Newsroom Story Ideas Archive
Archive: December • November • October • September
December
Don′t Lose Sleep over the Holidays
Readers are busy this holiday season, but one thing they shouldn′t skip is a good night′s sleep. Losing sleep can mean more than just feeling tired. Health problems, such as obesity and depression, and unhealthy behaviors like smoking and heavy drinking are associated with not getting enough sleep. A CDC study revealed that 10 percent of Americans don′t get enough sleep on a daily basis.
- CDC Sleep & Sleep Disorders Information
- CDC Study Reveals Adults May Not Get Enough Rest or Sleep
- Podcast: No Rest For the Weary
- Sleep e-card
Baby, It′s Cold Outside
The snow has started to fall and your readers are beginning to feel the chill that comes with winter weather. Extreme cold, or even prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, can cause health emergencies including hypothermia and frostbite. The following links offer tips on preparing your home and car for the winter, along with information on understanding wind chill.
- Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
- Winter Weather
- PSAs on preventing and treating hypothermia and frostbite
Holiday Health Tip: Avoid Binge Drinking and Drive Safe During the Holidays
Although college students commonly binge drink, 70 percent of binge drinking episodes involve adults over age 25 years, so as your readers celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year, they should make this season a safe one. Remind them that binge drinking not only can lead to health problems – it can also put them and their loved ones at risk. In fact, alcohol misuse is the leading risk factor for serious injury in the United States.
- CDC: Alcohol and Public Health
- Quick Stats
- Alcohol FAQs
- Formatted Article: Why Alcohol and Pregnancy Don′t Mix.
Preparing Food during the Holidays
Foodborne disease infections cause an estimated 76 million to become sick each year. Don′t let common foodborne diseases like Salmonella or E. Coli ruin your holiday party. Instruct your readers on the best ways for keeping a germ-free kitchen or use these formatted articles instead.
- An Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away brochure
- Holiday Cooking: Keeping it Safe!
- Holiday Food Safety Podcast
- Be “Food Safe” During the Holiday Formatted Articles
Rigging up Those Lights
Hanging lights, chopping down a Christmas tree, braving the crowds to get the perfect gift. Each of these activities are holiday traditions, but they share something else in common: the risk of injury. In 2007 more than 6,000 people were hospitalized due to holiday-related injuries according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program. Put together some tips for your readers on how to avoid common holiday-related injuries.
- Fall-Related Injuries During the Holiday Season
- Holiday Health and Safety Tips
- The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song
Where in the world is CDC?
Take your readers on a journey to the land of the midnight sun. They probably associate CDC with exotic locales and tropical diseases, but probably don't realize that CDC has an active presence in our northernmost state. CDC′s Anchorage, Alaska location houses the Arctic Investigations Program (AIP). Working to understand and eliminate health disparities among Arctic and Subarctic people, especially Alaska Natives and American Indians, the AIP began in 1948 and has a staff of over 35 people. Priority projects include reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable infections and infections that lead to chronic disease (e.g., Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis) in these population groups. In April 2008, the AIP team released the first study to show an association between lack of in-home running water and prevalence of respiratory and skin infections. The team partners with Alaska state and local health departments and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and is active in the Arctic Human Health Initiative, the International Polar Year, and the International Circumpolar Surveillance Network.
- CDC′s Arctic Investigations Program
- AIP′s History
- CDC and International Circumpolar Surveillance, an Arctic Network for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases
- CDC Press Release: Study Shows Rural Alaska Natives without In-Home Running Water Suffer More Disease
- Cancer Incidence Among Native Americans and Alaska Natives
- Native American and Alaska Native Vaccination Schedules
Coming Next Month
In January . . . look for ideas about sticking to your New Year′s resolution, going green and how CDC is helping to protect our borders.
November
November is American Diabetes Month
Diabetes now affects 24 million people according to the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Your audience may be interested in lifestyle changes they can make to help prevent or delay diabetes such as eating right and being active.
- Data and trends
- Diabetes: Disabling Disease to Double by 2050
- CDC authored study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology on diabetes and birth defects
- Power to Prevent: A Family Lifestyle Approach to Diabetes Prevention – African American diabetes education
- Through the Eyes of the Eagle – diabetes education for Native American Children
Preparing Food During the Holidays
Foodborne disease infections cause an estimated 76 million to become sick each year. And with the recent salmonella outbreak, determining when and from what food an outbreak will strike is unpredictable. Instruct your readers on the best ways for keeping a germ-free kitchen or use these formatted releases instead.
Healthy Traveling
As Americans gear up for holiday travel, it’s important for your readers to be proactive, prepared and protected when it comes to their health. CDC’s yellow book includes information on country-specific tips, a new guide to preparing a travel kit and travel notices.
- Yellow Book: International travel with infants or young children
- Special needs traveling
- Travel health tips for students studying abroad
Sharing Your Family History:
Did you know that your mother’s arthritis might run in the family? As one of many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer, arthritis could affect anyone in the family. Suggest that when your readers get together during the holidays, they talk to the rest of the family and create a family to know their potential health risks.
