Self-care Saturday!
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💖 What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
💖 What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and SpreadLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Do kids need COVID-19 vaccines?
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Yes. Kids need COVID-19 vaccines. It is safe. It is necessary. When we compare kids who get COVID-19 to kids who do not get COVID-19, we see quite clearly that kids CAN and DO get really sick, and it is worth protecting them. And when we compare vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids, the results are Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and MisinformationAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
