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Challenges in 2009

Going Green, Getting Healthy

What can you do to be more environmentally friendly and healthier in 2009? CDC will continue to research the impact of a healthy community, as well as the impacts of the environment on health. Meanwhile, you can take steps to “go green” and get healthy—and get your workplace involved, too!

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention

Obesity will continue to be a big issue in 2009—for children and adults. And with obesity comes a greater risk of chronic disease. As baby boomers get older, prevention and treatment of chronic illness that tend to affect older Americans will become a hot topic. Chronic diseases have a huge, measurable impact at the local level, so prevention should be a community affair.

The Ongoing Challenges of HIV/AIDS

In the United States, the impact of HIV and AIDS continues to be most severe for men who have sex with men, as they account for approximately half of new infections and of those living with HIV. African-Americans and Latinos are also significantly burdened. Continued reporting on the disproportionate burden for these groups is needed.

Smart Protection from Serious Disease

Questions still remain on immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases. The conversation over autism and vaccination is sure to continue, and parents will need balanced stories to help them make informed choices for their children. CDC experts are available to discuss these and many other questions.

Working All Over the World

CDC will continue its work detecting disease and helping people throughout the world in 2009. We will keep working with foreign Ministries of Health to strengthen local public health systems. CDC will continue to support countries like Kenya to help them set up dynamic public health organizations and train local public health workers to respond to regional issues. Want to learn more about our global health efforts? CDC experts with international experience and interesting stories to tell are available for interviews.

Health for All, and All for Health

As a new year begins and America begins a new focus on health care reform, we must not forget the health disparities that exist today. The promotion of healthy behaviors, health equity (equal access), and awareness of cultural differences will be topics for discussion and public health action.

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