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Table of Contents

1. Wellness: Preventing Diseases

Chronic Disease Prevention
Immunization
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and AIDS Prevention
Prevention of Birth Defects

Chronic Disease Prevention

Over 90 million Americans are affected by chronic disease. Some of these diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all considered chronic diseases. The prevention of chronic disease, involves behavioral changes. This may mean eating a healthier diet, getting more exercise, no smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

National Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
The mission of the National Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is to control chronic disease by promoting healthy behavior.

National Conference of State Legislatures
The National Conference of State Legislatures hosts the following information on Chronic Disease Prevention and national health goals.

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Immunization

Immunization is important for protection from diseases. Immunizations are given routinely to babies soon after birth. Immunizations are also recommended for older children, teens, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions who may be susceptible to infectious diseases.

National Immunization Information Hotline (NIIH)
The National Immunization Information Hotline (NIIH), hosted by the Centers for Disease Control, provides general immunization information. To find information on immunization recommendations, schedules, side effects, and contraindications, visit their website.

National Network for Immunization Information (NNII)
The National Network for Immunization Information (NNII) provides valuable information about vaccines.

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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and AIDS Prevention

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) affects human reproductive organs and spreads through the contact of these organs. There are over 20 sexually transmitted diseases.

STDs occurs more frequently among young adults and teenagers. Early sexual activities and multiple sex partners can result in STDs. Women have a higher incidence of STD problems than men. STD can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) in women. STD infection can also cause cancer or genital warts. People with STDs also have a higher risk of HIV infection.

National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
The National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention supports different STD prevention programs.

Centers for Disease Control
The Centers for Disease Control provides comprehensive information through its Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention website.

AIDSInfo
The U.S. Department of Human and Health Services provides AIDS Information.

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Prevention of Birth Defect

Prevention BEFORE Pregnancy
The prevention of many birth defects is possible before a woman gets pregnant. This website provides information on what women can do to prevent birth defects before they are pregnant.

Centers for Disease Control
The Centers for Disease Control supports the following site on having a healthy pregnancy and preventing birth defects.

Organization of Teratology Information Services
The Organization of Teratology Information Services provides fact sheets that answer frequently asked questions about exposure concerns during pregnancy.

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Last Updated on 12/15/2010