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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Illustration of a turkey on a plate. Text reads: No food poisoning at this table. Keep your household safe from food poisoning caused by raw meat! Do not wash the turkey as this can spread bacteria. Wash your hands after handling raw meat and disinfect any surfaces or utensils that come in contact with raw meat. Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165⁰F (as measured by a meat thermometer) to eliminate bacteria.

Illustration of smoke alarm with a pot on the stove that has caught on fire. Text reads: Grateful for a loud smoke alarm. Test your home’s smoke alarms before the holiday and make sure to have an unexpired fire extinguisher handy.

Illustration of a pie with a label that says "contains milk." Text reads: No allergic reactions here! Be mindful of food allergies your guests may have. Label ingredients and potential allergens on notecards next to each dish.

Illustration of leftovers in a container. Text says: Got leftovers? Don’t let leftovers go to waste... Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours to avoid health risks from bacteria growth. Use shallow dishes to cool leftovers faster. Eat leftovers within four days or freeze them. Donate unopened prepackaged products to a local food bank. If anything does go bad, compost it instead of throwing it in the trash.

November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

With Thanksgiving just a day away, we wanted to brush up on our top safety tips for this year's holiday.

Whether you're the host or a guest, a turkey person or a sides person, we hope these tips help you have the happiest and healthiest holiday possible. 🦃

Illustration of a turkey, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pumpkins. Text reads: Thanksgiving Day Safety, one plate at a time...

November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

While respiratory illnesses can spike during the holidays, here are some important reminders to help keep you and your loved ones healthy this Thanksgiving 🦃

Illustration of people sitting at a round table eating Thanksgiving dinner. Text reads: Sharing is for side dishes, not symptoms. Follow our tips
for reducing risks of respiratory illnesses and staying healthy this Thanksgiving.

Illustration of a pie, salad, and mashed potatoes. Text reads: Feasts > Fevers. Here are a few ways you can help keep respiratory illnesses off your guest list: Stay up to date with immunizations. Vaccines are still available and recommended for COVID and flu. Practice good hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Take steps for cleaner air. Open windows to increase ventilation, use an air purifier, and spread out guests when possible. Wear a mask. Masks protect you from inhaling germs. Consider wearing one in crowded places and when traveling to prevent illness.

Illustration of a turkey. Text reads: We know turkey is important, but if you are not feeling well, stay home. The CDC recommends that people who are sick stay home for at least 24 hours, until both are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall. You have not had a fever and are not using fever-reducing medication. You can resume normal activities after that, but take additional precautions around other people: Wear a mask, wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and socialize in more spacious, ventilated areas.

Illustration of a person looking at their phone, reading a text message. Text reads: Pass the convo, not the germs. Lead a judgement-free conversation. It’s best to be transparent about symptoms, exposures, and comfort levels. Others may be feeling the same way. Some people are at a higher-risk of severe illness if they get sick. Ask those individuals what they’re comfortable with. Consider wearing a mask and definitely avoid kissing babies.

November 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Traveling this weekend? Make sure you have your reading materials ready!

The latest edition of Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health features a section on child health, and public health approaches and research that can help kids make their way toward a healthy adulthood.

magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu

The cover of the Fall 2025 edition of Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine, a giant hand holds an hourglass. Within the hourglass, a child plays with toys in the sand. The sand is slowly dropping into the lower half of the hourglass. Text reads: Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health. Their Health, in Our Hands. Child health is essential for lifelong well-being. Will we take the necessary steps to improve it?

November 21, 2025 at 7:08 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

So, what IS public health?

We went to @jhu.edu Homewood campus and asked students what they think public health is. Here's how they responded (really good in our opinion!)

Drop below what question we should ask next

November 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

illustration of a thumbs up and yogurt. Text reads: On the other end: Some UPFs actually have healthy benefits to them. For example: Whole grain breads, low-fat yogurts, instant oatmeal, and jarred pasta sauces have lower levels of saturated fats and added sugars while containing a plethora of nutrients that help reduce disease risk. Baked beans have been shown to support heart health by lowering cholesterol, improving digestive health through fiber, and helping stabilize blood sugar.

