September 2014

Did You Know? is a weekly feature from the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support to inform your prevention activities. We invite you to read, share, and take action!

View the Current Did You Know?

September 26, 2014

Just one recreational water illness outbreak can sicken thousands.
Recreational water illnesses are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in pools, hot tubs, water parks, lakes, rivers, or oceans.
You can use the new Model Aquatic Health Code to create or update pool codes and reduce the risk for recreational water illness outbreaks, drowning, and pool-chemical injuries.

September 19, 2014

One in four adults who thought they had sickle cell disease (SCD) did not actually have it or even the gene (sickle cell trait) that causes it.
About 3 million people living in the US do have sickle cell trait, but many are unaware of their status [PDF-222KB].
You could have a baby with SCD [PDF-1.3MB] if both you and your partner have sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or another abnormal hemoglobin gene. A local sickle cell center can help you get screened and learn your status.

September 12, 2014

Nine in 10 US children eat too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure [PDF-830KB].
Every meal can add sodium to a child’s diet—more than 40% of sodium comes from 10 common foods.
Communities can help by supporting [PDF-238KB] sodium-reduction standards and strategies [PDF-219KB] in restaurant meals, processed foods, and school meals and snacks [PDF-1.8MB].

September 5, 2014

More than 1 in 3 US adults (86 million) have prediabetes, but only 11% know it.
Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15%–30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program—led by CDC—has helpful resources that promote healthy habits and lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.