Your Local Epidemiologist
@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social
👩🏻🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
Pinned
1/ 🚨 Big changes are coming. We’re entering a new era in America, and it’s messy out there. But I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with evidence-based, clear health information. If you’re tired of the noise, you’re in the right place. 👇
1/ The challenges in public health are urgent and constant, so it can be far too easy to miss progress when it happens. But one of the things that's been keeping me sane this year has been to pause and acknowledge that progress. So let's showcase some real signs of what public health can accomplish👇
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
1/ The challenges in public health are urgent and constant, so it can be far too easy to miss progress when it happens. But one of the things that's been keeping me sane this year has been to pause and acknowledge that progress. So let's showcase some real signs of what public health can accomplish👇
1/ The FDA announced today that they are removing the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy ( #HRT). This label was added in 2002 after early studies showed increased stroke & breast cancer risk, but new research revealed crucial nuances: timing, dose, and delivery matter.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
1/ The FDA announced today that they are removing the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy ( #HRT). This label was added in 2002 after early studies showed increased stroke & breast cancer risk, but new research revealed crucial nuances: timing, dose, and delivery matter.
1/ Hey California! It’s been a big week—Halloween's done, the Dodgers won the World Series (mixed emotions, I know), and Prop 50 passed.
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
1/ Hey California! It’s been a big week—Halloween's done, the Dodgers won the World Series (mixed emotions, I know), and Prop 50 passed.
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
1/ Nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for food, and the ongoing federal shutdown has left a huge funding gap. Marisa here, Your Local NY Epi, and today we’re breaking down what’s happening with #foodaid in New York, a decrease in youth tobacco use, and the current state of virus season 👇
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
1/ Nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for food, and the ongoing federal shutdown has left a huge funding gap. Marisa here, Your Local NY Epi, and today we’re breaking down what’s happening with #foodaid in New York, a decrease in youth tobacco use, and the current state of virus season 👇
What is so refreshing about the election is the unveiling of an offense. People have been stuck in defense for too long. While this is necessary to avoid going backwards, offense moves forward. This is something that everyone and every institution, including public health, needs.
November 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
What is so refreshing about the election is the unveiling of an offense. People have been stuck in defense for too long. While this is necessary to avoid going backwards, offense moves forward. This is something that everyone and every institution, including public health, needs.
1/ Today, the president announced he’s withholding funds for SNAP until the shutdown ends—not because the money isn’t there, but to use people’s empty stomachs as leverage.
November 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM
1/ Today, the president announced he’s withholding funds for SNAP until the shutdown ends—not because the money isn’t there, but to use people’s empty stomachs as leverage.
1/ Open enrollment for Obamacare (ACA) kicked off this weekend, during which more than 20 million families will shop for health insurance coverage. There's some sticker shock though: prices are up ~30% this year if tax credits aren’t extended. Here’s what else is happening in #publichealth 👇
November 3, 2025 at 11:05 PM
1/ Open enrollment for Obamacare (ACA) kicked off this weekend, during which more than 20 million families will shop for health insurance coverage. There's some sticker shock though: prices are up ~30% this year if tax credits aren’t extended. Here’s what else is happening in #publichealth 👇
1/ Happy Halloween! 🎃
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
October 31, 2025 at 5:35 PM
1/ Happy Halloween! 🎃
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
1/ Last week, LA County confirmed 3 cases of Clade 1b mpox, which historically, is a severe strain from Africa. This is the first time this strain has spread locally in the U.S. without a link to Africa. I’m Matt, your Local Epidemiologist in California, back with your weekly #publichealth update.
October 30, 2025 at 8:23 PM
1/ Last week, LA County confirmed 3 cases of Clade 1b mpox, which historically, is a severe strain from Africa. This is the first time this strain has spread locally in the U.S. without a link to Africa. I’m Matt, your Local Epidemiologist in California, back with your weekly #publichealth update.