Reducing Consumption of bad UPFs: There are realistic solutions to limiting our ultra-processed food intake. For example: Educating the public about UPFS through improved front-of-package food labels. Taxes and policy changes for food production companies (like the soda tax). But recognizing that these foods are widely used—and why—would be crucial. UPFs save time and effort, but most importantly, they are more affordable. If policy changes are put into action, “we need to help people afford the alternative,” says Julia Wolfson, associate professor in International Health.

Illustration of a lot of whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and fish. Text reads: On an individual level, reducing UPF intake can be a gradual process. If possible, you should: Keep healthy foods at home and try not to purchase UPFs when at the grocery store. Read labels and ingredient lists, looking for foods that have only a few pronounceable, recognizable ingredients. Try substituting fruit or vegetables for ultra-processed foods. Use minimally processed frozen or canned options if fresh fruit or vegetables aren’t available. Replace sugary beverages with water.

November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? The term “ultra-processed foods” originated from the Nova food classification system, ranging from least to most processed: Unprocessed/minimally processed: fruit, vegetables, milk, or fish. 2. Processed culinary ingredients: salt, sugar, olive oil, and butter. 3. Processed: jam, pickles, or canned fruit. 4. Ultra-processed: energy drinks, instant oatmeal, sliced bread, or hot dogs

$What’s actually in UPFs? UPFs have one or more ingredients that wouldn’t be found in a kitchen, like: Chemical-based preservatives, Emulsifiers like hydrogenated oils, Sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, Artificial colors and flavors. They also undergo processing techniques like pre-frying, molding, extrusion, fractioning, and other chemical alterations, leaving the final product bearing almost no resemblance to the original ingredients. But not all ultra-processed foods are the same.$

Illustration of a donut, chips, an energy drink, applesauce, peanut butter, and cereal. Text reads: When thinking of UPFs, one might only think of “junk foods,” like donuts, energy drinks, chips, candy, boxed mac and cheese, frozen pizza, and lunch meat. they are UPFs, but so are: High-fiber breakfast cereals, most granola or protein bars, applesauce, plant-based “meat” burgers, liquid egg whites, and nut butters. Don’t get us wrong—a lot of UPFs are associated with worse diet quality and a long list of adverse health outcomes. What’s important is to look at the ingredients in what you are consuming to determine whether or not they are good for you.

Illustration of a thumbs down. Text reads: UPFs CAN BE ADDICTIVE. Ultra-processed foods are designed to appeal to the human palate and contain ingredients like sugar, fat, and salt that stimulate the brain's reward system, making it hard to stop eating them. A 2024 review found that diets high in UPFs are linked to 32 health conditions, including: Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, Cardiometabolic diseases, Many cancers, Gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, Anxiety, Depression, Cardiovascular events, and All-cause mortality.

November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Most of the foods we eat are ultra-processed. So what does that actually mean?

Swipe to learn what ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are, if they are healthy, and ways that you can reduce bad UPF intake.

To read more: publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-ar...

One grocery cart filled with chips, ice cream, instant ramen, and soda. Another cart filled with whole grain bread, almond milk, peanut butter, and cereal. Text reads: Which cart is full of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? It's a trick question. They both are.

November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

It's getting cold out...that means it's flu shot season!

Find where you can get yours now: vaccinefinder.org

still from Family Guy of Peter looking at a bandaid on his arm with a doctor standing next to him. Text reads: It's time to get your flu shot

Still from Family Guy of Stewie on the couch, sick, with a cup of tea and pain relief medication. Text reads: It’s that time of Year again: Flu Season. The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination also has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated, but still get sick. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine.

Still from The Simpsons of the Simpson family on the couch, sick. Text reads: and if you’re sick, stay home. Take actions every day to help stop the spread of germs. The CDC recommends that people who are sick stay home for at least 24 hours, until both are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever and are not using fever-reducing medication.

