Health News You Can Use Beyond the Headlines

Posted by Sarah Levin-Lederer on December 17th, 2018 Posted in: NLM Resources, Public Health
Tags: community engagement, Emergency Preparedness (EPP), Health Literacy, MedlinePlus, Public Health

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The news comes and goes quickly.  Health news is no different and it’s important to develop strategies and resources to learn more beyond the headlines.

Continue to learn about some of 2018’s big health stories that will continue to impact 2019 with these resources.

1. Natural Disasters and Emergencies-The Camp Fire in Northern California was the largest and most deadly wild fire to date killing 88 people and burning 153,336 acres (240 square miles).
   • FEMA is the agency responsible for coordinating the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. You can learn more about any federally declared disaster, the recovery efforts and resources available to survivors by visiting the FEMA page.
   • The NLM’s disaster information database, the Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) has information for helping your family and your community prepare for emergencies and case studies of responses to past natural disasters.
   • Learn how you can make plans to protect yourself and your family before, during and after natural disasters and emergencies with resources from Ready.gov.

 

2. Outbreaks, Epidemics and Emerging Diseases-Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is an illness that produces polio-like symptoms. 2018 saw the highest rates of AFM since the CDC started tracking it in 2014.
   • Learn about interventions and disease surveillance from the CDC, new research and resources for healthcare providers.
   • Learn more about diseases that are making the news by visiting MedlinePlus and stay up to date on the latest news, research and more.

 

3. Food Borne Illness and Product Recalls-The CDC and FDA issued recalls and warnings for E. coli contaminated romaine lettuce twice in 2018. The November outbreak sickened at least 32 people in 11 states.
   • You can find information about ongoing and resolved food outbreaks on the CDC’s food safety page.
   • The FDA issues and tracks recalls for disease and safety issues including undeclared ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or foreign objects (ex: glass) in products.
   • With information from the CDC, FDA, USDA and more, foodsafety.gov has information about preventing food borne illnesses in your home and up to date information on the most recent recalls.

Headlines can only tell you so much.  Use your resources and critical thinking skills to learn more and resolve to stay up to date on ever developing health news in 2019.