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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Chronic Disease Prevention Home | Contact Us |
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CDC measures the prevalence and incidence of behaviors that endanger health by surveying adults and young people. Through these surveys, we gain a wealth of knowledge. For example, we learn which diseases are most common, which diseases are increasing or decreasing, and which groups of people are at high risk for particular diseases.
We focus in particular on gathering data on behaviors that lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease—the nation’s leading killers.
Certain behaviors—often begun while young—put people at high risk for premature death, disability, or chronic diseases. The following are the most common such behaviors:
Armed with scientific survey data, CDC and other health professionals design programs to combat the effects of high-risk behaviors. Such programs have several functions:
Survey data also help CDC and other public health organizations evaluate public health programs and ensure that they are on track toward achieving their objectives.
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Arkansas: BRFSS data showed a link between physical inactivity and hypertension among African-American women and were used to design interventions and education programs specifically for these women.
Illinois: BRFSS data were used to justify a law requiring that mammography screening be included in all health insurance coverage.
Minnesota: BRFSS data were used to assess home exposure to toxins such as lead, asbestos, radon, and contaminated well water.
New York: BRFSS data on the rates of consumption of whole milk were used to guide the state’s campaign to encourage people to drink low-fat milk.
Utah: BRFSS data were used to study child-hood exposure to tobacco
smoke and health insurance coverage for tobacco cessation.
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New York City: YRBSS data on unintentional injuries led to the development of a program called “Safety Makes Sense.”
Tennessee: State legislators used YRBSS data to support the Coordinated School Health Improvement Act, which supports a specific health education curriculum and coordinated school health programs.
Washington, D.C.: YRBSS data were used to help obtain funding for a school health clinic.
Wisconsin: YRBSS data were published in the state medical journal to tell physicians about issues related to adolescent health.
Wyoming: YRBSS data were used to assess the implementation of health education standards.
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Privacy
Policy | Accessibility This page last reviewed August 10, 2004 United
States Department of Health and Human Services |
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