Tara F, PhD, MPH
@taraf.bsky.social
Health Equity & Translational health researcher | Improving healthcare services & experiences for marginalized | Part-time research associate | Renegade Research volunteer
Tampa, FL
😷🌈☮️📊📚🫂🩼♿️🗣️
#Disabled #LongCovid #PostVax #MECFS #POTS #hEDS #Lyme #AuDHD
Tampa, FL
😷🌈☮️📊📚🫂🩼♿️🗣️
#Disabled #LongCovid #PostVax #MECFS #POTS #hEDS #Lyme #AuDHD
Pinned
Tara F, PhD, MPH
@taraf.bsky.social
· Nov 16
👋 Bluesky! I’m a former perinatal/women’s health researcher who developed ME/CFS, POTS, reactivated Lyme after a Covid 💉. I experienced a transient remission with Remission Biome and volunteer with Renegade Research. I post about healthcare, equity, autism, disability, national parks and cats.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
February 11, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
This one hits too hard.
December 15, 2024 at 9:51 PM
This one hits too hard.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Telehealth was something disabled people had spent years begging for. It’s a game changer when you have an energy limiting chronic illness.
It’s hard to imagine any legitimate reason to remove it - it will cause harm.
Let patients access care in the way that is safest for them.
It’s hard to imagine any legitimate reason to remove it - it will cause harm.
Let patients access care in the way that is safest for them.
Most Medicare coverage for telehealth is set to end soon unless Congress acts. I reported on how this is a bad situation for the millions of people who rely on telehealth to more easily get medical care for @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Congress has one month to save a key Medicare benefit
Millions of Medicare patients use telehealth—but their coverage is ending abruptly.
www.motherjones.com
December 4, 2024 at 3:01 AM
Telehealth was something disabled people had spent years begging for. It’s a game changer when you have an energy limiting chronic illness.
It’s hard to imagine any legitimate reason to remove it - it will cause harm.
Let patients access care in the way that is safest for them.
It’s hard to imagine any legitimate reason to remove it - it will cause harm.
Let patients access care in the way that is safest for them.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Today in Hell Yes, Research!
When autistic children learned about autism "in a neutral and non-stigmatizing manner," & from autistic people with lived experience, it improved their self-understanding, sense of belonging, and their communication/self-advocacy skills.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
When autistic children learned about autism "in a neutral and non-stigmatizing manner," & from autistic people with lived experience, it improved their self-understanding, sense of belonging, and their communication/self-advocacy skills.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
“I like being autistic”: Assessing the benefit of autistic-led psychoeducation for autistic children
Background Despite receiving autism diagnoses in early life, autistic children are not routinely supported to understand these diagnoses post-diagnostically ([1][1]). Consequently, they typically grow...
www.medrxiv.org
December 2, 2024 at 9:58 PM
Today in Hell Yes, Research!
When autistic children learned about autism "in a neutral and non-stigmatizing manner," & from autistic people with lived experience, it improved their self-understanding, sense of belonging, and their communication/self-advocacy skills.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
When autistic children learned about autism "in a neutral and non-stigmatizing manner," & from autistic people with lived experience, it improved their self-understanding, sense of belonging, and their communication/self-advocacy skills.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Reminder: you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it, you don’t have to get better at it, you don’t have to monetize it, and it doesn’t have to be useful.
December 1, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Reminder: you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it, you don’t have to get better at it, you don’t have to monetize it, and it doesn’t have to be useful.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Dr. Yellman is speaking next Friday 12/6/24, 1p Eastern US, to @renegaderesearch.bsky.social hosted by @isabelrb.bsky.social and Renegade Team. Free. Will be recorded + posted to Remission Biome channel on YouTube.
Advantage of attending live? The Q&A.
Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Advantage of attending live? The Q&A.
Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 29, 2024 at 5:57 PM
Dr. Yellman is speaking next Friday 12/6/24, 1p Eastern US, to @renegaderesearch.bsky.social hosted by @isabelrb.bsky.social and Renegade Team. Free. Will be recorded + posted to Remission Biome channel on YouTube.
Advantage of attending live? The Q&A.
Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Advantage of attending live? The Q&A.
