Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial JusticeMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February 6, 2023
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
February 4, 2023
Self-care Saturday!
General Health 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…
February 2, 2023
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…
February 1, 2023
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…
January 31, 2023
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General HealthMegan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
February 4, 2023
Self-care Saturday!
General Health 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…
February 2, 2023
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…
February 1, 2023
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…
January 31, 2023
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental HealthAparna 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…
February 2, 2023
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…
February 1, 2023
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…
January 31, 2023
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
💖 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…
February 1, 2023
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…
January 31, 2023
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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…
January 31, 2023
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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…
January 30, 2023
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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…
January 27, 2023
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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…
January 26, 2023
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 25, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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 HealthA: “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!
General Health 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…
January 24, 2023
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…
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…
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…