Are there differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) between women and men?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
February 11, 2023
What does screen time do to us?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
As we move into the weekend, let’s take a moment to talk about screens (and yes, we realize that you are reading this on a screen right now, LOL.). But still, we know that screens have changed us. And most of us spend WAY too much time on our screens (phones, computers, laptops, and others). Read more…
February 10, 2023
Our paper wins the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
February 8, 2023
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
February 7, 2023
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 Justice
MK 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…
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
What does screen time do to us?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
As we move into the weekend, let’s take a moment to talk about screens (and yes, we realize that you are reading this on a screen right now, LOL.). But still, we know that screens have changed us. And most of us spend WAY too much time on our screens (phones, computers, laptops, and others). Read more…
February 10, 2023
Our paper wins the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
February 8, 2023
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
February 7, 2023
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 Justice
MK 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…
As we move into the weekend, let’s take a moment to talk about screens (and yes, we realize that you are reading this on a screen right now, LOL.). But still, we know that screens have changed us. And most of us spend WAY too much time on our screens (phones, computers, laptops, and others). Read more…
Our paper wins the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
February 8, 2023
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
February 7, 2023
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 Justice
MK 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…
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
February 8, 2023
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
February 7, 2023
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 Justice
MK 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…
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
February 7, 2023
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 Justice
MK 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…
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
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 Justice
MK 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…
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 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…
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 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…
💖 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…