America's Health Rankings™ 2007
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Note: Health Watch provides links to non-United Health Foundation Web sites for additional information on health topics. United Health Foundation is not responsible for the content of these sites.

Allergies
(06/12/05)  Do you have a cold that won't quit? You may not have a cold at all. Instead, you may have joined the ranks of those who suffer seasonal allergies. Learn the differences between colds and allergies and share the information with your sneezing friends.

Take Action with information from AAAA.

American Heart Month
(02/04/08) One in three women get heart disease. It’s the No. 1 killer of women in America, but there’s something we can do about it. Encourage the women in your life to know their cholesterol and triglyceride numbers as well as they know their 401(K) balance and shoe size. Women can take this Heart CheckUp to learn about their risks for heart disease, participate in a physical activity program to help them reach their heart health goals, and learn how to meet their diet and nutrition needs with healthy recipes. During February, American Heart Month, help raise awareness about this important issue and Go Red for Women.

Take Action with the Go Red for Women Web site.

Asthma & Allergies Awareness Month
(05/27/08) Spring has arrived. For millions of Americans, the warmer days and blooming foliage cause allergic reactions and for many, those allergic reactions trigger asthma. The link between allergies and asthma is well-known, and allergy-induced asthma is the most common form of asthma in the United States.

There are no cures for allergies and asthma, which affect more than 60 million Americans, but they can be effectively managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are affected by allergies, review strategies for controlling your symptoms and share the information with your fellow allergy sufferers.

Take Action with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Better Sleep Month
(05/29/07) True or false: The ideal bedroom temperature is 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. True! A room that’s too hot or too cool can disrupt a good night’s sleep. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime can also interfere with your sleep. Check your sleep surroundings IQ, then be a sleep advocate and share these tips with the sleep-deprived people in your life.

Take Action with The Better Sleep Council.

Birth Defects
(1/16/05)  In the United States, more than 200 children are born each month with birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, called neural tube defects (NTDs). Spina bifida
is the most common NTD. If all women of childbearing age took adequate folic acid before and during early pregnancy, the number of babies born with NTDs could drop by up to 70 percent. Test Your Folic Acid IQ and share information in your community about the importance of this vitamin in preventing birth defects.

Take Action  with the March of Dimes.

Boating and Alcohol Don’t Mix
(07/14/08) Did you know that nearly one-half of all boating accidents are alcohol-related, and that one in five deaths resulting from boating accidents involve alcohol? If you are one of the 76 million Americans who will head to the waterways to enjoy boating this summer, learn the dangers and avoid being a victim of Boating Under the Influence. Keep yourself and your passengers safe by following these tips to avoid boat injuries and deaths.

Take Action with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(10/02/06) Anyone can get breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, nearly 213,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease—more than 575 each day. The majority of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except being a woman and getting older.

The best defense against breast cancer is early detection. Three basic methods are recommended: mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams. During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, share information about early detection with the women in your life.

Take Action with the American Cancer Society.

Bullying & Your Child
(09/25/06) Ever wondered if your child is being bullied at school? Learn to identify the signs that may indicate your youngster is the victim of a bully, and how to make it easier for your child to confide in you. Find suggestions on how you can empower your child to stand up to a bully and share information with young kids and teens
on this subject.

Take Action with the KidsHealth section of FamilyDoctor.org.

Caregiving
(4/19/04)  Of the more than 22 million Americans who are caregivers for their parents or older relatives and friends, most are working full or part-time. The responsibilities of caregiving and doing well on the job often conflict. Find tips to help you balance work and caregiving, manage stress, and involve others in the caregiving process .

Take Action  with information from AARP

Cataracts
(7/26//04)  More than half of Americans age 65 and older have cataracts. No one knows for sure what causes them or how to prevent them, but they can be treated or, if necessary, removed. Urge your friends and relatives age 60 and older to protect their vision by regularly visiting an eye care professional who can check for signs of cataracts, glaucoma and other vision disorders.

Find what you should know about cataracts from NEI.

Celiac Disease
(10/16/06) True or false: Pizza, pasta and bread are poisonous to some people. True! For the estimated one in 130 Americans with celiac disease, the gluten found in wheat, rye, barley and oats sets off an autoimmune response that causes damage to the small intestine. Since celiac symptoms are similar to those of other digestive disorders, many people with celiac go undiagnosed for years. During October, Celiac Awareness Month, share information about this disease with people in your community.