Still from SpongeBob SquarePants of Squidward sick. Text reads: Click the link in caption to find where you can get the flu vaccine

November 11, 2025 at 9:22 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

illustration of an older person talking with a doctor. Text reads: How would these changes to the ACA impact Americans? There’s a concern that many people will be priced out of their plans and drop out. As prices rise, many people can’t afford to pay for health insurance when they have to pay rent and buy food and clothes. People without these subsidies are going to have to make a really difficult choice.

Illustration of a hospital. Text reads: The increases have implications beyond just what the individual seeking care is facing. They will also affect hospitals, physicians, drug companies, and everybody else in the health care system. For example: Hospitals are required to treat people that go to the emergency department, regardless of their ability to pay for care. Especially in rural areas, that debt can become a loss for the hospital which could force them to close.

November 6, 2025 at 5:43 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies highlight a troubling trend in health care costs.

Swipe to learn what this means in insurance costs for Americans.

Read more: publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/whats-b...

Illustration of a telemedicine call, medication, and arrows showing an increase. Text reads: What’s Behind Rising Health Insurance Costs. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to control rising health care costs—but key subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. Gerard Anderson, professor in Health Policy and Management and International Health, unpacks elevating insurance costs and the ripple effects across health care providers. This information is sourced from Public Health On Call episode 972.

Illustration of a doctor looking at someone who hurt their arm. Text reads: Health insurance premiums are increasing. What’s going on? As open enrollment begins, consumers buying insurance through ACA plans are seeing premiums rise by up to 59%. This is because of service prices, not quantity. It's not that people are using health care services more often than they were previously. It’s that prices for services keep going up, which increases insurance premiums.

Illustration of a person on their phone looking at health care plans. Text reads: What role does ACA play in covering costs? About 30 million Americans are on ACA plans right now. These are people who typically do not have employer-based insurance—they work in the gig economy, at small firms that don't offer insurance, or are self-insured, for instance. For someone with an employer-sponsored insurance plan, the employer pays a significant portion of the insurance premium. Something similar happens for people receiving insurance under the Affordable Care Act, except with ACA subsidies, the government pays for part of the premium.

illustration of pharmaceuticals. Text reads: Why are insurance costs going to be even higher? In the United States, each state’s market is different. It all depends on what type of insurance you have. Under some insurance plans, premiums are rising rapidly, while other plans might not go up. If you are on an ACA plan, you may now have to pay the full rate of insurance. This happens because the subsidies—your cost-sharing with the government—are being reduced, eliminated, or expiring.

November 6, 2025 at 5:43 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Kristen Johansson details her journey with Lyme disease and how it led her to public health in the newest issue of Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine.

Read her full story: magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/when-ly...

Kristen Johansson. Text reads: "Public health is my bridge from personal survival to collective change ... I want my story to lead to a day when patients and scientists alike not only understand Lyme disease but use their superpowers to overcome it.” Kristen Johansson, Molecular and Cellular Biology Student at Johns Hopkins University

November 5, 2025 at 7:08 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

illustration of a person breastfeeding. Text reads: THC sticks around. The main active component in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can be found in breastmilk for at least six days after consumption. THC is stored in body fat, and slowly released over time. The more someone consumes, the more THC accumulates in breastmilk’s high fat content. This means an infant could be exposed to an unknown amount and for an extended period. No matter how cannabis is consumed (smoking, vaping, ingesting, etc.), its byproducts can be found in the breast milk.

Illustration of a person breastfeeding. Text reads: Current recommendations: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage quitting and/or reducing use of cannabis use during breastfeeding. Mothers who continue to use cannabis and wish to breastfeed should discuss the risks and benefits with their medical provider.

Illustration of a person breastfeeding. Text reads: short-term impacts: Some observational evidence has shown that using cannabis while breastfeeding can lead to drowsier babies. Lethargic babies may eat less often, which could result in poor weight gain and a need to supplement with formula. Other studies have shown that THC can: Affect breast milk composition by decreasing immunoglobulins and increasing lactose. Inhibit milk supply and the duration of lactation.

illustration of a person breastfeeding. Text reads: long-term consequences: Some evidence suggests cannabis use during breastfeeding could raise the potential risk of long-term health effects to infant development, including: Impaired motor development, Cognitive deficits, and Hyperactivity. However: More research is needed on the both the long- and short-term effects of cannabis use during lactation.

