Category: cdc

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Sexually Transmitted Disease Rates in America Are out of Control

Isn’t that a headline you just love to see?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the sexually transmitted disease rate in the United States continues to rise in 2019. The report that the CDC released in October of this year shows historically high rates of chlamydia and the worst rates of gonorrhea and syphilis in almost 30 years – since 1991.

One of the most alarming statistics in the report concerns congenital syphilis, which has seen a 40% rise since 2017. The condition is potentially fatal and is passed from mother to fetus through the placenta.

This marks the fifth year in a row that sexually transmitted infections have been at an all-time high.

In a press release, the CDC addressed the situation:

“Data suggest that multiple factors are contributing to the overall increase in STDs, including:

Drug use, poverty, stigma, and unstable housing, which can reduce access to STD prevention and care.

Decreased condom use among vulnerable groups, including young people and gay and bisexual men.

Cuts to STD programs at the state and local level – in recent years, more than half of local programs have experienced budget cuts, resulting in clinic closures, reduced screening, staff loss, and reduced patient follow-up and linkage to care services.”

The states with the highest rate of chlamydia infection: Alaska (nearly 800 cases per 100,000 people), Louisiana (742), Mississippi (707), New Mexico (651), and South Carolina (649). The states with the lowest rate of infection are West Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire, Utah, and Maine.

These statistics are pretty frightening, to say the least…

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This Infographic Shows Where in the U.S. People Aren’t Getting Enough Exercise

Yes, the United States is a notoriously sedentary country, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some places are lazier than others. There’s plenty of evidence out there to support the idea that Americans spend too much time in their cars and in front of screens, but according to the CDC, physical activity rates can vary significantly from state to state.

The CDC recommends that adults take part in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus 2 days a week of weight lifting or calisthenics. Countrywide, only about 23% of people between the ages of 18-64 meet these recommendations.

The infographic below draws on data from 2010-2015 National Health Interview Surveys.

There are a few things to consider, like the fact that broad recommendations don’t take into consideration people who are injured, ill, or disabled. In addition, the survey only asks about leisure time used to exercise, which doesn’t account for people who might meet the requirements with physically demanding jobs or who bike or walk to work on a daily basis.

Still. I think I’m going to go for a walk.

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