J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social
Ph.D. in social psychology. Former researcher in pandemic behavioral risk reduction (non-pharma intervention). Only here to keep up. @[email protected]
Pinned
J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social
· Aug 23
In The Bad Place, I have a pinned thread of my covid essays & threads, w/ short descriptions of ea. Here's one for This Place, though w/o descriptions, b/c I'm tired. As is true there, I've put them in reverse chrono order, but anything new will post at the end. I flagged ones people liked best:
Updated 📌 list of my essays on the psychology of public health (inc. topics like covid, HIV & reproductive health). As of 8/22/25, there are *31* long-form pieces in this 🧵.
The list starts in reverse chrono. order, but in Oct. 2024 starts rolling forward, so oldest posts are in the middle. Doh.
The list starts in reverse chrono. order, but in Oct. 2024 starts rolling forward, so oldest posts are in the middle. Doh.
Oh no, I'm sorry.
November 25, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Oh no, I'm sorry.
2/ providers use AI for writing things like progress notes, discharge instructions, & care plans. It also says there's no federal law requiring doctors in the US to tell patients when they use AI in this way.
I'm going to be checking my visit summary notes a lot more carefully, now.
I'm going to be checking my visit summary notes a lot more carefully, now.
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM
2/ providers use AI for writing things like progress notes, discharge instructions, & care plans. It also says there's no federal law requiring doctors in the US to tell patients when they use AI in this way.
I'm going to be checking my visit summary notes a lot more carefully, now.
I'm going to be checking my visit summary notes a lot more carefully, now.
I just happened across a news story about an Australian woman whose dentist asked if he could use AI for note-taking during her appointment, then called police when she said no.
I went looking for more info., & found this article, which says two in three US...
1/2
cybernews.com/ai-news/dent...
I went looking for more info., & found this article, which says two in three US...
1/2
cybernews.com/ai-news/dent...
Clinic calls police after woman refuses to allow AI to take notes
There are no federal laws in the US that require doctors to disclose the use of AI tools for taking notes. However, they must ensure data privacy.
cybernews.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM
I just happened across a news story about an Australian woman whose dentist asked if he could use AI for note-taking during her appointment, then called police when she said no.
I went looking for more info., & found this article, which says two in three US...
1/2
cybernews.com/ai-news/dent...
I went looking for more info., & found this article, which says two in three US...
1/2
cybernews.com/ai-news/dent...
I certainly don't have all the answers. But I know that far more civic engagement, by everyone, is one of them - not just showing up to vote or attending rallies, but less balloon-filled, more tedious avtivities like canvassing, other campaign volunteer work, & fundraising.
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
I certainly don't have all the answers. But I know that far more civic engagement, by everyone, is one of them - not just showing up to vote or attending rallies, but less balloon-filled, more tedious avtivities like canvassing, other campaign volunteer work, & fundraising.
We need to *make* it get better - to actively work for it.
What a lot of folks don't get is that Trump didn't make Republicans the way they are; they started out like that, & they elevated him in order to give themselves more freedom to be, openly, what they already were.
What a lot of folks don't get is that Trump didn't make Republicans the way they are; they started out like that, & they elevated him in order to give themselves more freedom to be, openly, what they already were.
November 25, 2025 at 1:33 AM
We need to *make* it get better - to actively work for it.
What a lot of folks don't get is that Trump didn't make Republicans the way they are; they started out like that, & they elevated him in order to give themselves more freedom to be, openly, what they already were.
What a lot of folks don't get is that Trump didn't make Republicans the way they are; they started out like that, & they elevated him in order to give themselves more freedom to be, openly, what they already were.
You can watch video of CNN anchor Jessica Dean doing a very rapid mid-story pivot here:
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
CNN Interrupts Its Report On Trump Unveiling His New Health Care Plan… To Announce Trump is Not Unveiling His New Health Care Plan
Moments after CNN broke the news that President Donald Trump planned to unveil a new health care plan, the Trump administration postponed the announcement.
www.yahoo.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:28 AM
You can watch video of CNN anchor Jessica Dean doing a very rapid mid-story pivot here:
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Yup. He bent on extending subsidies (with some minor caveats) and the GOP congress pushed back hard. CNN had to stop reporting on the plan *mid-report.*
So much for the "they'd be reasonable if only Trump weren't forcing them to be monsters" argument. GOP lawmakers are monstrous all on their own.
So much for the "they'd be reasonable if only Trump weren't forcing them to be monsters" argument. GOP lawmakers are monstrous all on their own.
