing the collapse of the airway during sleep. If you have concerns about your sleep health, talk to your doctor. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common (and treatable) sleep-related breathing disorder with prevalence rates around 15% for Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
TreatmentsChana Davis, PhD
The Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) looks promising, but we need more data to fully understand both safety and effectiveness. One thing is clear – this spray won’t make you bulletproof. It should be seen as a layer of protection, not a replacement for other precautions or treatments. This spray is available in several Read more…
Is COVID the new Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
A: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
The Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) looks promising, but we need more data to fully understand both safety and effectiveness. One thing is clear – this spray won’t make you bulletproof. It should be seen as a layer of protection, not a replacement for other precautions or treatments. This spray is available in several Read more…
Is COVID the new Flu?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
A: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is women’s pain treated differently by clinicians?
Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
A: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: Yes, and women are also more likely to experience chronic pain than men. In the past few months, the New York Times and Serial productions released a podcast called “The Retrievals.” This gripping series told the stories of women who underwent egg retrievals (an invasive surgical procedure) with no anesthesia at a Yale University Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
A: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
Zuranolone: A new treatment for postpartum depression!
Mental Health Reproductive HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health
and Alexandra Hall, MD
I heard there is a new medication for postpartum depression. What is it? Last week, the FDA approved Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for Postpartum Depression (PPD). This is the second medication to be approved for PPD (after Brexanolone (Zulresso) and the first one to come in pill form. Zuranolone, like Brexanolone, is a neuroactive steroid (hormone with Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S.?
Reproductive Health and Alexandra Hall, MDA: The number of people estimated to be transgender in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past ~5-6 years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL; DR: There has been an increase in the number of teens and young adults estimated to be transgender in the U.S. There may be several reasons for this, Read more…
What is the Hawthorne effect?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Tl;dr: The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently because they know they are being watched. The Hawthorne effect can impact our behaviors, including health habits, as well as scientific study results. We can use the Hawthorne effect to our benefit when we are seeking to make changes in our lives. Picture this: Your friend Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: 💥 Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. 💥 Don’t Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease. . .
General Health Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
(Reposted from July 6, 2021) It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka the deer tick. It’s very common in North America and Europe’s summer Read more…
It’s World Breastfeeding Week!
Reproductive Health VideosMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
In honor of the global celebration of human lactation, also known as World Breastfeeding Week, let’s celebrate some scientific facts about lactation. Did you know that anyone with mammary tissue can produce human milk with the right support? What do I mean by support? In this case, not only do I mean physical, emotional, psychological, Read more…
Lone Star Ticks & Alpha Gal Syndrome
General HealthMalia Jones, PhD MPH
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
(Reposted from June 9, 2022) Time for our annual chat about preventing tick bites Lone star ticks are about the size of a lentil and are dark reddish-brown in color. Adults have 8 legs. 🕷️ The females have a characteristic white spot in the middle of their backs. And some people develop a severe, lifelong Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!💉
VaccinesMegan Madsen, DO
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls are cheerleaders for any and all advances in science that improve people’s lives. We could argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the development of vaccines! August is celebrated as National Immunization Awareness Month in the US, so what better time to get nerdy about the Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People with SAD generally have depression that happens seasonally and for at least two years in a row. You might notice Read more…
How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General Health
A: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
Q: How does the new OTC birth control pill compare to prescription ones? – Lili C. A: The newly approved OTC birth control pill is a low-dose progestin-only pill that was previously prescription-only. It is very safe and highly effective. This particular pill (norgestrel 0.075 mg, now marketed as Opill) was initially approved for prescription Read more…
Is Diet Coke giving you cancer?
General HealthA: Probably not. TL;DR: Water is probably the healthiest beverage of choice, but don’t stress if you enjoy your diet drinks in moderation. Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization body, announced that it will classify aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks, as a class 2B Read more…
