Aaron Vrolijk, MD
@aaronvrolijk.bsky.social
Neurospicy doctor with too many degrees. Founder & executive director of HealthEd4Everyone. Views are my own. He/him
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Healthcare Advocacy doesn't have to be complicated, it starts with a phone call or email to your legislators.
1) Learn what is happening in your state:
translegislation.com
1) Learn what is happening in your state:
translegislation.com
2025 Anti-Trans Bills: Trans Legislation Tracker
2025 anti-trans bills tracker. Explore data on U.S. anti-trans legislation including passed bills and themes including sports, bathrooms, healthcare, pronouns, drag shows, and education.
translegislation.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Healthcare Advocacy doesn't have to be complicated, it starts with a phone call or email to your legislators.
1) Learn what is happening in your state:
translegislation.com
1) Learn what is happening in your state:
translegislation.com
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Can’t stop thinking about this. The Trump administration is essentially extorting hospitals into dropping gender-affirming care—without Medicare or Medicaid they’d go bankrupt. It’s akin to a backdoor ban even for people with private insurance, a proposal that wouldn’t pass Congress.
Under the proposed rule issued by the Trump Administration today, any Medicare- or Medicaid-participating hospital would be barred from providing gender-affirming care to *any child*, even if the care is not paid for by Medicare or Medicaid.
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-23465.pdf
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-23465.pdf
public-inspection.federalregister.gov
December 20, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Can’t stop thinking about this. The Trump administration is essentially extorting hospitals into dropping gender-affirming care—without Medicare or Medicaid they’d go bankrupt. It’s akin to a backdoor ban even for people with private insurance, a proposal that wouldn’t pass Congress.
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
BREAKING: Trump admin officially proposes new CMS rules to restrict trans health care for young people, including one that would change the conditions for hospitals to participate in Medicare/Medicaid by barring those that offer gender-affirming care to minors.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/18/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/18/t...
In major effort to end gender-affirming care, Trump administration takes aim at hospitals
The Trump administration intends to make its most forceful attempt yet at restricting gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the U.S.
www.statnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:54 PM
BREAKING: Trump admin officially proposes new CMS rules to restrict trans health care for young people, including one that would change the conditions for hospitals to participate in Medicare/Medicaid by barring those that offer gender-affirming care to minors.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/18/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/18/t...
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Pay attention to what the regime is doing and bear in mind that ingredients for supplements aren't regulated & can come from dubious sources. Frankly, @joho.bsky.social says it best in a split-screen👇
December 16, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Pay attention to what the regime is doing and bear in mind that ingredients for supplements aren't regulated & can come from dubious sources. Frankly, @joho.bsky.social says it best in a split-screen👇
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
You don't need to be distressed or in crisis to go to therapy.
You could go to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, get support through a challenging time, or build coping skills.
You could go to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, get support through a challenging time, or build coping skills.
December 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
You don't need to be distressed or in crisis to go to therapy.
You could go to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, get support through a challenging time, or build coping skills.
You could go to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, get support through a challenging time, or build coping skills.
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Ever see an abnormal alert on your lab results and panic? Even healthy people have abnormal results. Labs set "normal" using 95% of healthy people tested, so 5% fall outside it. With 20 blood tests, there's a 38% chance one comes back high or low.
#MedSky
#MedSky
Why "Abnormal" Lab Results Don't Always Mean Something Is Wrong
Saw an "abnormal" flag on your lab results? Don't panic. Learn why healthy people get flagged, what reference ranges really mean, and when to call your doctor.
healthed4everyone.org
December 6, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Ever see an abnormal alert on your lab results and panic? Even healthy people have abnormal results. Labs set "normal" using 95% of healthy people tested, so 5% fall outside it. With 20 blood tests, there's a 38% chance one comes back high or low.
#MedSky
#MedSky
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Goal EXCEEDED! We set out to raise $250 today. You helped us raise $358.76! We're blown away by your generosity. This will help us keep our resources free, ad-free, and accessible through the new year and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this community. 🙏
#HealthEd
Thank you for being part of this community. 🙏
#HealthEd
December 2, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Goal EXCEEDED! We set out to raise $250 today. You helped us raise $358.76! We're blown away by your generosity. This will help us keep our resources free, ad-free, and accessible through the new year and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this community. 🙏
#HealthEd
Thank you for being part of this community. 🙏
#HealthEd
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Our Giving Tuesday goal: $250. Help us keep our resources free & accessible through the new year.
💙 $5 - Covers one day of website hosting
💙 $25 - Mails print resource packets to 10 people
💙 $50 - Keeps our website ad-free & accessible for 1 month
Donate at donorbox.org/healthed
#GivingTuesday
💙 $5 - Covers one day of website hosting
💙 $25 - Mails print resource packets to 10 people
💙 $50 - Keeps our website ad-free & accessible for 1 month
Donate at donorbox.org/healthed
#GivingTuesday
December 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Our Giving Tuesday goal: $250. Help us keep our resources free & accessible through the new year.
💙 $5 - Covers one day of website hosting
💙 $25 - Mails print resource packets to 10 people
💙 $50 - Keeps our website ad-free & accessible for 1 month
Donate at donorbox.org/healthed
#GivingTuesday
💙 $5 - Covers one day of website hosting
💙 $25 - Mails print resource packets to 10 people
💙 $50 - Keeps our website ad-free & accessible for 1 month
Donate at donorbox.org/healthed
#GivingTuesday
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Girls ages 16 years or younger who received HPV vaccines were 80% less likely than their unvaccinated counterparts to develop cervical cancer.
Evidence from 23 studies showed that HPV vaccination lowered the incidence of high-grade cervical precancers.
🧪 www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
Evidence from 23 studies showed that HPV vaccination lowered the incidence of high-grade cervical precancers.
🧪 www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
New research confirms HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer | Cochrane
www.cochrane.org
November 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Girls ages 16 years or younger who received HPV vaccines were 80% less likely than their unvaccinated counterparts to develop cervical cancer.
Evidence from 23 studies showed that HPV vaccination lowered the incidence of high-grade cervical precancers.
🧪 www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
Evidence from 23 studies showed that HPV vaccination lowered the incidence of high-grade cervical precancers.
🧪 www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
Is it just me or are the characters in stranger things having the same conversations they’ve had for the last three seasons?
November 29, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Is it just me or are the characters in stranger things having the same conversations they’ve had for the last three seasons?
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
We still have these calming technique pamphlets to share! 🌈
Want some? Two ways to get them:
📱 DM us
📋 Or fill out our form: form.jotform.com/252713831194...
Free. Always. That's what we do. 💙
Want some? Two ways to get them:
📱 DM us
📋 Or fill out our form: form.jotform.com/252713831194...
Free. Always. That's what we do. 💙
November 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
We still have these calming technique pamphlets to share! 🌈
Want some? Two ways to get them:
📱 DM us
📋 Or fill out our form: form.jotform.com/252713831194...
Free. Always. That's what we do. 💙
Want some? Two ways to get them:
📱 DM us
📋 Or fill out our form: form.jotform.com/252713831194...
Free. Always. That's what we do. 💙
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 AM
My family has been without half our income for 40 days. It has been.. very hard.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
We are willing to feel that pain so people can have health care next year, or to undo these illegal recissions.
We are not willing to have been put through this for NOTHING.
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Need help paying for food? You're not alone. A thread with where to get free/discounted food in the US
Find the full list and more details at healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/01/f...
Missing a resource? Let us know so we can share it with others who might need it.
Find the full list and more details at healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/01/f...
Missing a resource? Let us know so we can share it with others who might need it.
November 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Need help paying for food? You're not alone. A thread with where to get free/discounted food in the US
Find the full list and more details at healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/01/f...
Missing a resource? Let us know so we can share it with others who might need it.
Find the full list and more details at healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/01/f...
Missing a resource? Let us know so we can share it with others who might need it.
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
SNAP helps 1 in 8 Americans, but funding is uncertain. Food banks need support now. Whether you donate money, volunteer, or become a grocery buddy—every action helps. Ways to support: healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/03/h...
November 5, 2025 at 2:25 AM
SNAP helps 1 in 8 Americans, but funding is uncertain. Food banks need support now. Whether you donate money, volunteer, or become a grocery buddy—every action helps. Ways to support: healthed4everyone.org/2025/11/03/h...
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
October 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Amazon is helping fund a $300 million build of a ballroom for the White House.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Independent bookstores are donating to food banks and organizations that help with food insecurity.
They are not the same.
Almost 42 million people will face impossible decisions like whether to eat, have a home, buy medicine if SNAP runs out of money on Saturday.
But what about food banks? Well, the federal government cut funding by $500 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
But what about food banks? Well, the federal government cut funding by $500 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
When SNAP benefits run out, 'people can die,' say health experts
“People can die” from even short gaps in nutrition and food access, experts say ahead of SNAP benefits not going out in November in at least 25 states.
www.statnews.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Almost 42 million people will face impossible decisions like whether to eat, have a home, buy medicine if SNAP runs out of money on Saturday.
But what about food banks? Well, the federal government cut funding by $500 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
But what about food banks? Well, the federal government cut funding by $500 million.
www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Astonishing: The cost of health insurance for a family jumps to $27,000 from @tarabannow.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/h...
October 22, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Astonishing: The cost of health insurance for a family jumps to $27,000 from @tarabannow.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/h...
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
PLEASE REPOST: Health equity researchers, Please let me know if your centers or programs are being altered, closed, or threatened by your universities to comply with new EOs or if staff are being laid off. Signal: usha.22 or 👇(Won't use anything without permission.) www.statnews.com/2025/01/25/t...
Are you affected by the Trump administration’s pause on health communications, science meetings, and reviews?
