On February 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) took the rare step of declaring an international public health emergency in connection with the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas. Over the last year, the mosquito-borne illness has become endemic throughout the Caribbean and in many parts of Latin America. While infection with Zika normally results in symptoms the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)describes as “mild”—fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis being most common—the virus has been linked to birth defects, specifically microcephaly, and to Guillain-Barré syndrome, an illness in which the body’s own immune system attacks the nerves. Listen in as Dr. Cecilia Stuopis and Dr. Howard Heller explain the Zika virus, what the MIT Medical community needs to know and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus

Health & Fitness

During routine or “well-child” visits, your child's healthcare provider will check their growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Well-child visits also provide an opportunity for parents or guardians to ask questions and share concerns. Listen as Dr. Edward Levy discusses scheduling routine visits for your child, how to prepare for their appointments, and what to do if you have questions between visits.

Well-Child Visits: Preparing for Pediatric Primary Care Visits

Medical testing is done to detect potential health conditions, and we know that early detection can reduce the risk of some serious health disorders and help clinicians to treat diseases more effectively. Screening tests, however, can also cause harm in certain situations. Listen as MIT Health primary care provider Dr. Kamau Karanja discusses medical testing and the risks and benefits that clinicians consider when deciding which tests to perform.

The Benefits and Risks of Medical Testing; How do Doctors Decide Which Tests to Perform

Contraceptives and condoms can help protect you against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). MIT Health offers a wide variety of birth control options to fit your needs and offers counseling and insurance options to help you make the right choices.Two family nurse practitioners and primary care providers (PCPs) from MIT Health Primary Care Service explain the forms of birth control available to MIT Health patients, discuss important factors to consider when choosing birth control, and share information about ongoing guidance and support resources.

Birth Control Options at MIT Health

There are several forms of hormonal contraception available today, birth control pills, hormonal skin patches, implants, coils. They all affect hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they are used in different ways. How does one decide which form works best for their needs? Jennifer Shark a Certified Nurse Midwife at MIT Health with many years of contraceptive counseling experience, is here to discuss hormonal birth control options, how they work, their effectiveness, and things to consider when choosing birth control.

Pills, Patches, Implants: What are the Options?

There are several forms of hormonal contraception available today, birth control pills, hormonal skin patches, implants, and coils. They all affect hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they are used in different ways. How does one decide which form works best for their needs?
In part 3 of the 3-part series, listen as Jennifer Shark a Certified Nurse Midwife at MIT Health with many years of contraceptive counseling experience, discusses what factors you should consider if you are thinking about getting an IUD.

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus

Download our free app to listen on your phone