Blood Donation Q&A: Answers to Common Questions
General Health
Ashley Sever, MPH
Blood donation is safe, simple, and life-saving. By the time you read this sentence, someone in the U.S. required a blood transfusion. That’s right, about every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood for surgery, childbirth, serious injury, treatment for cancer or chronic health conditions, and more. Because there is no replacement for blood, Read more…
Walking Pneumonia
Infectious Diseases Videos
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Walking Pneumonia cases are on the rise. Learn about how to protect yourself from Nerdy Girl Dr. Elisabeth Marnik. Link to Original Facebook Post
How much iron should I take?
General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Blood donation is safe, simple, and life-saving. By the time you read this sentence, someone in the U.S. required a blood transfusion. That’s right, about every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood for surgery, childbirth, serious injury, treatment for cancer or chronic health conditions, and more. Because there is no replacement for blood, Read more…
Walking Pneumonia
Infectious Diseases VideosElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Walking Pneumonia cases are on the rise. Learn about how to protect yourself from Nerdy Girl Dr. Elisabeth Marnik. Link to Original Facebook Post
How much iron should I take?
General Health Videos
Daphne Berryhill, RPh
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Walking Pneumonia cases are on the rise. Learn about how to protect yourself from Nerdy Girl Dr. Elisabeth Marnik. Link to Original Facebook Post
How much iron should I take?
General Health VideosDaphne Berryhill, RPh
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious DiseasesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health UncategorizedLoss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental HealthHELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying SafeWhat is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental HealthJamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
and Grayson Waits, MPH
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health and Grayson Waits, MPHA recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and MisinformationTo help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General HealthKeep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental HealthIs setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: 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, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive HealthChana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental HealthTL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and MisinformationTl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and MisinformationGet the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