November 25, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Yup. He bent on extending subsidies (with some minor caveats) and the GOP congress pushed back hard. CNN had to stop reporting on the plan *mid-report.*
So much for the "they'd be reasonable if only Trump weren't forcing them to be monsters" argument. GOP lawmakers are monstrous all on their own.
So much for the "they'd be reasonable if only Trump weren't forcing them to be monsters" argument. GOP lawmakers are monstrous all on their own.
3/ The two meta-analyses:
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV‐related diseases: a network meta‐analysis - Bergman, H - 2025 | Cochrane Library
Select your preferred language for Cochrane reviews and other content. Sections without translation will be in English.
www.cochranelibrary.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:16 AM
3/ The two meta-analyses:
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....
2/ and anogenital warts" w/o serious side effects.
If you missed it & are eligible (both/any sexes, younger than 27, in the US, or through age 45 in consult w/ a provider), get it now while you still can.
There are powerful people who'd like to see folks having sex outside marriage be "punished."
If you missed it & are eligible (both/any sexes, younger than 27, in the US, or through age 45 in consult w/ a provider), get it now while you still can.
There are powerful people who'd like to see folks having sex outside marriage be "punished."
November 25, 2025 at 1:13 AM
2/ and anogenital warts" w/o serious side effects.
If you missed it & are eligible (both/any sexes, younger than 27, in the US, or through age 45 in consult w/ a provider), get it now while you still can.
There are powerful people who'd like to see folks having sex outside marriage be "punished."
If you missed it & are eligible (both/any sexes, younger than 27, in the US, or through age 45 in consult w/ a provider), get it now while you still can.
There are powerful people who'd like to see folks having sex outside marriage be "punished."
That's what it's there for, baby - at least until the ACIP meets again on Dec.4.
Two very large meta-analyses (study subjects were teen girls & young women) found HPV vaccination "slashed cervical cancer incidence [&] reduced the risk of precancerous lesions...
www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyon...
Two very large meta-analyses (study subjects were teen girls & young women) found HPV vaccination "slashed cervical cancer incidence [&] reduced the risk of precancerous lesions...
www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyon...
HPV Vaccination Tied to Huge Reduction in Cervical Cancer Risk
Two large meta-analyses reassure on safety, efficacy
www.medpagetoday.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:13 AM
That's what it's there for, baby - at least until the ACIP meets again on Dec.4.
Two very large meta-analyses (study subjects were teen girls & young women) found HPV vaccination "slashed cervical cancer incidence [&] reduced the risk of precancerous lesions...
www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyon...
Two very large meta-analyses (study subjects were teen girls & young women) found HPV vaccination "slashed cervical cancer incidence [&] reduced the risk of precancerous lesions...
www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyon...
2/ one of them anonymously telling MS NOW, 'I wasn’t expecting the proposal to be Obamacare-lite. Absolutely not supportive of extending ACA subsidies.'"
They *all* need to be voted out. It's not enough to show up on election day next Nov. - find at least one Dem. candidate to volunteer for, soon.
They *all* need to be voted out. It's not enough to show up on election day next Nov. - find at least one Dem. candidate to volunteer for, soon.
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 AM
2/ one of them anonymously telling MS NOW, 'I wasn’t expecting the proposal to be Obamacare-lite. Absolutely not supportive of extending ACA subsidies.'"
They *all* need to be voted out. It's not enough to show up on election day next Nov. - find at least one Dem. candidate to volunteer for, soon.
They *all* need to be voted out. It's not enough to show up on election day next Nov. - find at least one Dem. candidate to volunteer for, soon.
How harmful do you have to be to be more injurious than Trump?
Trump was going to release a healthcare plan today that included extending ACA subsidies for two years - but GOP lawmakers said no.
"Republicans on Capitol Hill are not happy with the plan, with...
1/2
newrepublic.com/post/203622/...
Trump was going to release a healthcare plan today that included extending ACA subsidies for two years - but GOP lawmakers said no.
"Republicans on Capitol Hill are not happy with the plan, with...
1/2
newrepublic.com/post/203622/...
Trump Delays His Health Care Plan After Revolt From Republicans
Republican members of Congress are pissed about the health care plan Donald Trump came up with.
newrepublic.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 AM
How harmful do you have to be to be more injurious than Trump?
Trump was going to release a healthcare plan today that included extending ACA subsidies for two years - but GOP lawmakers said no.
"Republicans on Capitol Hill are not happy with the plan, with...
1/2
newrepublic.com/post/203622/...
Trump was going to release a healthcare plan today that included extending ACA subsidies for two years - but GOP lawmakers said no.
"Republicans on Capitol Hill are not happy with the plan, with...
1/2
newrepublic.com/post/203622/...
Oh, that does throw a wrench in the works.