1/ Over two dozen states, including New York, are suing the federal government to keep SNAP running. Without it, more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food. Today we're breaking down what’s at stake along with other New York #publichealth news you should know👇
October 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
1/ Over two dozen states, including New York, are suing the federal government to keep SNAP running. Without it, more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food. Today we're breaking down what’s at stake along with other New York #publichealth news you should know👇
1/ If the headlines have felt heavy lately, you’re not alone. Between outbreaks, lawsuits, and fast spreading falsehoods, it’s easy to forget that #publichealth is still working. So today I'm sharing 4 pieces of good news worth celebrating from the past few weeks. 🧵
October 28, 2025 at 10:14 PM
1/ If the headlines have felt heavy lately, you’re not alone. Between outbreaks, lawsuits, and fast spreading falsehoods, it’s easy to forget that #publichealth is still working. So today I'm sharing 4 pieces of good news worth celebrating from the past few weeks. 🧵
1/ SNAP benefits are set to expire Nov 1, and more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food they rely on. That’s an average of $190 per person per month. Here’s what’s at stake—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
October 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
1/ SNAP benefits are set to expire Nov 1, and more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food they rely on. That’s an average of $190 per person per month. Here’s what’s at stake—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
The president demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. It’s hard to think of a better metaphor for what’s happening to our health ecosystem—gutting Medicaid, weakening the CDC, and cutting SNAP. The symbolism isn’t subtle: luxury expands while the systems that keep people healthy contract.
October 23, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The president demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. It’s hard to think of a better metaphor for what’s happening to our health ecosystem—gutting Medicaid, weakening the CDC, and cutting SNAP. The symbolism isn’t subtle: luxury expands while the systems that keep people healthy contract.
1/ NYC's mayoral debate put food insecurity in the spotlight. And, as I'm sure you know, one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) ideas for tackling this issue is city-owned grocery stores. Today we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, and where the candidates stand. 🧵
October 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM
1/ NYC's mayoral debate put food insecurity in the spotlight. And, as I'm sure you know, one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) ideas for tackling this issue is city-owned grocery stores. Today we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, and where the candidates stand. 🧵
1/ Covid hospitalizations have been climbing in the UK, and with the respiratory virus season fast approaching, the US may not be far behind. We've seen a lot of questions about Long Covid, so now is like the perfect time to break down what we know, what’s still uncertain, and what it means for you👇
October 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
1/ Covid hospitalizations have been climbing in the UK, and with the respiratory virus season fast approaching, the US may not be far behind. We've seen a lot of questions about Long Covid, so now is like the perfect time to break down what we know, what’s still uncertain, and what it means for you👇
1/ Should you be concerned about lead in your protein powder? Consumer Reports found elevated levels in several popular brands, causing influencers to spread the results of the report. So we asked Megan, an RN and our nutrition contributor for YLE, to break it down. Here’s what you need to know 👇
October 21, 2025 at 6:20 PM
1/ Should you be concerned about lead in your protein powder? Consumer Reports found elevated levels in several popular brands, causing influencers to spread the results of the report. So we asked Megan, an RN and our nutrition contributor for YLE, to break it down. Here’s what you need to know 👇
1/ Fourteen states and Guam joined forces to launch a Governors’ Public Health Alliance. With federal support shifting and funding drying up, states are stepping up to coordinate, innovate, and protect your health. We're breaking this down along with some other #publichealth news you should know👇
October 20, 2025 at 9:55 PM
1/ Fourteen states and Guam joined forces to launch a Governors’ Public Health Alliance. With federal support shifting and funding drying up, states are stepping up to coordinate, innovate, and protect your health. We're breaking this down along with some other #publichealth news you should know👇
1/ Valley fever, a serious infectious disease, is on the rise in central California. Last year set a record, with over 12,000 cases, and we’re on track to surpass that figure this year. I’m Matt, Your Local CA Epidemiologist, with this and more public health updates👇
October 20, 2025 at 2:51 PM