Take Action with the Celiac Spruce Association.

Childhood Obesity
(05/22/06) In just 30 years, the number of overweight children has more than doubled in the 2-5 and 12-19 age groups, and more than tripled among youth ages 6-11. Learn how to help your family maintain a healthy weight by balancing energy IN (calories from food/beverages) and energy OUT (calories burned by increasing physical activity). Find tips for making smart food choices, increasing physical activity, and reducing TV, DVD, video game, and other computer screen time. Share this information with parents in your community.

Take Action with the National Institutes of Nutrition

Children and Sleep
(7/17//04)  True or False: A child who consistently gets inadequate sleep can exhibit behavior that might be mistakenly attributed to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Answer: True. Some overtired kids have difficulty sitting still and focusing their attention. Test your sleep IQ with this quiz  and help the kids in your life understand the importance of getting enough sleep.

Get more information about kids and sleep from the NHLBI

Cholesterol Education
(09/18/06) Healthy young adults don’t need to have their cholesterol measured, right? Wrong! Studies have shown that the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart begins in late adolescence and early adulthood, and a cholesterol level measured at age 22 predicts the risk of a heart attack over the following 30 to 40 years. Take a quiz to test your cholesterol IQ, and share strategies with your family and friends for maintaining good health now to prevent heart disease later in life.

Take Action with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Colds and Flu
(02/20/05)  True or false: You should “feed a cold and starve a fever (flu).” False. That strategy is not a good idea in either situation. You need more fluids than usual when you have the flu or a cold. You should drink plenty of water and juice, eat enough food to satisfy your appetite, and drink hot fluids to ease your cough and sore throat. Review tips to help you feel better when you have the flu or a cold and share this information with your friends and family members.

Take Action with information from the American Lung Association

Cough & Cold Products
(02/11/08)With all the recent warnings about giving over-the-counter cough and cold products to children, are you confused about what to do when your baby gets the sniffles? Review the recent FDA advisory about when and how you should and should not use these products, and share this information in your community. In addition, learn how you can help your baby feel better if your little one has a virus, and the best way to give your child medicine.

Take Action with the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dealing With Anger
(03/13/06)  Everyone gets angry once in a while, but uncontrolled or poorly expressed anger can harm your relationships and your health. When your blood starts to boil, take a few deep breaths and count to 10. Make it a goal to learn how to properly express anger in healthy ways, and share the information with your family members.

Take Action with information from APA

Dealing with Depression
(10/10/05) True or false: A person who feels depressed should just wait and hope their mood improves on its own. False! If someone you care about has symptoms of depression, encourage them to seek help. With the help of therapy, medication, or a combination of the two, depression is one of the most treatable mental health problems.

Take Action with NIMH.

Dental Health
(05/29/06) It’s impossible to turn on the TV without being bombarded by ads for teeth whitening treatments. Get the facts about the various products and procedures available to help improve the look of your smile and share this information with your family members. In addition, don’t forget to remind them of the basics: brush and floss regularly, eat a healthy diet – limit sugar, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

Take Action with the American Dental Association.

Diabetes Prevention
(11/26/07) Did you know that before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “pre-diabetes”? An estimated 54 million people in the United States have higher than normal blood glucose levels, putting them at risk for developing diabetes and potentially causing long-term damage to their bodies. The good news is people with pre-diabetes can prevent developing type 2 diabetes by changing their diet and increasing exercise. Take this test to see if you’re at risk for developing diabetes then share this information in your community about preventing diabetes.

Take Action with the American Diabetes Association.

Domestic Violence
(12/01/03)  Sadly, nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Resources such as Care24 offer information and support for individuals facing domestic violence. Educate yourself about this epidemic. Domestic violence is everyone’s business and it can be stopped only if we take action.

Take Action with information from the Family Violence Prevention Fund

Dry Eye
(05/14/07) Dry eye is a disorder that affects millions
of Americans. Ninety percent of them are women and almost all of them are adults. People with this condition are unable to produce enough of their own natural tears, leaving their eyes dry and easily irritated. Dry eye is often misdiagnosed, and without proper care and treatment, can cause serious damage to the eye’s cornea. Learn the symptoms of dry eye, how to avoid discomfort and irritation, and share this information with your friends and family members.

Take Action with Prevent Blindness America.

Eating Disorders
(2/23/04)  Are you sending unhealthy messages about body image to the kids in your life? Educate yourself and others about healthy behaviors and attitudes regarding physical appearance, food, weight and exercise during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 22 – 29.

Take Action with information from the National Eating Disorders Association

Effects of Alcohol
(12/31/07) True or false: A beer has less alcohol than a glass of wine or a shot of liquor. False! One 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol as one five-ounce glass of wine or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. And just one drink can impair your ability to drive safely. Remind friends and family to never put themselves or others in danger by getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

Take Action with the CDC.

Extreme Cold – Indoor Safety
(10/25/04) Adverse health effects from cold, harsh weather can affect you whether you are inside or outside of your home. Keep in mind the following health and safety tips for cold weather indoor safety with information from the National Center for Environmental Health.

Financial Balance
(1/14/08) Money worries are an overwhelming source of stress for many Americans this time of year as holiday bills begin to roll in. Plan now to take charge of your finances and achieve financial balance during 2008. Learn credit do’s and don’ts, how your credit cards work, and how to develop a financial plan that will ease financial stress and bring your family peace of mind.

Take Action with the American Banking Association.

Fireworks Safety
(06/30/08) Everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly on the Fourth of July. But fireworks can be very dangerous. Even sparklers, often considered the safest type of fireworks, can reach 1,000 degrees and may ignite clothing. If consumer fireworks are legal in your area and you plan to use them this Fourth of July, please follow these fireworks safety guidelines to help ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Take Action with the CPSC.

Food Safety
(06/16/08) Each year food-borne bacteria cause millions of illnesses. The warmer summer months may be ideal for outdoor picnics and barbeques, but they also provide a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly in food and cause illness. To protect your family and friends from food-borne illness, follow these outdoor eating food safety tips. Make sure that your family follows the four steps to safe food handling: clean, separate, cook and chill, and share these reminders with your friends and neighbors.

Take Action with the with Fight BAC!

Fruit and Vegetable Month
(09/17/07) People who include a generous amount of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are more likely to have a reduced risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer and possibly heart disease. Getting the recommended number of servings is easier than you think! Check this calculator to see how many servings you need, then try these tips for including a variety of fruits and vegetables in meals for you and your family.

Take Action with the CDC.

Great American Smokeout
(11/05/07) Every year, the American Cancer Society holds the Great American Smokeout to help smokers quit for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever. This year’s event is Nov. 15. If you smoke, take this brief interactive quiz to match your smoking habits to an effective quit method, and learn how to develop a plan to maximize your chances of staying smoke-free for good. Also, review tips to fight cravings and tough situations, and share this information in your community.

Take Action with the American Cancer Society.

Halloween Safety
(10/29/07) Before the little ghosts and goblins you know hit the streets to trick-or-treat, review the rules of the road for a safe holiday: choose costumes that are easily visible at night; ensure masks won’t obstruct the child’s vision or consider makeup instead; send an adult or older sibling with children under 10; and teach kids not to sample treats before getting home.

Take Action with the American Academy of Pediatricians.

Head Lice
(4/26/04)  Mention head lice and most people wrinkle their noses in disgust. Although these creepy, crawly critters are revolting, they rarely transmit disease and they’re generally harmless. Because children ages 3 to 10 are at most risk of getting head lice, back to school time is an excellent time to share information with parents you know on how to identify these bugs, how they’re spread and effective treatment methods.

Take Action with information from the CDC.  

Healthy Aging: Strength Training
(11/21/05)  After age 20, most adults lose about a half pound of muscle a year. But experts say most of this muscle loss comes from not using your muscles enough, rather than aging. Studies have shown that men in their 60s and 70s who strength train regularly have muscles that look and perform as well as inactive men in their 20s and 30s. Encourage the older adults in your life to make strength training a priority.  

Take Action with information from AARP.

Healthy Aging Month
(09/11/06) Want to work your body to the core? Try Pilates. Pilates is a total conditioning program that works your body “from the inside out” by focusing on “core” muscles – mostly those in the stomach and back. Benefits include better posture, balance, flexibility and strength, and relief from back pain and stress, and more. It can be an excellent exercise program for older adults, so during September, Healthy Aging Month, visit the AARP Web site to learn about the different forms of Pilates and Pilates classes. Then encourage your entire family, including grandma and grandpa (provided their physician approves), to try a Pilates workout program.

Take Action with the AARP.

Healthy Habits to Stop Germs at Home, Work and School
(9/06/04) Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, school, or work. Simple actions like covering your mouth and nose and cleaning your hands often, can stop germs and prevent illnesses and reduce sick days. Use information from the CDC tips, tools, and facts to stop the spread of germs.

Healthy Medicine Chest
(04/11/05) When it’s time to tackle spring cleaning, don’t forget your medicine chest. Discard outdated prescriptions and expired medicines; keep medications in their original packaging so you know what the medicine is and how to take it; and consider moving medications from your bathroom to a cooler, drier location (but out of reach of children). Finally, make sure you and your family know how to make the most of your medicine and how to avoid drug interactions.

Take Action with information from NCPIE

Heart Attacks
(02/06/05)  Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack? Studies show better survival rates and less heart damage when people are treated within one hour from when their symptoms start. Educate your family and friends about the signs of a heart attack, the importance of acting fast, and how people can reduce their risk of a heart attack.

Take Action with information from the  NHLBI.

Helping Children of Alcoholics
(02/13/06) Sadly, one child in four grows up with alcoholism in their family. Many children of alcoholics feel isolated and blame themselves for their parent’s drinking. If you know kids in families where addiction exists, reach out to them with facts about alcohol and tips to help them cope with their situation.

Take Action with information from  the Children of Alcoholic Foundation.

Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month
(0707/08) Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes individuals to absorb too much iron from their diets. Extra iron cannot be excreted and thus can reach toxic levels in major organs, leading to an increased risk for diseases like diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease and several types of cancer.

July is National Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of this potentially fatal disease and the best methods of detection and diagnosis.

Take Action with the Iron Disorders Institute.

High Blood Pressure
(11/17/03) Do you know your blood pressure? One-third of all Americans with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it, putting them at risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. Test your high blood pressure IQ and encourage friends and family to have their blood pressure checked regularly.

Take Action using information from the American Heart Association

Holiday Fire Safety
(12/03/07) Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause more than $930 million in damage. Share these simple life-saving tips with your friends and family members for preventing Christmas tree fires, using holiday lights and other decorations safely, and caring for candles

Take Action with the U.S. Fire Administration.

Home Safety Month
(06/02/08) Each year nearly 21 million people suffer injuries in their homes that could have been prevented. June is Home Safety Month and this year's theme is "Hands on Home Safety." The Home Safety Council is challenging American families to become “hands on” with proper home safety practices. Encourage others to create safer home environments by sharing this home safety checklist in your community. Additionally, review the Home Safety Guide for tips on protecting your family from the leading causes of injury at home.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
(8/9/04) One of the most important health decisions women face as they age is deciding whether or not to use post-menopausal hormone therapy. New findings about the use of estrogen plus progestin offer women updated guidance when considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Educate yourself about HRT with information from the National Cancer Institute and share this information with the women in your life.

International Group B Strep Awareness Month
(07/28/08) Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. Learn more about preventing Group B Strep if you or someone you know is at high risk.

Take Action with GBS International.

Kids and Breakfast
(08/28/06) You wouldn’t try to drive your car with an empty gas tank. Similarly, how can you expect peak performance if you haven’t eaten breakfast? Breakfast is especially important for kids, since studies show the first meal of the day helps them stay alert and perform better in school. Be a health advocate and encourage your friends and family members to make breakfast a habit. And encourage those who claim they don’t have enough time for breakfast to try these grab and go ideas for teens that will also satisfy adults.

Take Action with KidsHealth.

Kids and Inhalants
(03/19/07) One in five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the 8^th grade. “Huffing” can damage the heart, kidneys, brain, liver and other organs. It can also result in death – whether it’s the user’s first, 10^th or 100^th time misusing a product as an inhalant. This week, National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week, learn about the signs of inhalant use and share information in your community about how to prevent it.

Take Action with the NIPC.

Kids and Tobacco
(8/23/04) Every day, 3,000 kids and teens in the United States become regular tobacco users – one third of them will die from smoking-related diseases. Kids whose parents disapprove of smoking are less likely to smoke. Learn how to keep your kids from smoking and support community, state and federal programs to prevent and reduce kids’ tobacco use with information from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Kids’ Dental Health
(05/23/05)  True or false: Kids don’t need to go to the dentist until they start kindergarten. False! Kids should have their first dental checkup after they get their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. Brush up on the facts about caring for kids’ teeth and share this information with other parents.  

Take action with information from the American Academy of Pediatric Medicine.

Lawn Mowing Safety
(06/18/07) True or false: An object thrown from a lawnmower’s discharge chute can travel up to 200 mph. Answer: True. Whether you use a push mower or a riding mower, don’t take safety shortcuts in your pursuit of the perfect lawn. Remove rocks, toys and other objects from the lawn before mowing; never cut wet grass; and always wear safety goggles and sturdy footwear when you mow. Be a good neighbor and share this information in your community to help keep your fellow turf managers injury-free.

Take Action with the city of Sommerville, N.J.

Links to Information
(5/31/04)  United Health Foundation strongly believes in helping consumers make informed choices that can lead to improved health and well-being. 

Find links to health information resource at the National Library of Medicine. 

Maintain Your Brain
(03/27/06) When you think about staying healthy, don’t forget your brain!  Studies show that regular exercise, a diet rich in antioxidants, good social connections and regular mental activity can boost your chances of staying sharp into old age. And be sure to protect yourself and your family from head injuries by buckling up in the car and wearing a helmet when cycling. 

Take Action with information from the Alzheimer’s Association

Managing Stress
(01/29/07) Want to increase your odds for staying healthy this winter? Try reducing your stress. Studies show that chronic stress can hinder your immune system’s ability to fight off infection and diseases. Uncontrolled stress can also cause – or worsen – a variety of health problems, like headaches, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. Learn how to identify the sources of your stress and share tips for responding to stress with family and friends.

Take Action with the Mayo Clinic’s Stress Center.

Medical Emergencies
(07/31/05)  Do you know what to do in a medical emergency? Every medical emergency can be handled by remembering four things: Prevent, Prepare, Recognize, Act. Knowing how to recognize a medical emergency and what to do if faced with one can give you peace of mind. Learn how to prevent and prepare for emergencies, including what to store in your home first aid kit, and share this information in your community.

Take Action with information from the American College of Emergency Physicians

Medication Safety
(03/31/08) When it’s time to tackle spring cleaning, don’t forget your medicine chest. Discard outdated prescriptions and expired medicines; keep medications in their original packaging so you know what the medicine is and how to take it; and consider moving medications from your bathroom to a cooler, drier location (but out of reach of children). Finally, make sure you and your family knows how to make the most of your medicine and how to avoid drug interactions.

Take Action with the National Council on Patient Information & Education.

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
(05/15/08) Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million new cases diagnosed annually. The good news is that most skin cancers are curable if detected and treated early. During Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, take time to educate yourself about skin cancer prevention and early detection and pass this information along to family and friends.

Take Action with Sun Safety.

Men's Health Week
(06/09/08) What is the leading cause of death for men? What are some symptoms of prostate cancer? How much exercise do men need? Take this quiz to test your knowledge of men's health issues and learn more about each topic, then share these tips for a healthy life for men with the men in your life.

During Men’s Health Week, June 9-15, encourage the men you know to get the health screenings recommended for their age.

Take Action with the CDC.
 

Mental Health Month
(05/08/08) Good mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. May is Mental Health Month, a great time to raise awareness about the importance of promoting and maintaining mental health in our communities. This year’s theme, “Get Connected,” focuses on the role that social connectedness plays in helping us remain mentally healthy. Read more about creating connections that support mental health and encourage others to strengthen their connections to family, friends and community.

Take Action with Mental Health America.

National Donate Life Month
(04/07/08) Although some 77 people each day receive an organ transplant that gives them a second chance at life, another 19 others die while on the waiting list. Each of us can help. During April, National Donate Life Month, become a donation advocate: learn the facts about organ donation and promote organ and tissue donation in your community.

Talk to your family about organ donation and if you’ve decided to become a donor, make sure they know your wishes. Also, share information with your friends and family on healthy habits and choices that can help reduce the risk for needing a transplant.

Take Action today.

National Immunization Awareness Month
(08/04/08) Are you and your family members up-to-date on vaccines? Because many people fail to follow vaccine recommendations, vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths still occur in the United States, affecting children, adolescents and adults.

Review the facts about vaccines and the 2008 Immunization Schedules, make sure you and your family are protected, and share this information with friends and neighbors.

Take Action with the Immunization Action Coalition.

National Nutrition Month
(03/10/08) True or false: Eating just before bedtime is fattening. False! What you eat, not when, makes the difference; calories have the same effect on the body no matter when they are consumed. During National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association urges consumers to look beyond the myths of nutrition and focus on the facts. Test your nutrition IQ with this quiz, and share the Top 10 Nutrition Facts in your community.

Take Action with the American Dietetic Association.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
(05/22/08) Physical fitness benefits both our bodies and our minds, and is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Join Americans during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in making time every day for exercise and encouraging family, friends, and neighbors to live healthier lives by participating in physical fitness activities. Learn more about how you can improve your health and well-being by increasing physical activity in your daily life.

Take Action with the National Institutes of Health.

National Public Health Week
(04/14/08) The theme for National Public Health Week 2008 is “Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance.” Recent research indicates that global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions can lead to chronic health problems. Learn more about climate change and human health and how we can rally together to help reduce climate changes through healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Take Action with National Public Health Week.

National SAFE KIDS Week
(04/28/08) The single most important thing you can do to protect your children when riding in the car is to buckle them up properly. Child safety seats, when correctly installed and used, reduce the risk of death by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children ages 1 to 4. However, an estimated 85 percent of children who are placed in child safety seats and booster seats are improperly restrained. This week, during National SAFE KIDS Week, take time to review child passenger safety information and share this information in your community.

Take Action with Safe Kids USA.

National Sleep Awareness Week
(03/03/08) America is sleep-deprived. Sleepiness costs some $100 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property and environmental damage.  And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are caused by drowsy drivers each year. Use these interactive tools and quizzes to assess your satisfaction with your sleep and test your sleep IQ, and educate others about the importance of sleep during national Sleep Awareness Week.

Take Action with the National Sleep Foundation.

New Food Pyramid
(05/15/05)  The U.S. government recently unveiled a new color-coded food pyramid that for the first time emphasizes exercise. The pyramid also depicts the government’s 2005 dietary guidelines, which increased the amount of fruits and vegetables Americans should eat, set limits for sodium and sugar, called for more dairy consumption, and set new goals for calorie intake and daily exercise. Explore the new food pyramid, learn how to make it work for you and share this information with your friends and family members.

Take action with information from USDA.

Nutrition
(03/06/06) True or false: Foods labeled “calorie free” have no calories. Sometimes false! According to FDA guidelines, a food can be labeled calorie free if it has fewer than five calories per serving. Get the facts on food labels and check your nutrition knowledge, then remind friends and family that the food choices they make today affect their health and well-being tomorrow.  

Take Action with information from ADA

Oral Cancer
(10/23/06) Every hour, someone dies from cancer of the mouth or pharynx. Do you know if you’re at risk? As with many cancers, early detection is key, but early symptoms of oral cancer often go unnoticed. Make sure you and your family know what signs to look for, and visit your dentist or doctor if a mouth sore or discoloration lasts longer than two weeks.

Take Action with the NCI.

Osteoporosis Prevention
(05/30/05)  While the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, it’s never too late to build stronger bones. Be an advocate for a healthy lifestyle – critical for keeping bones strong. People who eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, do weight-bearing exercises regularly, and don’t smoke or consume too much alcohol can reduce their risk of developing this disease.

Take action with information from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Ovarian Cancer
(09/04/06) The American Cancer Society estimates that ovarian cancer will strike more than 20,000 women in the United States in 2006, and kill about 15,000. This cancer is difficult to detect early because many of the symptoms, including digestive problems, back pain, and/or leg pain, are also common to other, less serious conditions. Educate yourself about this disease, and share the information with the women in your life.

Take Action with the American Cancer.
 

Overweight Kids & Teens
(10/13/03)  Alarmingly, the number of overweight kids and teens in America has nearly doubled in the past 20 years – one quarter of kids ages 6-19 are now overweight. Help the kids in your life grow into healthy adults by teaching them good eating habits, encouraging them to be active and limiting their time spent watching TV and playing video games.

Take Action with information from the KidsHealth, a project of The Nemours Foundation

Physical Activity
(04/25/05)  There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Can you schedule 30 of them for physical activity? Two out of three Americans are not active at recommended levels. Take a quiz to identify barriers that may be undermining your ability to make regular physical activity a part of your life, and review suggestions on how to overcome them. Show your friends and family members how even the busiest person can add physical activity to his or her weekly schedule with a little creativity and planning.

Take Action with information from CDC

Poison Ivy Awareness
(06/23/08) Leaves of three, let it be. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85% of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac. Test your ability to recognize poison ivy and remember: awareness and avoidance are your best defense.

Take Action with the FDA.

Poison Prevention Week
(03/17/08) More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. Do you know what to do if a child eats or drinks something poisonous? This week, during National Poison Prevention Week, learn how to prevent and react to poison emergencies. Keep the national poison control number, (800) 222-1222, readily available, and share this Poison Safety Checklist in your community.

Take Action with the Poison Prevention Council.

Poison Safety
(3/15/04)  Tragically, every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the United States. The most common products involved are prescription and over-the-counter drugs, household and chemical products, plants and cosmetics. Next week, during National Poison Prevention Week, educate friends and family on how to prevent poisoning and identify the phone number for their local poison control center. 

Postpartum Depression
(02/26/07)The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, however, one in 10 new mothers is affected by postpartum depression. This serious illness can begin any time after delivery and last up to a year. Symptoms include alternating “highs” and “lows,” frequent crying, irritability and fatigue, feelings of guilt and anxiety, and the mother’s inability to care for her baby or herself. Be a health advocate: Share information about this condition in your community.   

Take Action with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Preparing Kids for School
(08/21/05)  If your kids are among the more than 54 million K-12 students heading to school this fall, chances are they’ll need a little help making the transition from the carefree days of summer to the challenges of the classroom. Share these tips with the parents you know and start talking now with your kids about how they feel about going back to school. Get them excited about learning new things by taking them to the library or a museum, and begin easing them into an early bedtime and wake-up schedule.

Take Action with information from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Preparing Turkey
(11/12/07) Do you know how a turkey should be defrosted? Or, at what temperature stuffing is fully cooked? Or, how long leftovers can be stored? If you are preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year, make sure your meal is both delicious and safe by learning how to properly handle, cook and store turkey, and share the information with your friends and relatives.

Take Action the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Protect Your Hearing
(3/07/04)  Did you know that noise from firecrackers, motorcycles, lawnmowers and firearms can cause permanent hearing loss? Take this test to determine whether you need to have your hearing evaluated, and educate family and friends about protecting their hearing in noisy environments.

Take Action from the NIDCD.

Psoriasis Awareness Month
(08/18/08) Once thought to be simply a skin disorder, psoriasis is now understood to be a disease originating in the immune system that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal, resulting in painful lesions. Psoriasis is a common disease, affecting between 5.8 and 7.5 million Americans, that strikes both sexes equally and can occur at any age. Get the facts about Psoriasis and learn about the many therapies and treatments that can reduce, and sometimes even halt, symptoms.

Take Action with the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Public Animal Displays
(08/06/07) True or false: You could pick up E. coli at your local fair, even if you don’t eat a hamburger. True! If you take a stroll through the animal barns, you could encounter E. coli, Salmonella and other illness-causing bacteria. Kids under age 5 are especially vulnerable to getting one of these animal-borne infections. If your summer plans include a trip to the fair, farm or petting zoo, make sure you and your children wash your hands or use a disposable wipe after visiting the animals and before eating. Also, don’t bring food or beverages, baby bottles/sippy cups or pacifiers into animal areas.

Take Action with the CDC. 

Radon Testing
(01/21/08) True or false: Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers. True! This odorless, tasteless, invisible gas is released from rock, soil and water due to the natural decay of uranium. Get the facts about radon and the importance of testing your home for this radioactive gas, and share this information with your friends and neighbors.

Take Action with the EPA’s National Radon Action Month.

National SAFE KIDS Week
(0428/08) The single most important thing you can do to protect your