Millions of people accidentally uncover their true biological parents with genetic testing. But are genetic testing companies preparing their customers for the possibility of these shocking results? Today we're talking with Betty Cohn, a recent PhD graduate of the University of Washington School of Public Health’s Institute for Public Health Genetics. Betty’s doctoral research looked at how people reacted and sought support for these often surprising and emotional results. She also recommends how genetic testing companies could play a bigger part in preparing their customers for this news.

Learn more about the Institute for Public Health Genetics at the University of Washington School of Public Health: https://iphg.biostat.washington.edu/

Learn more about Betty’s research: https://sph.washington.edu/news-events/sph-blog/millions-people-accidentally-uncover-their-true-biological-parents-genetic

This episode discusses the topics of suicide and firearms. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by texting or calling 988.

Putting 10 minutes between someone who is in crisis and their firearm can save a life.

Research shows that’s about how long it takes someone to act on a decision to attempt suicide. And firearms are the leading method of suicide deaths because of how lethal and accessible they are. To help, a University of Washington program called Pathways 2 Safety equips behavioral health providers and their patients who are firearm owners with tools to protect themselves during moments of crisis.

Guest: Kelsey Conrick, postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Firearm Injury Prevention at the University of Washington.

Pathways 2 Safety: https://cfip.uw.edu/p2s/

Center for Firearm Injury Prevention: https://cfip.uw.edu/

As 750,000 visitors gather in the Seattle area for World Cup matches, disease detectives are working behind the scenes to keep us all safe. They monitor for the spread of infectious diseases like Influenza and measles, as well as foodborne illnesses. Public health students at the University of Washington are helping with this work. They’re part of the Department of Epidemiology’s SEAL team, a program for graduate students to receive real-world epidemiology experience by supporting public health agencies.

Learn how students are leading this disease detective work.

Guests:

• Maddie Ediger, master’s student in the Department of Epidemiology

• Rahma Iqbal, master’s student in the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences

Learn more about the UW School of Public Health SEAL team: https://epi.washington.edu/students/student-epidemic-action-leaders-seal-team/

The University of Washington School of Public Health is excited to share a sneak peek at Health Cascades, our new podcast coming soon to a podcast app near you!