Have you been affected by the Trump administration’s pause on communications, science meetings, and reviews? @statnews would like to hear from you.
www.statnews.com
January 31, 2025 at 10:48 PM
PLEASE REPOST: Health equity researchers, Please let me know if your centers or programs are being altered, closed, or threatened by your universities to comply with new EOs or if staff are being laid off. Signal: usha.22 or 👇(Won't use anything without permission.) www.statnews.com/2025/01/25/t...
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Dr. Vrolijk on the Apple Watch blood pressure feature: The allure is real (passive monitoring!), but so are the limitations.
Only alerts 4 out of 10 people with high BP. Performs worst for young adults who need it most.
healthed4everyone.org/2025/10/02/a...
#BloodPressure #AppleWatch
Only alerts 4 out of 10 people with high BP. Performs worst for young adults who need it most.
healthed4everyone.org/2025/10/02/a...
#BloodPressure #AppleWatch
Apple's New Blood Pressure Feature: Why You Can't Ditch Your BP Cuff Yet
Apple Watch blood pressure alerts miss 60% of hypertension cases, especially in younger people. Learn what the research shows and what to do instead.
healthed4everyone.org
October 3, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Dr. Vrolijk on the Apple Watch blood pressure feature: The allure is real (passive monitoring!), but so are the limitations.
Only alerts 4 out of 10 people with high BP. Performs worst for young adults who need it most.
healthed4everyone.org/2025/10/02/a...
#BloodPressure #AppleWatch
Only alerts 4 out of 10 people with high BP. Performs worst for young adults who need it most.
healthed4everyone.org/2025/10/02/a...
#BloodPressure #AppleWatch
RFK Jr. says autistic people will "destroy families" and "never go on a date."
I'm autistic. I'm close with my family. I've been on plenty of dates. I'm also awkward as hell and miss social cues constantly.
But awkward ≠ incapable.
I run a nonprofit. According to him, I shouldn't exist. 🧵
I'm autistic. I'm close with my family. I've been on plenty of dates. I'm also awkward as hell and miss social cues constantly.
But awkward ≠ incapable.
I run a nonprofit. According to him, I shouldn't exist. 🧵
October 3, 2025 at 12:06 PM
RFK Jr. says autistic people will "destroy families" and "never go on a date."
I'm autistic. I'm close with my family. I've been on plenty of dates. I'm also awkward as hell and miss social cues constantly.
But awkward ≠ incapable.
I run a nonprofit. According to him, I shouldn't exist. 🧵
I'm autistic. I'm close with my family. I've been on plenty of dates. I'm also awkward as hell and miss social cues constantly.
But awkward ≠ incapable.
I run a nonprofit. According to him, I shouldn't exist. 🧵
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
Another call for sources: I'm reporting on pediatric Covid vaccine access. If you've had trouble finding pediatric doses in stock, or if your child was turned away, I'd love to hear from you: [email protected].
Thanks to those who replied to my pregnancy callout; that story will be out soon.
Thanks to those who replied to my pregnancy callout; that story will be out soon.
October 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Another call for sources: I'm reporting on pediatric Covid vaccine access. If you've had trouble finding pediatric doses in stock, or if your child was turned away, I'd love to hear from you: [email protected].
Thanks to those who replied to my pregnancy callout; that story will be out soon.
Thanks to those who replied to my pregnancy callout; that story will be out soon.
Reposted by Aaron Vrolijk, MD
As others have pointed out, this outcry is also needed in other areas - see health care access for trans folks.
“When officials in [US] agencies are so blatantly no longer relying on the actual evidence base to make policy, we have to assume that ‘data’ from them is so tainted that none of it can be fully trusted—and audiences need to know that.” @tarahaelle.bsky.social:
healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/09...
healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/09...
Countering false and misleading claims about Tylenol and autism from the top
Journalists must rely on evidence, medical societies and experts to counter misinformation from federal agencies about Tylenol and autism.
healthjournalism.org
September 25, 2025 at 9:13 AM
As others have pointed out, this outcry is also needed in other areas - see health care access for trans folks.
The pre-event jitters are real! This is our first time tabling, and I keep second-guessing our setup. Any tips from the community outreach pros out there?
#nonprofit #event #communityoutreach
#nonprofit #event #communityoutreach
Pop quiz! Where does this organ go?
Find out at our booth Saturday 9/20, 8am-12pm at Ottawa Park, Toledo! Interactive health games + free educational resources = fun learning for all ages.
Register: bit.ly/4pKjLfh
#HealthEducation #SickleCellWalk #Toledo #HealthLiteracy #SickleCell
Find out at our booth Saturday 9/20, 8am-12pm at Ottawa Park, Toledo! Interactive health games + free educational resources = fun learning for all ages.
Register: bit.ly/4pKjLfh
#HealthEducation #SickleCellWalk #Toledo #HealthLiteracy #SickleCell
September 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
The pre-event jitters are real! This is our first time tabling, and I keep second-guessing our setup. Any tips from the community outreach pros out there?
#nonprofit #event #communityoutreach
#nonprofit #event #communityoutreach