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Smoking and Respiratory Diseases Fast facts According to the CDC: More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Across the world, tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths per year. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases

Watching Your Weight Why do you need to watch your weight? According to the CDC, more than 7 in 10 U.S. adults older than age 20 are either overweight or obese. Why is excess weight a concern? It may cause new health problems or worsen ones you already have. Staying at a healthy

Preventing Obesity in Children, Teens, and Adults Facts about obesity Obesity is a long-term (chronic) disease. It affects growing numbers of children, teens, and adults. Obesity rates among children in the U.S. have doubled since 1980. They have tripled for teens. About 19 out

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Cancer Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, inherited condition. It's passed to a child from a parent. PJS is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. This means you only need 1 copy of the altered (mutated) gene to have PJS. About 3 out of every 4

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many people may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop when the period starts or shortly after. It’s thought to

Making the Home Environment Safe What's involved in making the home environment safe? When caring at home for an ill, aging, or disabled person of any age, it's important to think about home safety. Print out this helpful checklist. Then use it to check for safety issues around

Handwashing What is the best way to wash my hands? At home or work, wash your hands often—and correctly: Use clean, running water. The water can be warm or cold; either works well. Wet your hands before applying soap. Rub your soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds. Wash

Salmonella Infections What are salmonella infections? Salmonella infection is caused by the bacteria salmonella. Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. There are many different kinds of salmonella bacteria. What causes salmonella infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? STIs are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact. They may also be called STDs for sexually transmitted diseases. Millions of new cases are diagnosed every year in the U

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease What is alcohol-induced liver disease? Alcohol-induced liver disease is common. But it can be prevented. There are three types. Many heavy drinkers progress through these three types over time: Fatty liver. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside