Dear Everyone, As I sit here with a dull ache in my head, rubbing out the knot in my neck, trying to stop my heart from beating like I’ve had three cups of coffee (I’m a one cup girl, max), it occurs to me that I might just be stressed. The last few weeks, I … Read more
Follow this link to see a video by Johns Hopkins Hospital, demonstrating the World Health Organization (WHO) technique for hand-washing. Proper hand hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs and to protect yourself and others from illnesses.
If you’re just tuning in, this is the second installment of my blogpost to keep myself, and you, up to speed on what’s happening with COVID-19. For the original story (and still some very good baseline information), click here. In the last week, we are no longer just seeing Coronavirus in Washington. We are now … Read more
Washingtonians are a pioneering people. We are tough. We are resilient. Unfortunately, with the report of the first US death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our own back yard, we are pioneering in a way that we didn’t necessarily want. And our toughness and resilience will be called upon to set an example to the rest … Read more
Even though this post may start out feeling like it has nothing to do with vaccines, I will bring it around in the end. I promise. But first, we are going to start with a parenting story. Watch out world, we’ve got a driver! I am inspired to write this post by the fact that … Read more
Summary of Research: This article explores the use of inoculation theory in creating positive and resistant attitudes toward desirable health behaviors.
I am SOOO over the “vaccines cause autism” claim. One of the amazing things about science is that it entertains all ideas. It is welcoming of all hypotheses. In fact, testing hypotheses is what science is all about. But what makes a thing true (in scientific terms) is not how you or I feel about … Read more
The Incidental Economist produced a video speaking about JAMA’s study confirming that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not related to autism, questioning how much good continued research in the area is doing.
When I first saw this tweet, the snarky, judge-y part of me spoke up. “Well, duh. This is EXACTLY what vaccines do!” But I had to check myself, because judging and snark rarely, if ever, further understanding. I have assumed (and you know what that does) that your average Joe or Jane knows how vaccines … Read more
Summary of Research: Vaccines are the most successful public health intervention that we have. They have significantly reduced the incidence of disease, death from disease, and vaccine-preventable disease-related costs to society. This article looks at the impact of vaccines as well as the challenges we face in maintaining high rates of immunization.