- Collecting Your Family History Could Save Your Child’s Life formatted release
- Use of Family History Information in Pediatric Primary Care and Public Health: A Supplement to the Journal Pediatrics
- National Office of Public Health Genomics Family History Tools & Resources
- U.S. Surgeon General’s My Family Health Portrait
The Great American Smokeout:
Did you know that half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die from smoking-related diseases? Each year, smoking accounts for an estimated 438,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. Celebrated November 20th, the Great American Smokeout is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and encourages smokers to commit to a smoke-free life. Help your readers kick the habit with information from the following links.
- Data and statistics
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- Surveillance of Cancers Associated With Tobacco Use
- Smoking Rates Highest Among People with Disabilities
- The Great American Smokeout Challenge
October
International Conference on Rabies,
September 29-October 3:
CDC′s 19th international conference on Rabies in the Americas (RITA) is the largest international rabies conference and will be hosted this year at the CDC. Highlights of the conference will include an appearance by a recent human rabies survivor in the United States, and the signing of a North American Rabies Management plan.
- XIX International Conference on Rabies in the Americas (RITA) Conference Site
- CDC information on rabies
World Non-Violence Day, October 2, 2008:
CDC estimates that over 1.6 million deaths worldwide occur as a result of violence, 96 percent of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Violence is among the leading causes of death in all parts of the world for those ages 15 to 44. Use these resources to help find out more about stopping the violence.
- CDC′s Violence Prevention
- Timeline of Violence as a Public Health Issue
- World Health Organization (WHO) World Report on Violence and Health
Hurricane Safety:
Hurricane season is not over yet, and part of being prepared is knowing what to do after the storm has passed. These resources will help you be prepared before, during and after a hurricane.
- Latest Hurricane Updates
- Checklist for People in Path of a Hurricane
- CDC Urges Caution When Cleaning Up Mold
Halloween Safety:
As the ghouls and goblins come out to play, find tips to make this Halloween fun and safe.
Breast Cancer Awareness:
In 2004, 186,772 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,954 women died from the disease. Help recognize and support the women who are fighting this disease.
- Breast Cancer
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
- Screening For Breast Cancer
- Men Against Breast Cancer
Deep Vein Thrombosis:
More than 60,000 Americans die each year from venous thromboembolism; in addition, nearly half of patients with deep vein clots experience long-term health consequences that adversely affect their quality of life.
- Facts About Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Tips to Help Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers
Health Insurance:
According to the National Health Interview Survey, 43 million Americans under age 65 were uninsured in 2007.
- Early Release of Selected Findings from the National Health Interview Survey
- Healthy People 2010: Access to Quality Health Services
- MMWR Article on Certain Health Behaviors and Conditions Among States and Local Areas
Down Syndrome:
Down Syndrome is the most commonly identified cause of mental retardation and occurs in approximately 1 in 800 births. October is recognized as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
- Basic Facts About Birth Defects
- Risk Factors of Down Syndrome
- National Birth Defects Prevention Study
September
Worker Safety
With Labor Day just gone by, it′s important to remember that workers are staying safe on the job. The following links go to CDC′s features on workplace safety and statistics on work-related injuries.
Return to School
As kids return to school, so do the germs. The following links provide information on CDC′s recommended vaccine schedule and highlight some adverse affects of not receiving vaccinations.
Grandparents′ Day
For Grandparents′ day, celebrated every Sunday after Labor Day, it′s time to recognize the grandparents of the world. The following links include resources for healthy aging and recommendations for vaccinating seniors
- Healthy Aging for Older Adults
- Adult Vaccination Schedule
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Seniors
- CDC Recommends Seniors Get Shingles Vaccine
- Ovarian Cancer (more common among older adult women)
Be Prepared
September is National Preparedness Month. The following links provide information about this year’s theme and what to do in case of an emergency.
Infant Mortality
September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. The United States ranks 23rd among industrialized nations in the world in infant mortality.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In the 2000 U.S. census, more than 38 million people identified themselves as Hispanic/Latinos. The following links provide information on Hispanic health issues.
- ATSDR Hispanic Health Program
- Office of Minority Health – Hispanic or Latino Populations
- Immunization Schedule en Español
- Health Risks and Disparities Experienced by Hispanic Youths
- HIV Incidence for Hispanic/Latinos
- Hispanic Health Fast Stats
World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day is September 28, 2008. Rabies kills more than 50,000 people and millions of animals around the world and has been reported in every U.S. state except for Hawaii.
World Heart Day
World Heart Day, September 28th, reminds us all we need to keep the beat going strong. Find resources on heart disease and more below.
Coming Next Month
Next Month... look for ideas about Halloween safety, properly preparing food during the holidays, breast cancer awareness, hurricane safety and world non-violence day.
- Historical Document: August 2008
- Content source: Office of Enterprise Communication
- Notice: Links to non-governmental sites do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC.
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