Vaccines have been pivotal in protecting adults and children against some of the most infectious diseases known to humankind. Nevertheless, scientists continue to study the long-term effects of these vaccines, and ongoing research guides on improving vaccine development and distribution.  A recent study reveals a possible link between aluminum in some childhood vaccines and persistent asthma among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agency funding the study, the findings are preliminary and deserve cautious interpretation.  Because these results...

Despite what we know about the harms of tobacco use, about 34 million people in the U.S. still smoke. Smoking leads to about 480,000 deaths annually, making it the most prevalent cause of preventable death globally.  For some people, quitting smoking is one of the toughest things they will ever do. However, kicking the habit for good is a little easier if you know you are not alone. This November 17, you can join others nationwide to abstain from smoking for just one day. It will be essential to improving your health and living your best life.  What Is the Great American Smokeout?  Over 40...

Breast cancer is still the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. One in eight women in the U.S. faces a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. And due to health inequities, minorities and other underserved populations face a grimmer outcome from breast cancer than non-Hispanic white individuals.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An annual campaign where the goal is to get involved in raising awareness and raising funds for life-saving research and life-changing support.  An emphasis is placed on how to attain health equity. Health equity is achieved when every person has...

October is National Depression Awareness and Mental Health Screening Month. October is the beginning of the holiday season. Soon, the cusp of a stressful holiday season and winter will be upon us. The diminished sunlight can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), causing depression for many.  This observance brings attention to a common condition - depression - and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.  Often, several different factors can come into play with depression, including a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, and biological /biochemical components....

Unfortunately, several barriers exist in the United States regarding the health literacy of the general public. The U.S. healthcare system is dynamic and complex, and navigating it can be challenging for those facing health literacy barriers. This is why public health communicators and the general public at large need to recognize and promote October’s status as Health Literacy Month.  Here’s what you need to know about health literacy, the scope of health literacy challenges in the US, and what public health communicators should think about when creating and adapting resources for the public—especially...