Supreme Court October Term 2017: A Preview of Select Cases

"On October 2, 2017, the Supreme Court is to begin its new term. While the Court issued a number of notable decisions during its last full term, Court watchers have largely agreed that, at least compared to recent terms, the Court’s October 2016 term was diminished both with regard to volume and content. With the Court already accepting over 30 cases for its next term, many of which raise deep and difficult questions in various areas of law, the October 2017 Supreme Court term could be considerably different. The next Court term has the potential to be one of the most consequential in years.
A full discussion of every case that the Court will hear during the October 2017 term is beyond the scope of this report (indeed, the Court has to grant certiorari to the majority of cases that will likely make up its docket for the upcoming year). But Table 1 provides brief summaries of the cases the Court has already agreed to hear during the October 2017 term, and many of the cases on the Court’s docket are discussed in existing or forthcoming CRS products. The majority of this report highlights four notable cases of the new term that could impact the work of Congress: (1) Carpenter v. United States; (2) Christie v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); (3) Gill v. Whitford; and (4) Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission..."
Suprme Court Oct. 2017 term

The Burden of Rabies

"Larn how to help prevent rabies, a deadly virus that threatens the health of people and animals.

Rabies is a dangerous virus that is spread through the saliva of animals sick with rabies. Anyone can get it if they handle or get bitten by an animal that has the disease.

Rabies in the U.S.

Rabies continues to be a serious threat to the health of people and animals. Every year, about 40,000 people receive a rabies prevention treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) because they had contact with potentially rabid animal.

More than 90% of all rabid animals reported to CDC each year occur in wildlife. The animals that get rabies the most are raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. However, most people in the U.S. get PEP due to close contact with domestic animals such as cats or dogs..."
Rabies

Your Best Shot is the Flu Shot

"With fall approaching, it is a sure bet that cold and flu season will soon follow bringing the risk of flu illness. Some people will only be mildly sick or miserable for a few days, but for some, flu can be very serious and may even result in hospitalization or death. The CDC estimates the flu has caused between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually in the United States since 2010. Some people are at higher risk of serious flu illness. What is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu? Get a flu shot!

Flu viruses infect the nose, throat, and lungs and can cause a wide range of complications. Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications from flu. Pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either flu virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria. Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure). Flu virus infection can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Over the past six flu seasons, the U.S. has experienced several flu seasons with high rates of hospitalization and severe disease..."
2017 Flu Season

Patent Law: A Primer and Overview of Emerging Issues

"In an increase over prior terms, the Supreme Court of the United States issued six opinions involving patent law during its October 2016 Term. These decisions addressed issues ranging from patent exhaustion, multicomponent products, and biosimilar patents to procedural issues like venue and the statute of limitations for infringement claims. The growing number of Supreme Court opinions involving patent law over the past decade may also speak to the rising importance of intellectual property more broadly; a reported 84% of the S&P 500 Market Value in 2015 is ascribed to intangible assets. With this increased attention on patent law, an understanding of patent law and the cases issued during the High Court’s recently concluded term will likely be of interest to Congress.

The patent law regime in the United States is grounded in the U.S. Constitution itself; article I, section 8, clause 8 of the Constitution provides: “The Congress Shall Have Power ... To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to ... Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective ... Discoveries.” Nonetheless, the rights associated with patents do not arise automatically. Rather, to obtain patent protection, the Patent Act of 1952 requires inventors to apply with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)...:"
Patent law

Fact Sheet: The President’s Proclamation on Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats

"Background

• Every year, the United States grants lawful permanent resident status to approximately 1.1 million individuals from all across the world.
• In FY 2016, the United States issued approximately 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas to individuals from all across the world.
• In FY 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers processed more than 390 million travelers at air, land, and sea ports of entry, including more than 119 million travelers at airports of entry.
• Over the last five years, international travel has grown 15 percent overall and 26 percent at airports. International travel at U.S. airports of entry increased 6 percent from FY2015. Over the next five years, international travel is projected to increase at an annual rate of 4 percent.

