CDC 24-7 Fact of the Week
Week of January 7, 2019
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. Visit our page for free resources and learn more about the importance of folic acid.
Week of December 14, 2018
Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. However, more than one in three American adults say they don’t get the recommended amount of sleep. Not getting enough sleep over time can lead to serious health problems—and make certain health problems worse. Find out what you can do to get better sleep.
![Woman at an office party looking at her phone](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/1119-officeholidays.jpg)
Week of November 19, 2018
The holiday season is kicking off, and with it comes a marathon of office parties, potlucks, and gift exchanges. Read these tips from CDC for bringing healthy holidays to your workplace, including ways to reduce and manage stress.
![Woman taking a walk](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/1105-bloodclots.jpg)
Week of November 5, 2018
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), also known as blood clots is a serious, but preventable medical condition. CDC and the National Blood Clot Alliance’s campaign, Stop the Clot, Spread the Word builds public health awareness about VTE to prevent and reduce the occurrence of life-threatening blood clots. Learn more.
![Returning to your flooded home](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/1022-flooded-home.jpg)
Week of October 22, 2018
When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your family. Read more on staying safe following a flood.
![National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/Latinos-HIV-AIDS-74px.jpg)
Week of October 15, 2018
Hispanics/Latinos represent nearly 18% of the total population of the United States, but accounted for 26% of the 40,324 new HIV diagnoses in 2016 in the United States and 6 dependent areas. Let’s Stop HIV Together. Find out how you can do your part to promote HIV prevention and treatment and help fight stigma.
![Children's Mental Health](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/1005-childrens-mental-health.jpg)
Week of October 8, 2018
Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day. Talk to your child’s healthcare professional if you have concerns about the way they behave at home, in school, or with friends.
![Fungal Disease Awareness Week Oct. 1-5, 2018](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0928-fungal-disease-awarenes.jpg)
Week of October 1, 2018
Did you know some fungal infections can look like other illnesses? A key clue to when a sick person may have a fungal infection is that he or she is being treated with medications for another type of infection but does not get better. #ThinkFungus when symptoms of infection do not get better with treatment.
![A pair of hands filling a pill case](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0914-emergency-prescription-drugs.jpg)
Week of September 17, 2018
Nearly half of Americans take at least one prescription drug, and one in four Americans take three or more medications. A large-scale natural disaster, such as a hurricane, could make it difficult to get prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Be Prepared. Create an emergency supply.
![Disability Inclusion](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0806-disability-inclusion.jpg)
Week of August 6, 2018
Nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has a disability. Often, there are multiple barriers that can make it difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to function. Learn more about practices and policies designed to identify and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
![Ferris wheel](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0730-fairsandfood.jpg)
Week of July 30, 2018
A big part of summer for many people is attending fairs and festivals. Remember, food safety practices should be the same at fairs as they are at restaurants and at home: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. Learn how to avoid foodborne illness this summer.
![Preganant woman and her doctor](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0723-groupbstrep.jpg)
Week of July 23, 2018
1 in 4 women in the United States carry Group B Strep (GBS), a common type of bacteria. This type of bacteria can be very dangerous to babies if passed on to them during childbirth. Learn more. Protect your baby from GBS.
![extreme heat](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0709-extreme-heat.jpg)
Week of July 9, 2018
Extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths each year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable. Take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed.
![CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year. Learn more about Salmonella and how to protect you and your family.](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0702-salmonella.jpg)
Week of July 2, 2018
CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year. Learn more about Salmonella and how to protect you and your family.
![Older man playing with child](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0625-alzheimers.jpg)
Week of June 25, 2018
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. 5.7 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018. Learn more about Alzheimer’s to recognize the differences between normal aging and changes due to this condition. Learn more.
![Boy wearing life jacket near a body of water](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0118-drowning.jpg)
Week of June 18, 2018
Drownings are a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 14. Read these key prevention tips to keep children from drowning. Learn more.
![Baby with bright blue eyes](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0611-cmv.jpg)
Week of June 11, 2018
Congenital cytomegalovirus (pronounced sy-toe-MEG-a-low-vy-rus) or congenital CMV for short can cause birth defects. About one out of every 200 babies is born with congenital CMV. Learn more.
![rethink your drink](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/Rethink-Your-Drink.png)
Week of June 4, 2018
Limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverage intake can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. Rethink your drink! Learn ways to reduce the number of calories you drink. Learn more.
