Holly Olson, BCPA
@hollyolsonbcpa.bsky.social
I help people get the healthcare they need and deserve. I became a Board Certified Patient Advocate after seeing people struggle trying to navigate the US healthcare system.
Family, dogs, writing, beekeeping, books, National Parks & Alzheimer's awarness
Family, dogs, writing, beekeeping, books, National Parks & Alzheimer's awarness
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
It's a very very bad flu season this year. If you haven't gotten your vaxx yet (looks at herself*) get it. At minimum it will make your infection less bad.
*(Time got away from me and I'm too chicken shit to mix Covid and Flu vaccines so I got my Covid shot but not my flu . I will tomorrow!)
*(Time got away from me and I'm too chicken shit to mix Covid and Flu vaccines so I got my Covid shot but not my flu . I will tomorrow!)
A New Flu Variant May Make Cold Season Brutal This Year
U.S. flu rates remain low, but experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries
www.scientificamerican.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
It's a very very bad flu season this year. If you haven't gotten your vaxx yet (looks at herself*) get it. At minimum it will make your infection less bad.
*(Time got away from me and I'm too chicken shit to mix Covid and Flu vaccines so I got my Covid shot but not my flu . I will tomorrow!)
*(Time got away from me and I'm too chicken shit to mix Covid and Flu vaccines so I got my Covid shot but not my flu . I will tomorrow!)
Wear you masks, folks!
Patient came in with sore throat. While waiting for rapid Strep test result we glanced back at the Covid-19 RAT result: positive. Reminder that masking in health care makes sense, if you don’t want everyone in your waiting room to go home sick, your staff to get sick, and physicians to get sick.
November 25, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Wear you masks, folks!
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
Why are grocery bills soaring while support for food assistance is shrinking? Kyle Ross from @americanprogress.bsky.social breaks down the policy changes behind the growing U.S. hunger gap on The Nation's Health Podcast: bit.ly/aphapodcast
November 24, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Why are grocery bills soaring while support for food assistance is shrinking? Kyle Ross from @americanprogress.bsky.social breaks down the policy changes behind the growing U.S. hunger gap on The Nation's Health Podcast: bit.ly/aphapodcast
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
More than 1 in 4 physicians surveyed by the AMA in December said that prior authorization had led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care. And 8% responded that prior authorization led to a disability, birth defect, or death. #RSNA25
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
After Series of Denials, His Insurer Approved Doctor-Recommended Cancer Care. It Was Too Late. - KFF Health News
Eric Tennant’s doctors recommended histotripsy, which would target, and potentially destroy, a cancerous tumor in his liver. But by the time his insurer approved the treatment, Tennant was no longer c...
kffhealthnews.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
Fantastic article, thank you @mrpepper.bsky.social
"Our communities are stronger when they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, so they can look after their health and well-being."
"Our communities are stronger when they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, so they can look after their health and well-being."
November 24, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Fantastic article, thank you @mrpepper.bsky.social
"Our communities are stronger when they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, so they can look after their health and well-being."
"Our communities are stronger when they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, so they can look after their health and well-being."
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
This is incredibly, incredibly sad. It was one of the world’s leading public health institutions, but the kooks who Trump hired into federal health leadership positions have done all they can to dismantle it.
Handed a patient a printout of a CDC summary.
They were suspicious.
I pointed out the publication date.
It was from 2024.
“Oh, ok, so this is from when we could trust them.”
They were suspicious.
I pointed out the publication date.
It was from 2024.
“Oh, ok, so this is from when we could trust them.”
November 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This is incredibly, incredibly sad. It was one of the world’s leading public health institutions, but the kooks who Trump hired into federal health leadership positions have done all they can to dismantle it.
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
OMG, one of the world’s best, most pioneering, most valuable, and most ethically sound medical journals is now on Bluesky—join them!
(disclosure: I was a founding editor, lol, but I left 15 years ago & its greatness has nil to do with me 😉)
(disclosure: I was a founding editor, lol, but I left 15 years ago & its greatness has nil to do with me 😉)
We are thrilled to now be on BlueSky!
We prioritize studies addressing critical health challenges—from major diseases to health equity—that bridge scientific rigor with real-world impact, connecting researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to advance global health 🧬🧪
#OpenScience #MedSky
We prioritize studies addressing critical health challenges—from major diseases to health equity—that bridge scientific rigor with real-world impact, connecting researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to advance global health 🧬🧪
#OpenScience #MedSky
November 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
OMG, one of the world’s best, most pioneering, most valuable, and most ethically sound medical journals is now on Bluesky—join them!
(disclosure: I was a founding editor, lol, but I left 15 years ago & its greatness has nil to do with me 😉)
(disclosure: I was a founding editor, lol, but I left 15 years ago & its greatness has nil to do with me 😉)
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
The CDC website has been lobotomized. Where it once presented the decades of evidence debunking the false claims of a link between vaccines and autism, that has now been replaced with junk science.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The CDC website has been lobotomized. Where it once presented the decades of evidence debunking the false claims of a link between vaccines and autism, that has now been replaced with junk science.
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
My take on the CDC vaccine & autism move. 👇
Sum: A disaster... piled onto the other anti-science disasters we've seen from US.
CDC website suggests link between autism and vaccines, health expert warns of false information www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/1... via CTV News
#VaccinesWork
Sum: A disaster... piled onto the other anti-science disasters we've seen from US.
CDC website suggests link between autism and vaccines, health expert warns of false information www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/1... via CTV News
#VaccinesWork
CDC website suggests link between autism and vaccines, health expert warns of false information
Health law and policy researcher Timothy Caulfield says ‘there has never been any good evidence’ linking vaccines and autism.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 22, 2025 at 4:49 PM
My take on the CDC vaccine & autism move. 👇
Sum: A disaster... piled onto the other anti-science disasters we've seen from US.
CDC website suggests link between autism and vaccines, health expert warns of false information www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/1... via CTV News
#VaccinesWork
Sum: A disaster... piled onto the other anti-science disasters we've seen from US.
CDC website suggests link between autism and vaccines, health expert warns of false information www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/1... via CTV News
#VaccinesWork
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
As I've said before, the distinction drawn between acute infectious diseases and chronic diseases is, in many cases, artificial. This is the huge flaw in MAHA: infections can and often do cause chronic disease; vaccines can thus prevent some chronic diseases.
stanmed.stanford.edu/infections-l...
stanmed.stanford.edu/infections-l...
Why acute infections can lead to neurodegeneration
Researchers are uncovering the mysteries of why early-in-life acute infections can lead to neurodegenerative diseases in later years.
stanmed.stanford.edu
November 21, 2025 at 4:52 PM
As I've said before, the distinction drawn between acute infectious diseases and chronic diseases is, in many cases, artificial. This is the huge flaw in MAHA: infections can and often do cause chronic disease; vaccines can thus prevent some chronic diseases.
stanmed.stanford.edu/infections-l...
stanmed.stanford.edu/infections-l...
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
November 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
GOOD NEWS! Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that getting vaccinated against shingles- a painful and debilitating condition that can flare up years after infection from varicella zoster virus- not only LOWERS the risk of infection, but can also PROTECT against Alzheimer’s disease!
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
GOOD NEWS! Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that getting vaccinated against shingles- a painful and debilitating condition that can flare up years after infection from varicella zoster virus- not only LOWERS the risk of infection, but can also PROTECT against Alzheimer’s disease!
I love the @neorsd.org account!
just learned we won an award for our blog post about Tom Holland and stormwater management.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
remember, when you see an article about stormwater management, you repost it. i don’t make the rules.
What Tom Holland’s historic lip-sync showcase taught us about stormwater management
Grab your umbrella and your tights.
neorsd.medium.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:58 PM
I love the @neorsd.org account!
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
"Heck of a job, Bobby."
"If the outbreaks cannot be extinguished by January, the anniversary of the first cases in Texas, the United States will lose what is known as “elimination status” as determined by the World Health Organization."
(gift link)
"If the outbreaks cannot be extinguished by January, the anniversary of the first cases in Texas, the United States will lose what is known as “elimination status” as determined by the World Health Organization."
(gift link)
C.D.C. Links Measles Outbreaks in Multiple States for the First Time
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:52 AM
"Heck of a job, Bobby."
"If the outbreaks cannot be extinguished by January, the anniversary of the first cases in Texas, the United States will lose what is known as “elimination status” as determined by the World Health Organization."
(gift link)
"If the outbreaks cannot be extinguished by January, the anniversary of the first cases in Texas, the United States will lose what is known as “elimination status” as determined by the World Health Organization."
(gift link)
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
‼️Today ICE comes to the NC Triangle
To report activity &/or request support, call Siembra NC’s hotline:
📞 336-543-0352
It’s a 1st line of contact for collective fights & resources for our community
Please share
indyweek.com/news/northca...
Siembra NC Hotline: www.siembranc.org/la-migra-hot...
To report activity &/or request support, call Siembra NC’s hotline:
📞 336-543-0352
It’s a 1st line of contact for collective fights & resources for our community
Please share
indyweek.com/news/northca...
Siembra NC Hotline: www.siembranc.org/la-migra-hot...
Immigration Agents Coming to Raleigh Tuesday, Sources Say
‘It is the city of Raleigh’s understanding that the Border Patrol and ICE are already in Raleigh and that they will be active’ said Mayor Janet Cowell.
indyweek.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:54 PM
‼️Today ICE comes to the NC Triangle
To report activity &/or request support, call Siembra NC’s hotline:
📞 336-543-0352
It’s a 1st line of contact for collective fights & resources for our community
Please share
indyweek.com/news/northca...
Siembra NC Hotline: www.siembranc.org/la-migra-hot...
To report activity &/or request support, call Siembra NC’s hotline:
📞 336-543-0352
It’s a 1st line of contact for collective fights & resources for our community
Please share
indyweek.com/news/northca...
Siembra NC Hotline: www.siembranc.org/la-migra-hot...
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
Hey, 269 people have registered for our Dec 2 webinar on the future of global health (moderated by me!) but don't worry, you can cure your FOMO by registering now:
duke.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Spark talk by John-Arne Røttingen
Panelists: Ebere Okereke, Nina Schwalbe, Osondu Ogbuoji, Sam McPherson
duke.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Spark talk by John-Arne Røttingen
Panelists: Ebere Okereke, Nina Schwalbe, Osondu Ogbuoji, Sam McPherson
November 18, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Hey, 269 people have registered for our Dec 2 webinar on the future of global health (moderated by me!) but don't worry, you can cure your FOMO by registering now:
duke.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Spark talk by John-Arne Røttingen
Panelists: Ebere Okereke, Nina Schwalbe, Osondu Ogbuoji, Sam McPherson
duke.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Spark talk by John-Arne Røttingen
Panelists: Ebere Okereke, Nina Schwalbe, Osondu Ogbuoji, Sam McPherson
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
“.. a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
November 18, 2025 at 12:59 PM
“.. a finding that could end America’s status as a nation that has eliminated measles.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/h...
Truth!
November 17, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Truth!
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
It's easy to forget the fear of being denied access for things we now take for granted.
The ACA did 3 big things in the insurance market:
1. Guaranteed access irrespective of pre-existing conditions.
2. Required benefits like maternity and mental health, and prohibited lifetime and annual limits.
3. Provided tax credits to help people afford insurance.
1. Guaranteed access irrespective of pre-existing conditions.
2. Required benefits like maternity and mental health, and prohibited lifetime and annual limits.
3. Provided tax credits to help people afford insurance.
November 16, 2025 at 9:56 PM
It's easy to forget the fear of being denied access for things we now take for granted.
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
Please get the flu shot.
November 16, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Please get the flu shot.
Interesting thoughts on what would happen during a bird flu pandemic.
November 15, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Interesting thoughts on what would happen during a bird flu pandemic.
Reposted by Holly Olson, BCPA
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane” - Martin Luther King Jr.
November 15, 2025 at 5:40 PM
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane” - Martin Luther King Jr.
