Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a topic no one wants to talk about. Not with a doctor, a partner, or even a friend. However, the stigma surrounding STDs is only adding to the problem. In 2017, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released data showing 2.3 million diagnosed cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, an increase [...]
As we recognize April as “Child Abuse Prevention” month, it seems appropriate to reference a recent article in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) journal that examined the prevalence of parental spanking of children between the ages of three and five and its association with the children’s behavior and vocabulary through the age of nine. This [...]
Let’s get the year started off by talking about women’s health. It’s Cervical Health Awareness Month, and we can all encourage each other to get screened for this highly preventable and treatable cancer. Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix. The normal cells of the cervix gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. [...]
The FYTS is a school based survey that is administered January through February every year. This survey tracks indicators of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among Florida public middle and high school students in all 67 Florida counties. Schools and classrooms are randomly selected and survey responses are anonymous. Each county in Florida is [...]
This year, on November 15, the American Cancer Society is holding their 43rd annual Great American Smokeout (GASO). This event encourages current smokers to take action and steps towards quitting tobacco and living a healthier life. Providers, employers, and other organizations host many different events in honor of this day, and they all encourage current smokers [...]
Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States and the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and about 14 million become infected with the [...]
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) have collaborated to bring the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps report for 2018. These rankings compare counties within each state on more than 30 health-influencing factors such as education, jobs, and access to quality healthcare. They provide overall rankings for each county [...]
With the knowledge, medical advances, and technology that we currently have, you may believe that the rate of infant mortality is not a major concern in the United States. Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday and the infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths for every [...]
As parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members, we are at the forefront of ensuring the health of our children and reducing their risk of chronic health conditions. We can do this by supporting and encouraging children to participate in physical activities that get them moving for at least 60 minutes a day, providing nutritious food and [...]
Breastfeeding. A simple word, a simple act, yet it has an overwhelmingly ignorant stigma that follows. Today’s society has caused parents to be ashamed and embarrassed by their body, yet this ability to share nourishment, comfort and protection is astonishing and incredible. Why has society skewed such a raw and natural human phenomena into something sexual [...]