Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Excellence in promoting and Integrity of CDC Science

One of the strengths of the CDC, which allows the realization of this mission is the development of health promotion and prevention strategies for health based on sound science. Excellence in science is our foundation and mandates that science is practiced based on sound evidence based on peer-reviewed research to ensure a sound scientific basis for public health action.

The Office of the Associate Director for Science (OADs) leads the agency's scientific vision by improving the quality, integrity and relevance of science, and promoting scientific collaboration with success. The office maintains scientific ideals, provides a thriving environment to scientific excellence, innovation and integrity, learning and discovery, and supports the timely dissemination and translation into practice of scientific, innovation and technology.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Adolescent and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six types of risk behaviors that contribute to health the leading causes of death and disability among young people and adults, including-

Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence

* Tobacco use
* Alcohol and other drug use
* Sexual risk behaviors
* Unhealthy dietary behaviors
* Physical inactivity 

YRBSS also measures the prevalence of obesity and asthma among youth and young adults.

YRBSS includes a national survey based on the school conducted by the CDC and state, territorial survey, local tribal and conducted by state education, territorial and local health agencies and tribal governments.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Adolescent and Youth Health - Sexual Risk Behavior

Sexual Risk Behavior: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention 

Many young people engage in risky sexual behaviors that can lead to unintended health outcomes. For example, among U.S. students school respondents in 2009

46% had had sex

34% had had sex during the previous 3 months, and of these

14% had had sex with four or more people during their lifetime

Risky sexual behavior of adolescents put them at risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies

To reduce sexual risk behaviors and health-related problems among young people, schools and other youth organizations can help young people adopt lifelong attitudes and behaviors that support the health and welfare, including behaviors that reduce the risk of contracting HIV, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies