March 7 news: Medical marijuana, Twitter tracking, community center cuts
Medical marijuana dispensary expands to Massachusetts; epidemiologists use Twitter to track flu and other public health epidemics; and sequester cuts expected to affect community health centers. Read these and more public health news stories for March 7, 2013
‘Worse than average’ flu season past its peak, CDC’s Frieden tells Congress
This year’s flu season began early, has peaked and has begun to decline in most parts of the country, CDC Director Tom Frieden told members of a House committee last week. “But there are still many cases around the country and it’s likely that flu activity will continue for many weeks.”
NFL, CDC tackle flu prevention
NFL offensive linemen Matt Birk and Joe Thomas have spent their careers protecting teammates. Thanks to the league’s partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they can fight off something more dangerous than 300-pound tacklers.
Q&A with CDC flu expert Michael Jhung
Have questions about this year's flu seaon? Dr. Michael Jhung, a CDC flu expert covers it all from tracking to treatment, in our recent interview with him.
Widespread flu has public logging online
With the season’s peak still weeks away, the flu’s grip over communities across the country has people in record numbers calling in sick from work and even inundating local hospital emergency rooms.
Dec. 13 news: Texting, early flu season, smoking risks for women
American Journal of Public Health cited as researchers compare nutritional value of juice with other sweets; APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin quoted in Medicare Q&A; and smoking may make women twice as prone to sudden cardiac death. Read these and more public health news stories for Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012.
Dec. 7 news: Anti-homosexuality bill, flu vaccine, senior health
In light of the ‘anti-homosexuality bill’ that may pass through Uganda parliament, discussion of its global impact continues; state funding has been underutilized in efforts to reduce tobacco consumption; and a new study finds feelings of well-being may improve with age. Read these and more public health news stories for Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.
CDC announces early start to 2012-2013 flu season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday that flu cases are on the rise, signaling the earliest start to the regular flu season in nearly a decade. CDC Director Tom Frieden warned, “This could be a bad flu year.”
Want to spread the love? Send a “Get Ready” Valentine’s Day e-card
Forget the flowers. Instead, on this Valentine’s Day, send your sweetheart a “Get Ready” Valentine’s Day e-card. Created by APHA’s Get Ready campaign, these special e-cards are an innovative way to encourage you and your loved ones to prepare for an emergency.
Pharmacists taking on greater role in fight against influenza
While the majority of flu vaccinations still take place in traditional medical settings, the number of Americans getting immunized outside the doctor’s office is on the rise. Read more from this story in the February 2012 issue of The Nation's Health.
Is the Flu Near You? Challenge unveils new surveillance tool
The number of people in the U.S. who die every year from the flu averages around 23,000 but can range from 3300 to 49,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But estimates on the flu’s impact could be just the tip of the iceberg.