November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Increasing legalization and scant research on today’s cannabis products is complicating guidance for nursing mothers.

Swipe to learn what we know.

magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/cannabi...

Illustration of a person breastfeeding. Text reads: is it okay to use cannabis while breastfeeding? The medical guidance during pregnancy is clear: Don't use cannabis. During the postpartum period, it gets more complicated.

November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Illustration of grocery receipt. Text reads: It’s not just SNAP recipients who will feel the sting. Without SNAP, food banks will be asked to do even more. Without funds to purchase groceries, SNAP recipients will need to turn to other resources like food banks or faith-based organizations. These organizations will then need additional community support, and may not be able to fill the gaps. Additionally, every dollar of SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity. Loss of benefits could hurt businesses where people spend SNAP dollars, including grocery stores and farmers who grow, supply, and sell those foods. This could mean a rise in food prices.

How can you help: As food prices continue to rise and federal support shrinks, communities are filling the gap. Donate Smart. Shelf-stable proteins like beans, canned fish, peanut butter, and cooking oil are always in demand. Spices and whole grains go a long way. Financial donations are even more effective, because they allow food banks to buy in bulk. Volunteer. Help pack food boxes, tend a community garden, or serve after-school meals. Food banks depend on a network of hands-on support. advocate. Advocate for targeted policy changes.

October 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Illustration of a checklist with vegetables in front of it. Text reads: What is SNAP? SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps an average of 41.7 million Americans per month. That’s 1 in 8 people. The program is funded by the federal government, but is administered by the states. After a family or individual is approved for SNAP, they receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefit amounts are determined using the USDA Thrifty Food Plan, a calculation based on what a family of four would need to have three low-cost, healthy meals a day. The money cannot be spent on tobacco, alcohol, nonfood items, or, in most cases, prepared foods.

Illustration of family eating at a table. Text reads: Who does SNAP serve? SNAP serves the most vulnerable households including those with children, an elderly individual, or a nonelderly individual with a disability. Participants who apply must meet certain eligibility standards based on their income, assets, household size, immigration status, and proof of employment. “Families rely on SNAP benefits to help them have enough food; without those benefits, we risk a hunger crisis that the emergency food system will struggle to address,” says BSPH faculty member Julia Wolfson.

Illustration of a person looking something up on the computer. Text reads: SNAP in the news: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said that SNAP participants won’t receive checks starting November 1, and contingency funding will be withheld, due to the government shutdown. “In the past, states have picked up the benefits when government shutdowns impacted SNAP, but there was
a guarantee that the states would get that money back,” says BSPH faculty member Susan Gross. But as of now, there’s no provision for them to be reimbursed. Recipients should check with their state regarding SNAP funding and other resources that are available to them.

Illustration of empty grocery cart. Text reads: What happens without SNAP? Without SNAP, there could be a public health crisis of food insecurity and hunger that could have long-term negative health impacts for millions of Americans, says Wolfson. Loss of SNAP benefits often means a shift in household spending. People need to decide where the money they have goes. For example: utilities, housing, health care, or food. And hunger doesn’t stay at home; it follows kids to school. Children who are hungry can’t focus on learning, and often struggle with emotional regulation.

October 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

SNAP, America’s largest anti-hunger program, provides supplemental food benefits for over 40 million people.

Swipe to learn what the program is, why it has been at the top of newsfeeds, and what would happen without SNAP.

publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-is...

Illustration of carrots, bread, and canned goods. Text reads: SNAP matters. Commonly known as food stamps, SNAP is America’s largest anti-hunger program. Swipe to learn more.

October 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

What is mpox? Mpox is a virus in the smallpox family. There are two types of mpox, clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox, which is less deadly, has been circulating at low levels in the U.S. since 2022. Clade I typically leads to a higher rate of severe illness or death. It’s transmitted through: animals who carry the disease, close sexual or intimate contact, household contacts, and contaminated objects.

