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. We love this enthusiasm for vaccine protection (!), but here is currently no authorization or recommendation for additional COVID-19 boosters if you have already received the bivalent/Omicron updated Read more…
Time to pause and reflect.
Social and Racial Justice
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Join us today in setting aside some time to pause and reflect. Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, work, and legacy of creating a more just society. We reflect on his call to regard each and every person as equally valuable, essential and loved. In the United States, MLK Day is a Read more…
Part 2 of How can we all keep supporting our loved ones who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting sick?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Last week we wrote about how to support a loved one who is immunocompromised. Let’s continue the conversation. Recently we reviewed a post with suggestions from a person with a family member who is immunocompromised. We wanted to share the readers’ suggestions here as food for thought. 1. Require people to always mask in medical Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible 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. We love this enthusiasm for vaccine protection (!), but here is currently no authorization or recommendation for additional COVID-19 boosters if you have already received the bivalent/Omicron updated Read more…
Time to pause and reflect.
Social and Racial JusticeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Join us today in setting aside some time to pause and reflect. Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, work, and legacy of creating a more just society. We reflect on his call to regard each and every person as equally valuable, essential and loved. In the United States, MLK Day is a Read more…
Part 2 of How can we all keep supporting our loved ones who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting sick?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Last week we wrote about how to support a loved one who is immunocompromised. Let’s continue the conversation. Recently we reviewed a post with suggestions from a person with a family member who is immunocompromised. We wanted to share the readers’ suggestions here as food for thought. 1. Require people to always mask in medical Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Join us today in setting aside some time to pause and reflect. Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, work, and legacy of creating a more just society. We reflect on his call to regard each and every person as equally valuable, essential and loved. In the United States, MLK Day is a Read more…
Part 2 of How can we all keep supporting our loved ones who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting sick?
Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Last week we wrote about how to support a loved one who is immunocompromised. Let’s continue the conversation. Recently we reviewed a post with suggestions from a person with a family member who is immunocompromised. We wanted to share the readers’ suggestions here as food for thought. 1. Require people to always mask in medical Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Last week we wrote about how to support a loved one who is immunocompromised. Let’s continue the conversation. Recently we reviewed a post with suggestions from a person with a family member who is immunocompromised. We wanted to share the readers’ suggestions here as food for thought. 1. Require people to always mask in medical Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
VaccinesSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious DiseasesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
Dear Readers: How are families with high-risk kids faring?
Families/Kids Staying SafeJoanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. As we approach the 4th year of the COVID pandemic, Those Nerdy Girls want to acknowledge those families who continue to struggle with how to keep their high-risk kids safe from COVID. Mine is one of those families. Thankfully, my teenage son has not yet been infected with COVID. I am Read more…
How can I support a loved one who is immunocompromised?
Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Understand what it means to be immunocompromised, know the current recommendations, and take concrete actions to support them. TL; DR: Being immunocompromised means the body can’t fight infection well. This can be caused by something or the person could have been born with this condition. If you are supporting someone who is immunocompromised, it is Read more…
How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! With the recent and very public tragedy of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, a lot of folks are wondering what happened and what they could do in a similar situation. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Read more…
Weight loss is my New Year’s Resolution. What can I do?
General HealthSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
A: As we enter the New Year, people are putting a lot of weight on their weight. Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have noticed that Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID VariantsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