November 25, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Oh, that does throw a wrench in the works.
3/ all products containing PFAS and has proposed weakening drinking water standards for the chemicals."
Per the EPA, "two of the pesticides break down into TFA, a little-known PFAS...that has been linked to reproductive harms and liver damage."
This is MAHA? Yikes.
PBS NewsHour is also reporting:
Per the EPA, "two of the pesticides break down into TFA, a little-known PFAS...that has been linked to reproductive harms and liver damage."
This is MAHA? Yikes.
PBS NewsHour is also reporting:
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
3/ all products containing PFAS and has proposed weakening drinking water standards for the chemicals."
Per the EPA, "two of the pesticides break down into TFA, a little-known PFAS...that has been linked to reproductive harms and liver damage."
This is MAHA? Yikes.
PBS NewsHour is also reporting:
Per the EPA, "two of the pesticides break down into TFA, a little-known PFAS...that has been linked to reproductive harms and liver damage."
This is MAHA? Yikes.
PBS NewsHour is also reporting:
2/ for [PFAS]...and has announced plans for four additional approvals."
"cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which was approved Thursday, will be used on vegetables such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and potatoes."
"The agency also announced plans to relax a rule requiring companies to report...
"cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which was approved Thursday, will be used on vegetables such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and potatoes."
"The agency also announced plans to relax a rule requiring companies to report...
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
2/ for [PFAS]...and has announced plans for four additional approvals."
"cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which was approved Thursday, will be used on vegetables such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and potatoes."
"The agency also announced plans to relax a rule requiring companies to report...
"cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which was approved Thursday, will be used on vegetables such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and potatoes."
"The agency also announced plans to relax a rule requiring companies to report...
Elections have consequences: Biden tried to limit the degree to which PFAS (forever chemicals) get into our bodies. Trump's EPA is giving us extra helpings.
This month, the EPA approved 2 new pesticides "that meet the internationally recognized definition...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
This month, the EPA approved 2 new pesticides "that meet the internationally recognized definition...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
EPA just approved new ‘forever chemical’ pesticides for use on food
Critics warn the EPA’s approvals of new PFAS pesticides could expose more Americans to “forever chemicals” through their food.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Elections have consequences: Biden tried to limit the degree to which PFAS (forever chemicals) get into our bodies. Trump's EPA is giving us extra helpings.
This month, the EPA approved 2 new pesticides "that meet the internationally recognized definition...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
This month, the EPA approved 2 new pesticides "that meet the internationally recognized definition...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
I think careful monitoring is really key, with a plan in place for what you do if it gets worse.
Do you take meds? I assume you've been given guidance re: diet, alcohol, caffeine, activity, etc.
Do you take meds? I assume you've been given guidance re: diet, alcohol, caffeine, activity, etc.
November 24, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I think careful monitoring is really key, with a plan in place for what you do if it gets worse.
Do you take meds? I assume you've been given guidance re: diet, alcohol, caffeine, activity, etc.
Do you take meds? I assume you've been given guidance re: diet, alcohol, caffeine, activity, etc.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. (I thought it already *was* a formal diagnosis; they've been seeing it since legalization.)
Moderation, folks. If it's making you queasy or you're doubled over or throwing up, you might wanna back off the weed.
share.google/ZMEqDjJ8eEly...
Moderation, folks. If it's making you queasy or you're doubled over or throwing up, you might wanna back off the weed.
share.google/ZMEqDjJ8eEly...
UW study: Researchers highlight new diagnosis tied to chronic cannabis use
The University of Washington says that a condition that has been connected to chronic cannabis use has been recognized as a formal diagnosis.
share.google
November 24, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. (I thought it already *was* a formal diagnosis; they've been seeing it since legalization.)
Moderation, folks. If it's making you queasy or you're doubled over or throwing up, you might wanna back off the weed.
share.google/ZMEqDjJ8eEly...
Moderation, folks. If it's making you queasy or you're doubled over or throwing up, you might wanna back off the weed.
share.google/ZMEqDjJ8eEly...
6/ not ask you about your pregnancy history. So make sure to speak up & let them know about any complications you had.
Depending on your history, clinicians may recommend "more frequent or comprehensive screening for diabetes or heart disease," including monitoring BP, glucose & cholesterol.
Depending on your history, clinicians may recommend "more frequent or comprehensive screening for diabetes or heart disease," including monitoring BP, glucose & cholesterol.
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
6/ not ask you about your pregnancy history. So make sure to speak up & let them know about any complications you had.
Depending on your history, clinicians may recommend "more frequent or comprehensive screening for diabetes or heart disease," including monitoring BP, glucose & cholesterol.
