Broadly Epi

Public health, clearly explained

Broadly Epi helps people stay current on public-health news, understand the ideas behind the headlines, and build practical skills for public-health work. Our reporting, explainers, and tutorials leave sensationalism behind and make room for clear, usable understanding.

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Alt text: This artwork, 'The Goose Game’ on the Vijvar at the Hague' by Hans Bol, depicts a lively riverside scene set in the Hague during the 16th century. The foreground showcases numerous people engaging in a traditional goose game, where competitors attempt to catch a goose tied to a post. Colorful costumes add vibrancy as men and women, including children, participate in the festivities. In the background, an expansive view reveals grand architecture with distinct gabled roofs and multiple chimneys, suggesting a prosperous city. The bright blue sky is dotted with fluffy white clouds, casting a joyful ambiance over the scene. A tranquil river reflects the surrounding buildings and trees, while boats glide gracefully along the water. The composition balances human activity with serene natural elements, conveying a sense of community and celebration within an urban landscape. Lush greenery lines the banks, contrasting with the warm tones of the brick buildings. This detailed portrayal captures both the cultural traditions of the time and the scenic beauty of the Hague.

Epi Explained

Epi Explained: Understanding Herd Immunity

Explore herd immunity and threshold calculations, with examples and limitations that affect how population protection is interpreted.

January 28, 2026

The painting "14 Juillet, fête forain" by Ferdinand du Puigaudeau captures a vibrant outdoor festival scene during the celebration of Bastille Day. The foreground teems with figures, both adults and children, dressed in period attire, creating a lively sense of movement. The crowd is densely packed, with visible interactions, laughter, and lively chatter. In the background, a striking illuminated archway adorned with shimmering lights draws the eye towards the sea, bathed in soft twilight hues. A colorful array of kites flutters in the sky, adding a playful energy to the composition. The use of expressive brushstrokes and a palette of blues, greens, and pops of warmer colors contributes to the festive atmosphere. Tall trees frame the scene, enhancing the sense of depth and enclosure, while the overall impression is one of joyous celebration, communal spirit, and the beauty of summer evenings. The artwork masterfully blends light and shadow, creating a captivating contrast and inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the lively ambiance of the fair.

Epi Explained

Epi Explained: Understanding Age Adjustment

Learn why age adjustment is used, how direct standardization works, and how to interpret comparisons between populations with different age structures.

January 21, 2026

The artwork titled "REGENWAETERS BAK" Achter de kerk Oudendijk by Maarten Oortwijn depicts a detailed pen-and-ink drawing of a rainwater collection basin set against a serene backdrop. The composition features a rectangular stone basin with a circular top, situated prominently in the foreground. To the left, a brick wall displays a plaque with inscriptions, including the title and some historical notes. In the background, a solitary tree broadens the scene, its textured foliage adding depth. The area surrounding the basin is gently sloped and bordered by a low fence, enhancing the rural atmosphere of the setting. The artist employs cross-hatching and fine lines to create shadows, contrasting the softness of the grass with the sturdiness of the stone and brick elements. The overall tone conveys a sense of history and tranquility, inviting viewers to reflect on the significance of the location. This artwork captures not only the physical characteristics of the basin and surroundings but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the past.

Epi Explained

Epi Explained: Understanding Health Indicators

Explore how health indicators describe population health, guide comparisons and inform decisions, including limits of the underlying data.

January 14, 2026

Historic photograph of a large group of Diné captives under U.S. Army guard in an open yard at Fort Sumner, with an adobe building behind them.

History

Bosque Redondo: The Long Walk as Public Health History

On June 1, 1868, Diné leaders secured a treaty that made return from Bosque Redondo possible after a U.S. campaign of forced removal and confinement—an engineered health catastrophe whose history centers land, sovereignty, and survival.

September 7, 2026

Ships with white sails on the Seine at Rouen, painted by Claude Monet.

Epidemiologic Calculations

How to calculate an odds ratio in Python

Build a 2x2 contingency table in Python, calculate an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval by hand, and confirm the result with scipy.stats.fisher_exact. Uses a self-contained fictional case-control study with no external files required.

September 7, 2026 · Python

An arch-shaped painting depicting a serene medieval scene with monks working indoors. On the left, a monk is seated and focused on writing at a slanted desk, while on the right, two monks are collaborating at a table. The room is softly lit, highlighting the contemplative atmosphere, with arched windows and a simple interior. Ornate mosaic patterns decorate the arch's frame.

Data Import & Management

Text data types for NLP in Python

Work through Python examples of strings, lists, dictionaries, DataFrames, tokens, sparse matrices and embeddings.

December 13, 2024 · Python

Portrait of a young boy in 18th-century attire, sitting at a small table while holding a map. He is wearing a formal, buttoned jacket with lace cuffs and has a gentle expression, with his hair styled in a traditional fashion of the era. The painting has a warm, classical tone, and the boy appears to be looking directly at the viewer.

GIS & Mapping

Create Leaflet maps with Folium and GeoPandas

Build an interactive hospital map with geographic layers, tooltips and a legend in Python.

December 6, 2024 · Python

The artwork titled "Adam and Eve Tavern, Old Chelsea" by James Abbott McNeill Whistler depicts a serene riverside scene. In the foreground, several boats with sails are moored along the water’s edge, suggesting a bustling yet tranquil atmosphere. The boat on the left is smaller, while a larger vessel is positioned on the right, both rendered with intricate line work that conveys texture and detail. The background features a row of historical buildings, characterized by their distinct rooftops and windows, creating a sense of architectural charm. The Adam and Eve Tavern stands prominently among the structures, identifiable by its signage, which hints at the establishment's name. The buildings are sketched in fine lines, emphasizing their age and character, with a mix of gabled roofs and chimneys. A castle-like structure can be seen atop a hill in the distance, adding depth to the composition. The sky is lightly shaded, suggesting a soft light that enhances the overall mood of the scene. The etching technique gives the artwork a delicate quality, with careful attention to light and shadow that highlights the reflections in the water, adding a sense of movement and fluidity. Overall, the piece captures a moment in time at this historical location, blending architecture and nature harmoniously.

Data, Analytics & Informatics

Methods to reduce bias

CPH exam review: compare randomization, blinding and analytical approaches for addressing bias and confounding.

January 27, 2026 · 12 minutes

A detailed black-and-white illustration of a man riding a galloping horse along a dirt road through a forest. The rider leans forward in the saddle, gripping the reins as the horse stretches its legs in full stride. Tall trees line the road, and dense crosshatching emphasizes motion, speed, and urgency in the scene.

Communication

Message development and dissemination

CPH exam review: develop a clear public-health message and choose channels appropriate to its audience.

January 22, 2026 · 9 minutes

An abstract painting with loose, expressive brushstrokes in deep blues, teal, pale green, ochre, and soft pink. The composition suggests organic, flowing forms without clear figures, with layered paint, drips, and textured marks creating a sense of movement and emotional intensity.

Communication

Audience analysis and segmentation

CPH exam review: identify audience needs and barriers and use segmentation to guide a communication approach.

January 20, 2026 · 9 minutes

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Public health, clearly explained

Epi Explained

Epi Explained: Understanding Herd Immunity

Epi Explained: Understanding Age Adjustment

Epi Explained: Understanding Health Indicators

History

Bosque Redondo: The Long Walk as Public Health History

Data & Code

How to calculate an odds ratio in Python

Text data types for NLP in Python

Create Leaflet maps with Folium and GeoPandas

Study Center

Methods to reduce bias

Message development and dissemination

Audience analysis and segmentation