What CDC Stands For And What The Organization Actually Does – Health Digest

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans heard from the government and other health-related organizations about the coronavirus and how it spreads. One of the major health-related entities within the U.S. government is the CDC, which stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also fall under HHS.

The CDC’s chief mission is to use scientific evidence to protect the public health of people in the United States. Because diseases can originate in other countries, the CDC monitors potential disease-related threats and provides critical information for people to make informed choices about their health.

The CDC also engages in research to prevent disease and investigate key health issues that lead to death and disability. This research is also used to train leaders in public health and assess the overall health of the United States. If you’re looking for information about particular diseases or health alerts affecting your area, the CDC can give you accurate details about how to keep yourself healthy.

The CDC is a reputable source if you hear about any disease outbreaks or recalls due to bacteria found in foods. For example, the CDC was alerted in October about people getting sick from an E. coli infection after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger. At first, people believed it was the meat, but the CDC, the FDA, and other health officials found that the E. coli came from the onions from Taylor Farms. The onions were being served on the burgers even though they were past their shelf life. The CDC also provides information about what you should do if you are affected by this outbreak. 

Is there a measles outbreak in your area? Did you know there is a four-fold increase in measles outbreaks compared to 2023? The CDC keeps track of people with specific diseases and their locations. So far this year, there have been 16 measles outbreaks and 280 total cases of measles. Among those cases, 89% of them did not have the MMR vaccine or their vaccine status wasn’t known. The organization also provides information about the history and trends of measles in the United States.

Have you gotten your flu vaccine? You might skip it if you don’t think you’re at risk. Rather than rely on social media or an unreliable blogger or podcaster for your health information, the CDC provides a list of health conditions or factors that can increase your risk of flu. You’ll also find out how to prevent the flu, such as getting a flu vaccination, washing your hands often, and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.

The CDC isn’t just about physical health. You can turn to the CDC’s website to learn how to improve your emotional well-being. You’ll find out about eight steps to boost your mental health, including practicing gratitude, improving your communication with others, and finding healthy ways to manage stress. What’s more, you can dig a little deeper into these individual steps by visiting the fact sheets provided on the CDC’s website, which has been revamped to make it easier to find up-to-date content.