Register us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Big news! Every CA wastewater site monitored by #WastewaterScan has had a #H5N1 bird flu hit in the past 2 weeks. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
November 28, 2024 at 3:44 AM
Big news! Every CA wastewater site monitored by #WastewaterScan has had a #H5N1 bird flu hit in the past 2 weeks. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Our new study shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accumulates & persists in the body for years after infection, especially in the skull-meninges-brain axis, potentially driving long COVID. mRNA vaccines help but cannot stop it🔬🧠🦠🧵Your weekend read👇
@cellpress.bsky.social
cell.com/cell-host-mi...
@cellpress.bsky.social
cell.com/cell-host-mi...
November 29, 2024 at 4:01 PM
Our new study shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accumulates & persists in the body for years after infection, especially in the skull-meninges-brain axis, potentially driving long COVID. mRNA vaccines help but cannot stop it🔬🧠🦠🧵Your weekend read👇
@cellpress.bsky.social
cell.com/cell-host-mi...
@cellpress.bsky.social
cell.com/cell-host-mi...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Living w/ ME: Sadly, the longer it takes to get a diagnosis, the worse the condition can get, and before you know it, you’ve lost your job and your quality of life has taken a nosedive. The stigma surrounding ME is a massive barrier to getting the help we need. wellcomecollection.org/stories/livi...
Living with ME
Nine people with ME reveal their unremitting struggles as they negotiate life with their illness, including their battles to be believed, diagnosed and supported.
wellcomecollection.org
November 28, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Living w/ ME: Sadly, the longer it takes to get a diagnosis, the worse the condition can get, and before you know it, you’ve lost your job and your quality of life has taken a nosedive. The stigma surrounding ME is a massive barrier to getting the help we need. wellcomecollection.org/stories/livi...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
For anyone who needs a reminder tonight - your value is not tied to your ability to work or participate in capitalism.
In fact - being disabled IS work.
People have no idea how much work. They imagine it like a vacation - laying around all day doing whatever fun activities you most enjoy.
🧵
In fact - being disabled IS work.
People have no idea how much work. They imagine it like a vacation - laying around all day doing whatever fun activities you most enjoy.
🧵
November 28, 2024 at 4:35 AM
For anyone who needs a reminder tonight - your value is not tied to your ability to work or participate in capitalism.
In fact - being disabled IS work.
People have no idea how much work. They imagine it like a vacation - laying around all day doing whatever fun activities you most enjoy.
🧵
In fact - being disabled IS work.
People have no idea how much work. They imagine it like a vacation - laying around all day doing whatever fun activities you most enjoy.
🧵
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
I think we need to discuss morally questionable societal norms when we have ££ to invest on a full blown advertising campaign for MAID like it’s a free holiday, but aren’t investing the appropriate amount to ££ for research,treatment & support to improve lives of the chronically disabled community
This is an ad from London Underground - clearly designed to inoculate the public against potential horrors of a eugenicist assisted suicide program.
Why is she jumping for joy? Why are we celebrating this?
Why aren’t we acknowledging rapid increase in disabled people means many will be coerced? /1
Why is she jumping for joy? Why are we celebrating this?
Why aren’t we acknowledging rapid increase in disabled people means many will be coerced? /1
November 28, 2024 at 11:25 PM
I think we need to discuss morally questionable societal norms when we have ££ to invest on a full blown advertising campaign for MAID like it’s a free holiday, but aren’t investing the appropriate amount to ££ for research,treatment & support to improve lives of the chronically disabled community
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
“The number of people classed as economically inactive - not employed or actively looking for work - has jumped to more than 9 million. It surged during Covid but remains persistently high”
That’s what happens when you mass infect a population with SARS.
#LongCovid
www.bbc.com/news/article...
That’s what happens when you mass infect a population with SARS.
#LongCovid
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Sir Keir Starmer says Britain ‘isn’t working’ as he announces jobs push
The government plans include overhauling job centres, but reforms to benefits are delayed until next year.
www.bbc.com
November 26, 2024 at 9:19 AM
“The number of people classed as economically inactive - not employed or actively looking for work - has jumped to more than 9 million. It surged during Covid but remains persistently high”
That’s what happens when you mass infect a population with SARS.
#LongCovid
www.bbc.com/news/article...
That’s what happens when you mass infect a population with SARS.
#LongCovid
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
#LongCOVID RESEARCH looking for participants!