1/ Valley fever, a serious infectious disease, is on the rise in central California. Last year set a record, with over 12,000 cases, and we’re on track to surpass that figure this year. I’m Matt, Your Local CA Epidemiologist, with this and more public health updates👇
1/ What's been going on with #seedoils? A few months ago, Steak ‘n Shake announced they were switching to butter & beef tallow. They called the move: “RFK’ing the fries,” and many restaurants have followed. But does that really make us healthier? What does the science say? Let’s break it down. 🧵
October 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
1/ What's been going on with #seedoils? A few months ago, Steak ‘n Shake announced they were switching to butter & beef tallow. They called the move: “RFK’ing the fries,” and many restaurants have followed. But does that really make us healthier? What does the science say? Let’s break it down. 🧵
1/ Last Friday, 1300 CDC employees were fired. The next day, about half were reportedly reinstated. While this is better news than we all expected, I'm worried that people aren't fully aware of what's at stake if we lose these initiatives. So, I'm breaking down my experience in one of these programs
October 15, 2025 at 3:39 PM
1/ Last Friday, 1300 CDC employees were fired. The next day, about half were reportedly reinstated. While this is better news than we all expected, I'm worried that people aren't fully aware of what's at stake if we lose these initiatives. So, I'm breaking down my experience in one of these programs
1/ Bird flu is back, and more than 4.4 million birds have been sick in the past month. The uptick has been detected among backyard flocks, commercial farms, and wild birds. Katelyn here, Your Local Epidemiologist, and here’s what you need to know about this and other #publichealth news this week 👇
October 14, 2025 at 8:09 PM
1/ Bird flu is back, and more than 4.4 million birds have been sick in the past month. The uptick has been detected among backyard flocks, commercial farms, and wild birds. Katelyn here, Your Local Epidemiologist, and here’s what you need to know about this and other #publichealth news this week 👇
1/ I'm sure you've heard by now, but on Friday, about 1,300 CDC employees, including top scientists & vaccine experts, were abruptly fired.
In a stunning reversal the next day, hundreds were then reinstated. We're not sure why the administration reversed course, but the damage has still been done.
In a stunning reversal the next day, hundreds were then reinstated. We're not sure why the administration reversed course, but the damage has still been done.
October 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
1/ I'm sure you've heard by now, but on Friday, about 1,300 CDC employees, including top scientists & vaccine experts, were abruptly fired.
In a stunning reversal the next day, hundreds were then reinstated. We're not sure why the administration reversed course, but the damage has still been done.
In a stunning reversal the next day, hundreds were then reinstated. We're not sure why the administration reversed course, but the damage has still been done.
1/ A Stanford study found that wildfire smoke could cause nearly 5,000 deaths per year in California by 2050, which is more than any other state.
I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and I’m back with your public health updates for the week. Now, back to that wildfire study 👇
I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and I’m back with your public health updates for the week. Now, back to that wildfire study 👇
October 12, 2025 at 9:08 PM
1/ A Stanford study found that wildfire smoke could cause nearly 5,000 deaths per year in California by 2050, which is more than any other state.
I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and I’m back with your public health updates for the week. Now, back to that wildfire study 👇
I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and I’m back with your public health updates for the week. Now, back to that wildfire study 👇
1/ In case you missed it, earlier today RFK Jr. implied in a Cabinet meeting that babies who circumcised early have double the risk of autism because they took Tylenol. He’s previously made the same claim about Tylenol with pregnant people. This idea is spreading and it’s scaring parents.
October 9, 2025 at 10:53 PM
1/ In case you missed it, earlier today RFK Jr. implied in a Cabinet meeting that babies who circumcised early have double the risk of autism because they took Tylenol. He’s previously made the same claim about Tylenol with pregnant people. This idea is spreading and it’s scaring parents.
1/ Hey, do you need some #goodnews? I know I do. Between the noise and the chaos, it helps to stop and remember what progress actually looks like.
Here are four public health wins to give you some good news for the week 👇
Here are four public health wins to give you some good news for the week 👇
October 9, 2025 at 5:55 PM
1/ Hey, do you need some #goodnews? I know I do. Between the noise and the chaos, it helps to stop and remember what progress actually looks like.
Here are four public health wins to give you some good news for the week 👇
Here are four public health wins to give you some good news for the week 👇