![Adult woman helping an older woman](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0525-osteoporosis.jpg)
Week of May 23, 2018
Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weak and are more likely to break. If one of your parents has had a broken bone, especially a broken hip, early screening is important. Learn more.
![Young woman holding an infant](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/maternal-depression.jpg)
Week of May 21, 2018
CDC research shows that about 1 in 9 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression—depression that occurs after having a baby. If you think you may be depressed, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.”Learn more.
![Parents with young son](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0515-stroke-survivor-thumbnail.jpg)
Week of May 15, 2018
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke. Read these survivor stories to learn more about stroke, including how you may be at risk, how to recognize stroke, and what to do if stroke happens. Learn more.
![The Wharf construction site in Washington, DC.](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0507-preventing-falls.jpg)
Week of May 7, 2018
Falls are the number one cause of construction-worker fatalities, accounting for one-third of on-the-job deaths in the industry. Set aside time to talk about falls in construction and how to prevent them. Learn more
![air quality awareness](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0430-air-quality-awareness.jpg)
Week of April 30, 2018
Particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, and even death in people with heart disease. Get the Air Quality Index to know when to expect high levels of air pollution and how to protect yourself. Learn more
![phone in car](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0423-distracted-driving.jpg)
Week of April 23, 2018
Each day in the US, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. Focusing on the road can save lives. Learn more.
![Man and woman reading a pamplet](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0416-STD-Awareness.jpg)
Week of April 16, 2018
April is STD Awareness Month. There’s no avoiding the statistics: the number of reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are at an all-time high, and if you are sexually active, you are at risk of infection. So what can you do? Arm yourself with information
![Two people in hazmat suits](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0409-cdc-museum.jpg)
Week of April 9, 2018
Ever wonder how CDC scientists merge old-fashioned detective work with high-tech science to crack the cases of mystery diseases? Visit the David J. Sencer CDC Museum at CDC Headquarters.
![Scientist researching with egg](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0402-cdc-saving-lives.jpg)
Week of April 2, 2018
CDC′s Work Saves Lives Everywhere, Every Day.
CDC’s mission, simply put, is to keep Americans safe and healthy where they work, live and play. Scientists and disease detectives work around the world to track diseases, research outbreaks, respond to emergencies of all kinds.
![Doctor](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0327-world-tb-day.jpg)
Week of March 27, 2018
TB is preventable and curable, yet it remains the world’s leading infectious disease killer. Learn what CDC is doing in the United States and around the world to eliminate this devastating disease.
![](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0319-Brain-safety.jpg)
Week of March 19, 2018
Traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, affect the lives of Americans nationwide. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data show that children and older adults (ages 65 and older) are at greater risk.
![Mother and son cooking with vegetables and fruits](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0312_Nutritionmonth.jpg)
Week of March 12, 2018
March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme, “Go Further with Food,” encourages healthy eating habits and reducing food waste. Learn how to help your family eat better and “Go Further with Food.”
![Group of adults of various ages](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0305-adult-immunization.jpg)
Week of March 5, 2018
Your need for immunization doesn’t end when you become an adult. Get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious diseases.
![a family posing for a selfie on a beach](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0226-spring-break-travel.jpg)
Week of February 26, 2018
Wherever your travels take you this spring break, stay healthy and safe with these tips.
![Woman wearing red](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0219-wear-red.jpg)
Week of February 19, 2018
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Take these steps to lower your risk.
![Sleepy female student](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0212_students-sleep.jpg)
Week of February 12, 2018
Children and adolescents who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk for many health and behavior problems. Learn how much sleep students need and how many are not getting it.
![Fireman](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0205-travel-health.jpg)
Week of February 5, 2018
Is an adventure off the beaten path on your to-do list this year? Learn about your risks and prepare for a fun and safe trip with CDC Travelers’ Health.
![](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/0129-arthritis.jpg)
Week of January 29, 2018
Physical activity and exercise ease arthritis pain and improve the quality of life of adults living with arthritis. More than 54 million US adults have arthritis. Learn more.
![Do you have a cold or the flu? Compare the symptoms and learn more about flu complications.](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/01.08.18.FluSymptoms.jpg)
Week of January 8, 2018
Do you have a cold or the flu? Compare the symptoms and learn more about flu complications.
![New year 2017 change to 2018 concept, Hand flip wood cube](/congress115th/20190109133747im_/https://www.cdc.gov/about/images/facts/2018/01.02.18_Healthynewyear.jpg)
Week of January 2, 2018
Make 2018 your healthiest year yet! Add these tips to your resolution list to boost your health and well-being.