Research opportunity on long COVID, employment, & disability benefits for recruitment. This research is led by Deborah Lefkowitz, PhD at the University of California, Riverside, with a fellowship supported by the Social Security Administration. (1/4) 🧵
Research opportunity on long COVID, employment, & disability benefits for recruitment. This research is led by Deborah Lefkowitz, PhD at the University of California, Riverside, with a fellowship supported by the Social Security Administration. (1/4) 🧵
November 26, 2024 at 3:01 PM
#LongCOVID RESEARCH looking for participants!
Research opportunity on long COVID, employment, & disability benefits for recruitment. This research is led by Deborah Lefkowitz, PhD at the University of California, Riverside, with a fellowship supported by the Social Security Administration. (1/4) 🧵
Research opportunity on long COVID, employment, & disability benefits for recruitment. This research is led by Deborah Lefkowitz, PhD at the University of California, Riverside, with a fellowship supported by the Social Security Administration. (1/4) 🧵
Less than two weeks away from my 3-year long covid anniversary (almost 9 years of chronic illness) and we’re dealing with unexpected unemployment (both partner & me) and major extended family issues. Lots of thoughts and feelings, but mostly working extra hard on pacing with Thanksgiving coming.
November 25, 2024 at 7:19 PM
Less than two weeks away from my 3-year long covid anniversary (almost 9 years of chronic illness) and we’re dealing with unexpected unemployment (both partner & me) and major extended family issues. Lots of thoughts and feelings, but mostly working extra hard on pacing with Thanksgiving coming.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
At least 5 women have died due to abortion bans in Texas & Georgia—Candi Miller, Amber Thurman, Josseli Barnica, Nevaeh Crain; and now, Porsha Ngumezi.
3 victims were Black, one Latina. 2 were immigrants. One was just 18. All women are at risk—but women of color, immigrants and teens most of all.
3 victims were Black, one Latina. 2 were immigrants. One was just 18. All women are at risk—but women of color, immigrants and teens most of all.
November 25, 2024 at 5:51 PM
At least 5 women have died due to abortion bans in Texas & Georgia—Candi Miller, Amber Thurman, Josseli Barnica, Nevaeh Crain; and now, Porsha Ngumezi.
3 victims were Black, one Latina. 2 were immigrants. One was just 18. All women are at risk—but women of color, immigrants and teens most of all.
3 victims were Black, one Latina. 2 were immigrants. One was just 18. All women are at risk—but women of color, immigrants and teens most of all.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Do you think you've had long-term GI problems since having Covid?
We are performing a study examining the characteristics of viruses, specifically persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections, in stool samples.
1/3
We are performing a study examining the characteristics of viruses, specifically persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections, in stool samples.
1/3
November 20, 2024 at 5:52 PM
Do you think you've had long-term GI problems since having Covid?
We are performing a study examining the characteristics of viruses, specifically persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections, in stool samples.
1/3
We are performing a study examining the characteristics of viruses, specifically persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections, in stool samples.
1/3
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
⚠️ BREAKING:
Wastewater in Saint Petersburg, Florida has tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Florida has no known active outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows or poultry.
Wastewater in Saint Petersburg, Florida has tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Florida has no known active outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows or poultry.
November 23, 2024 at 4:26 PM
⚠️ BREAKING:
Wastewater in Saint Petersburg, Florida has tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Florida has no known active outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows or poultry.
Wastewater in Saint Petersburg, Florida has tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Florida has no known active outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows or poultry.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Almost everything you might do for fun CAN be done while wearing a respirator. You can “live your life” while protecting yourself an others.
You can’t “live your life” the same way once you’re chronically ill.
Wearing a respirator will seem like a small sacrifice compared to losing your health.
You can’t “live your life” the same way once you’re chronically ill.
Wearing a respirator will seem like a small sacrifice compared to losing your health.
Masked Montage!
You can have fun while protecting your health.
#YallMasking #MaskUp #Covid #LongCovid #fun
You can have fun while protecting your health.
#YallMasking #MaskUp #Covid #LongCovid #fun
November 22, 2024 at 3:00 AM
Almost everything you might do for fun CAN be done while wearing a respirator. You can “live your life” while protecting yourself an others.
You can’t “live your life” the same way once you’re chronically ill.
Wearing a respirator will seem like a small sacrifice compared to losing your health.
You can’t “live your life” the same way once you’re chronically ill.