What are the symptoms? One of the more common symptoms associated with mpox is a rash. Other symptoms include: fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. While most people recover within two to four weeks, children, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised are most at risk of serious illness or death.

The public health emergency: In 2024, there was an uptick of calde I mpox cases in the DRC. This outbreak showed the first evidence of human-to-human sexual transmission of this more lethal version of the virus. This version, specifically clade Ib, quickly drove more than 19,000 known cases and at least 601 deaths in an area where it was difficult to deploy public health tools like surveillance and vaccines.

What you need to know: Until last week, there were no known cases of locally acquired clade Ib mpox in the U.S. The recent detection of three cases in California, with no known travel history, is concerning. Experts will be watching for signs of household or community transmission, monitoring for severe outcomes, and working to expand access to mpox vaccines, according to Khalifa. People who have symptoms should seek medical care and can be vaccinated.

October 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Since a major global outbreak of mpox in 2022, clade II mpox has been circulating at low levels in the U.S.

But three new cases in California were identified as clade I mpox, a much more lethal form of the virus. BSPH doctoral student @drbanda.bsky.social shares insight on what this means.

In 2024, the WHO declared a public health emergency due to a rise in mpox clade Ib cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Three mpox cases in California could mean a notable shift in the global outbreak. The cases were acquired locally—meaning none of the patients had traveled to an endemic area—and were unrelated to each other. According to BSPH doctoral student Banda Khalifa, this could signal early domestic community transmission. Here’s what you need to know.

October 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

COVID vaccines are now available to anyone—no prescription needed! Swipe for resources on where to find one near you.

Graph answering whether or not you can get a COVID vaccine. Text reads: Can you get a COVID Vaccine? Are you younger than 6 months? Wow! Look at you reading already! But no, the vaccine is not approved for anyone under 6 months old. Are you 6 months or older? YES, you can. Are you without a prescription? Yes, you can. Are you covered by insurance? Yes* *Like in previous years, COVID and flu vaccines are covered at no cost under most health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children Program, and by insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act. Are you over age 65 or immunocompromised? Definitely, yes. Are you pregnant? Yes, you can.

Text reads: Where can I get a vaccine? Vaccines are available through pharmacies and health care providers. Your local health department may also offer seasonal vaccine clinics. Here are tools for locating one near you: VaxAssist at vaxassist.com. VaccineFinder at vaccinefinder.org. CVEEP Vaccine Locator at
veep.org/vaccine-locator.

October 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

Dean Pollack Porter, a born and raised New Yorker, is more than ready to cheer for the Knicks in their season opener tonight! 🏀

... don't worry, she's not dissing Baltimore, we don't have an NBA team lol

Who are you cheering for? (I heard her husband is rooting for the Cavs 👀)

October 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

The combined MMR vaccine provides lifesaving protection against infections of measles, mumps, and rubella.

On Public Health On Call, Dr. William Moss details the history of MMR vaccines and the public health dangers posed by changing the recommendations.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/963-separati...

October 21, 2025 at 7:48 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

States that currently restrict access to medication abortion (some access to mifepristone): Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. States that have complete abortion bans (no access to mifepristone): Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

"Self-managed abortion with medications is very safe, but people need a way to access these medications. Without them, people might potentially seek unsafe ways to terminate their pregnancies ... like resorting to unsafe [medication] suppliers that are not in the U.S.” Carolyn Sufrin, Associate Professor in Health, Behavior and Society

Illustration of a checklist. Text reads: What an FDA Review Could Mean for Mifepristone: In late September 2025, the FDA announced they would be reviewing evidence about the safety and efficacy of the drug. “If [the FDA’s] review disregards the decades of safety evidence that we have, the consequences will be profound,” according to Sufrin. While a full ban is unlikely, the review could potentially: create new barriers to access, limit the drug’s availability through telehealth or by mail, or place more restrictions on who is able to prescribe it.

October 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

@johnshopkinssph.bsky.social

What is mifepristone, aka “the abortion pill”?

A lot of misinformation and skepticism exist around the drug’s safety. However, decades of evidence have shown that mifepristone is extremely safe and very effective.

Swipe to learn more about the medication.

publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-is...