Depending on your history, clinicians may recommend "more frequent or comprehensive screening for diabetes or heart disease," including monitoring BP, glucose & cholesterol.
5/ stroke and dementia."
"Researchers are still trying to determine if pregnancy complications cause various cardiovascular and metabolic issues later in life, or if they simply unmask a predisposition. Some theorize it’s a combination of both."
OBs don't always warn patients, & your PCP may...
"Researchers are still trying to determine if pregnancy complications cause various cardiovascular and metabolic issues later in life, or if they simply unmask a predisposition. Some theorize it’s a combination of both."
OBs don't always warn patients, & your PCP may...
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
5/ stroke and dementia."
"Researchers are still trying to determine if pregnancy complications cause various cardiovascular and metabolic issues later in life, or if they simply unmask a predisposition. Some theorize it’s a combination of both."
OBs don't always warn patients, & your PCP may...
"Researchers are still trying to determine if pregnancy complications cause various cardiovascular and metabolic issues later in life, or if they simply unmask a predisposition. Some theorize it’s a combination of both."
OBs don't always warn patients, & your PCP may...
4/ this history. And they are twice as likely to experience a heart attack that isn’t due to a blockage in major arteries."
Women with gestational diabetes, which affects ~ 10% percent of US pregnancies, are ~10x more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is "linked to heart disease,
Women with gestational diabetes, which affects ~ 10% percent of US pregnancies, are ~10x more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is "linked to heart disease,
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
4/ this history. And they are twice as likely to experience a heart attack that isn’t due to a blockage in major arteries."
Women with gestational diabetes, which affects ~ 10% percent of US pregnancies, are ~10x more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is "linked to heart disease,
Women with gestational diabetes, which affects ~ 10% percent of US pregnancies, are ~10x more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is "linked to heart disease,
3/ "are at an increased risk for nearly every cardiovascular health condition, including chronic high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke."
A 2024 Mayo study "suggests that they also develop coronary artery disease an average of "seven years earlier than women without
A 2024 Mayo study "suggests that they also develop coronary artery disease an average of "seven years earlier than women without
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
3/ "are at an increased risk for nearly every cardiovascular health condition, including chronic high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke."
A 2024 Mayo study "suggests that they also develop coronary artery disease an average of "seven years earlier than women without
A 2024 Mayo study "suggests that they also develop coronary artery disease an average of "seven years earlier than women without
2/ "The connection between several common pregnancy complications and cardiovascular or metabolic health later in life is significant, experts said."
Women with "hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, which include pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure," which affect ~15% of US pregnancies, ...
Women with "hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, which include pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure," which affect ~15% of US pregnancies, ...
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
2/ "The connection between several common pregnancy complications and cardiovascular or metabolic health later in life is significant, experts said."
Women with "hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, which include pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure," which affect ~15% of US pregnancies, ...
Women with "hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, which include pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure," which affect ~15% of US pregnancies, ...
Your doctor may be unaware:
"Experts now believe that pregnancy can offer a window into a woman’s future health, and can provide valuable information about her long-term risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions."
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
"Experts now believe that pregnancy can offer a window into a woman’s future health, and can provide valuable information about her long-term risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions."
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
Health Issues in Middle Age Can Be Linked to Pregnancy Years Earlier
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Your doctor may be unaware:
"Experts now believe that pregnancy can offer a window into a woman’s future health, and can provide valuable information about her long-term risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions."
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
"Experts now believe that pregnancy can offer a window into a woman’s future health, and can provide valuable information about her long-term risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions."
1/6
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/w...
Are you kidding? How does this even become a legitimate question to ask? The answer is Nope, No, Non, Nein, Nyet, Nee, La, Lo. Also: Stop.
He's completely unqualified & completely bonkers, rosary or no. Why wasn't the damage he's already done & which he intends to inflict on us the cover story?
He's completely unqualified & completely bonkers, rosary or no. Why wasn't the damage he's already done & which he intends to inflict on us the cover story?
Over many interviews, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Michael Scherer about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Can he lead the scientific establishment he’s spent much of his life crusading against?
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
Read more in our new cover story: theatln.tc/q9hXxlbM
November 24, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Are you kidding? How does this even become a legitimate question to ask? The answer is Nope, No, Non, Nein, Nyet, Nee, La, Lo. Also: Stop.
He's completely unqualified & completely bonkers, rosary or no. Why wasn't the damage he's already done & which he intends to inflict on us the cover story?
He's completely unqualified & completely bonkers, rosary or no. Why wasn't the damage he's already done & which he intends to inflict on us the cover story?