Wearing a respirator will seem like a small sacrifice compared to losing your health.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
Society sees chronic illness and disability as negative, shameful, and something to overcome or defeat. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and can happen to anyone. Oftentimes, we can’t overcome it. We just have to learn to live with it in the best way we know how.
November 22, 2024 at 6:09 PM
Society sees chronic illness and disability as negative, shameful, and something to overcome or defeat. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and can happen to anyone. Oftentimes, we can’t overcome it. We just have to learn to live with it in the best way we know how.
My kiddo’s POTS specialist (peds cardio) claims that ME/CFS and long covid don’t exist - they’re “just dysautonomia.” Just need to follow POTS treatment plan. Except… my kiddo is still sick, still has severe fatigue, brain fog, immune dysfunction… despite treatment & major POTS improvement.
Unfortunately, this blind spot in regards to ME/CFS as a comorbidity seems to be quite common among POTS experts, as we’ve been seeing in recent weeks. It’s a troubling phenomenon, one that points to the divide between a patient’s experience, and the biases of researchers/clinicians.
November 20, 2024 at 11:40 PM
My kiddo’s POTS specialist (peds cardio) claims that ME/CFS and long covid don’t exist - they’re “just dysautonomia.” Just need to follow POTS treatment plan. Except… my kiddo is still sick, still has severe fatigue, brain fog, immune dysfunction… despite treatment & major POTS improvement.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
A reminder that if you're feeling saddened by the failure of the Berlin Cures trial for Long Covid, you can check out the pipeline of #LongCovid, #MECFS & other IACC clinical trials here on CrunchME 💊👇
Just added a bunch more, and more to add still!
crunchme.notion.site/4d00e39f9f87...
Just added a bunch more, and more to add still!
crunchme.notion.site/4d00e39f9f87...
November 20, 2024 at 1:17 PM
A reminder that if you're feeling saddened by the failure of the Berlin Cures trial for Long Covid, you can check out the pipeline of #LongCovid, #MECFS & other IACC clinical trials here on CrunchME 💊👇
Just added a bunch more, and more to add still!
crunchme.notion.site/4d00e39f9f87...
Just added a bunch more, and more to add still!
crunchme.notion.site/4d00e39f9f87...
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
@putrinolab.bsky.social & CoRE are seeking participants in the NYC area for this PolyBio-supported lumbrokinase trial 👇🏻
They are accepting patients with the following diagnoses: Long COVID, Pre-2020 ME/CFS or Post-treatment Lyme Disease.
Reach out to [email protected] to sign up.
They are accepting patients with the following diagnoses: Long COVID, Pre-2020 ME/CFS or Post-treatment Lyme Disease.
Reach out to [email protected] to sign up.
November 20, 2024 at 4:48 PM
@putrinolab.bsky.social & CoRE are seeking participants in the NYC area for this PolyBio-supported lumbrokinase trial 👇🏻
They are accepting patients with the following diagnoses: Long COVID, Pre-2020 ME/CFS or Post-treatment Lyme Disease.
Reach out to [email protected] to sign up.
They are accepting patients with the following diagnoses: Long COVID, Pre-2020 ME/CFS or Post-treatment Lyme Disease.
Reach out to [email protected] to sign up.
Reposted by Tara F, PhD, MPH
I appreciate liberals suddenly caring about disinformation again, but those of us that've been tending this home fire for the past four years are gonna need y'all to recognize the covid disinformation you need to undo in your own mind if you want to stand in solidarity with disabled people.
November 20, 2024 at 2:31 AM
I appreciate liberals suddenly caring about disinformation again, but those of us that've been tending this home fire for the past four years are gonna need y'all to recognize the covid disinformation you need to undo in your own mind if you want to stand in solidarity with disabled people.
“I want more clinical trials focused on cures and effective treatments. We want treatments that are actually getting at the underlying causes and not just sticking a band aid on symptoms,” Katherine, a parent of a 16-year old with Long COVID told The Sick Times.
In February, the National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER program published a review paper estimating 5.8 million kids in the U.S. were living with #LongCOVID — but there are only two registered drug trials for Long COVID in kids. Why? @spichaksimon.bsky.social investigates. bit.ly/4eDxpdc
November 20, 2024 at 9:35 PM
“I want more clinical trials focused on cures and effective treatments. We want treatments that are actually getting at the underlying causes and not just sticking a band aid on symptoms,” Katherine, a parent of a 16-year old with Long COVID told The Sick Times.