Health Wanted

The opioid epidemic has affected the lives of millions of Americans, including pregnant people experiencing opioid use disorder and their newborns. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Stephen Patrick, MD, speak about the specific effects of the opioid epidemic on pregnant people and the importance of improving their access to life-saving treatment.  In the Q&A, Bristow updates on the status of bird flu and answers questions on a new pill for postpartum depression, the rise early onset cancer cases, and silicone vs plastics. Sick of the Week takes a dive into the ongoing listeria outbreak: what is it, how did it happen, and what you need to know. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food fortification is a simple solution that has played a crucial role in addressing global nutrient deficiencies and preventing life-threatening diseases. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Sharon Bustrak, technical advisor for the Food Fortification Initiative, speak about the health benefits of fortified foods and the next steps for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. In the Q&A, Bristow also catches up on your latest Covid questions and the HPV vaccine before discussing decriminalization and its impact on substance use and overdose in Sick of the Week.  For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With fall approaching, we can expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, beyond just COVID-19 and the flu. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Benjamin Lopman, PhD, talk about what diseases to look out for this fall and the challenges of developing vaccines for certain types of illnesses. Bristow also answers your questions about microplastics in plumbing, the health risks of wearing shoes in your home, and lice in schools. She finishes the episode with a special Sick of the Week detailing the current Mpox outbreak in Africa and why it's been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.  For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The creation of modern sewer systems solved critical sanitation issues in growing cities. Today, wastewater can even help researchers to detect and prevent disease outbreaks. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Marlene Wolfe, PhD discuss the evolution of sewers and the role of wastewater surveillance in public health.  Bristow also answers your questions about timing your COVID and Flu vaccines, if alkaline water has any benefits, the proper way to brush your teeth, if Coca-Cola can prevent e. Coli, and of course - the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While public support of childhood immunizations in the US has decreased over the past two decades, keeping up-to-date on routine vaccinations has become even more important. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jodie Guest, PhD, discuss the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated, and how vaccines can be better distributed to populations in times of need.  Bristow also answers your questions about what the latest recommendations are for people who have covid, whether to be concerned about “cortisol face,” how to handle heat rash, and the health effects of air pollution. Plus, the Sick of the Week.  For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carmen Marsit, a PhD expert on environmental health, tackles the alarming presence of microplastics and forever chemicals in our bodies. She discusses how these toxic substances enter our environment, their health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and the pressing need for regulatory changes. Practical tips for reducing exposure are shared, alongside a fascinating look at why some people attract more mosquitoes than others. The conversation emphasizes awareness and personal responsibility in combating these pervasive threats.

Climate change is bringing the heat, and, along with it, volatile weather events and health hazards. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow hones in on the ways climate change and heat affect our lives. Her guest, Noah Scovronick, PhD, offers his perspective regarding climate research and ways to move towards a cooler world. Bristow also answers your questions about Olympic surfers on the cruise ship in Tahiti, what it means to be “fully vaccinated,” and when we can expect the updated COVID vaccines. Plus, Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mosquitoes—a menace for hundreds of millions of years. Now, thanks to climate change, their territory is growing and with it, the spread of disease. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow takes a deep dive into the global impact of these needle-nosed nuisances and the new and creative ways scientists like her guest Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, PhD, are swatting them away.  Bristow also answers your questions about the popularity of ZYNs, who should carry Narcan, what the deal is with “Ozempic babies,” if you need to be worried about bird flu in milk or meat, and—of course—the SICK OF THE WEEK. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health. Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all. Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd (that's tomorrow)! Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health. Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all. Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd! Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.