Did you know that Those Nerdy Girls has a Substack newsletter?
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
Did you know that Those Nerdy Girls has a Substack newsletter? (thosenerdygirls.substack.com) We send Substack newsletters to all subscribers (both free and paid) directly to their inboxes twice a week. To improve the readability of our FB posts, we no longer embed tinyurls in the text. A major benefit of receiving our newsletters is that Read more…
What’s with the American Heart Association’s new claims about the heart healthiness of alcohol?
General Health Health Policy
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently suggested that light drinking may be a positive for heart health. The health benefits of even moderate alcohol use seem very small while the risks are real. In July, the Association, which is a leader in the heart health field, published a review suggesting that not only is light Read more…
Could telehealth be a good option for me?
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Knowing when telehealth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to prepare can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Telehealth [archived link], also known as telemedicine or virtual care, is a method of accessing certain types of healthcare services and information without visiting a clinician’s office, using a phone, tablet, or computer instead. During a typical Read more…
The Hepatitis B birth dose is no longer recommended by the CDC. This is why your baby (or you) should get it anyway.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Hepatitis B (HepB) is an infection of the liver that can lead to chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment and an increased risk of cancer and death. The HepB vaccine has minimal risks and many benefits. Skipping the birth dose leaves infants vulnerable to a lifelong risk of chronic liver disease and cancer. This is why Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Did you know that Those Nerdy Girls has a Substack newsletter? (thosenerdygirls.substack.com) We send Substack newsletters to all subscribers (both free and paid) directly to their inboxes twice a week. To improve the readability of our FB posts, we no longer embed tinyurls in the text. A major benefit of receiving our newsletters is that Read more…
What’s with the American Heart Association’s new claims about the heart healthiness of alcohol?
General Health Health PolicySara Gorman, PhD, MPH
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently suggested that light drinking may be a positive for heart health. The health benefits of even moderate alcohol use seem very small while the risks are real. In July, the Association, which is a leader in the heart health field, published a review suggesting that not only is light Read more…
Could telehealth be a good option for me?
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Knowing when telehealth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to prepare can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Telehealth [archived link], also known as telemedicine or virtual care, is a method of accessing certain types of healthcare services and information without visiting a clinician’s office, using a phone, tablet, or computer instead. During a typical Read more…
The Hepatitis B birth dose is no longer recommended by the CDC. This is why your baby (or you) should get it anyway.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Hepatitis B (HepB) is an infection of the liver that can lead to chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment and an increased risk of cancer and death. The HepB vaccine has minimal risks and many benefits. Skipping the birth dose leaves infants vulnerable to a lifelong risk of chronic liver disease and cancer. This is why Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently suggested that light drinking may be a positive for heart health. The health benefits of even moderate alcohol use seem very small while the risks are real. In July, the Association, which is a leader in the heart health field, published a review suggesting that not only is light Read more…
Could telehealth be a good option for me?
General HealthAshley Sever, MPH
Knowing when telehealth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to prepare can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Telehealth [archived link], also known as telemedicine or virtual care, is a method of accessing certain types of healthcare services and information without visiting a clinician’s office, using a phone, tablet, or computer instead. During a typical Read more…
The Hepatitis B birth dose is no longer recommended by the CDC. This is why your baby (or you) should get it anyway.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Hepatitis B (HepB) is an infection of the liver that can lead to chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment and an increased risk of cancer and death. The HepB vaccine has minimal risks and many benefits. Skipping the birth dose leaves infants vulnerable to a lifelong risk of chronic liver disease and cancer. This is why Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Knowing when telehealth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to prepare can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Telehealth [archived link], also known as telemedicine or virtual care, is a method of accessing certain types of healthcare services and information without visiting a clinician’s office, using a phone, tablet, or computer instead. During a typical Read more…
The Hepatitis B birth dose is no longer recommended by the CDC. This is why your baby (or you) should get it anyway.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Hepatitis B (HepB) is an infection of the liver that can lead to chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment and an increased risk of cancer and death. The HepB vaccine has minimal risks and many benefits. Skipping the birth dose leaves infants vulnerable to a lifelong risk of chronic liver disease and cancer. This is why Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Hepatitis B (HepB) is an infection of the liver that can lead to chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment and an increased risk of cancer and death. The HepB vaccine has minimal risks and many benefits. Skipping the birth dose leaves infants vulnerable to a lifelong risk of chronic liver disease and cancer. This is why Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments VaccinesSandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious DiseasesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health VideosRebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
UncategorizedMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive HealthThose Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General HealthClara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/ImmunityYasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious DiseasesThose Nerdy Girls
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
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. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious DiseasesSandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