National Security Baseline

• The Administration’s top priority is ensuring the safety and security of the American people.
• The Administration remains focused on raising the baseline for national security standards.
• Section 2 of Executive Order 13780 requires the Administration to determine what minimum information is needed from each foreign country to adjudicate an application by a national of that country for an immigration benefit and determine that the individual is not a security or public safety threat.
• The previous screening/vetting status quo for border and immigration security must be improved for individuals from certain countries, if the United States is to adequately counter terrorism and transnational crime threats against its people. 
• The new requirements reflect best practices derived from proven and effective security partnerships, such as the Visa Waiver Program, and from internationally-recognized law enforcement and national security initiatives, such as the adoption of ePassports to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. 
• These include electronic passports, the sharing of criminal data, reporting lost/stolen passports, and providing data on known and suspected terrorists.
• Sharing of this information is particularly critical for those areas of the world where risk is higher, such as those countries with significant terrorist populations that may seek to conduct attacks in the U.S. and who repeatedly fail to take back their nationals subject to a final order of removal thereby taxing our immigration system..."
  Proclamation on enchancing vetting

Bill of Rights

"Criticized for the lack of protections against tyranny in the Constitution, the First Congress of the United States proposed 12 amendments to address those arguments on September 25, 1789. Articles 3 to 12, ratified December 15, 1791, by three-fourths of the state legislatures, constitute the first 10 amendments of the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights..."
Bill of Rights

2016 Crime Statistics

"Violent crime increased for the second consecutive year, while property crime decreased for the 14th straight year, according to the FBI’s annual report on national crime statistics released today. There were an estimated 17,250 murders in the U.S. last year, an 8.6 percent increase from 2015.

Overall violent crime rose 4.1 percent last year, while property crime fell 1.3 percent compared to 2015 figures.

Crime in the United States, 2016 is a compilation of information reported to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program by more than 16,000 law enforcement agencies nationwid..."
FBI crime stats

Hispanic health: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

"Government leaders and close-knit families. Olympic athletes and celebrated artists. This month we commemorate Hispanic and Latino culture, connection, and contributions.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15–October 15, we celebrate the culture of US residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. And while recognizing their many contributions and achievements, let’s also acknowledge Hispanic and Latino people’s greater risk for type 2 diabetes and take action to prevent it.

Greater Diabetes Risk

Over their lifetimes, 40% of US adults are expected to develop type 2 diabetes. That number is even higher for Hispanic men and women—more than 50%.

• Hispanic people are about 50% more likely to die from diabetes than whites.
• More than 1 in 3 US adults have prediabetes (see below), and Hispanic people are at greater risk than non-Hispanics.
• Diabetes is associated with serious health complications, including chronic kidney disease,[1.08 MB] or CKD. CKD can lead to kidney failure. A person with kidney failure will need regular dialysis (a treatment that filters the blood) or a kidney transplant to survive. Hispanics are about one and a half times more likely to develop kidney failure than non-Hispanics..."
  Hispanics and diabetes

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness

"All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. You can lower your risk for some of these cancers.

Gynecologic cancers are cancers that start in a woman’s reproductive organs. The five main types are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.Every year, more than 95,000 women in the United States are told they have a gynecologic cancer, and more than 30,000 women die from a gynecologic cancer.

Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer Campaign

CDC’s Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign raises awareness about the five main types of gynecologic cancer. Inside Knowledgeprovides print materials, public service announcements (PSAs), and survivor stories in English and Spanish.

Symptoms

If you have vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, see a doctor right away. If you notice any other unexplained signs or symptoms that last for two weeks or longer, talk to your doctor. When gynecologic cancers are found and treated early, treatment works best..."
Gynecologic cancer

Child passenger safety

"National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 17-23. Make sure the ones you love are safely buckled up in the car on every trip.

Reduce Their Risk

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. In 2015 , 663 children ages 12 years and younger died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and nearly 132,000 were injured. But parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference.

Whenever you’re on the road, make sure children are buckled in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. Children under age 13 should ride properly buckled in the back seat on every trip. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an airbag. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat..."

Child passengers

Domestic Terrorism: an Overview

"The emphasis of counterterrorism policy in the United States since Al Qaeda’s attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) has been on jihadist terrorism. However, in the last decade, domestic terrorists—people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements—have killed American citizens and damaged property across the country. Not all of these criminals have been prosecuted under federal terrorism statutes, which does not imply that domestic terrorists are taken any less seriously than other terrorists.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) do not officially designate domestic terrorist organizations, but they have openly delineated domestic terrorist “threats.” These include individuals who commit crimes in the name of ideologies supporting animal rights, environmental rights, anarchism, white supremacy, anti-government ideals, black separatism, and beliefs about abortion..."
Domestic terrorism

An Analysis of Corporate Inversions.

"Summary U.S. multinational corporations—businesses incorporated and operating in the United States that also maintain operations in other countries—can use a variety of strategies to change how and where their income is taxed. One such strategy is a corporate inversion, which can result in a significant reduction in worldwide tax payments for a company. U.S. companies have engaged in corporate inversions since 1983, and public and government attention to them has varied over the years. Concern grew most recently in 2014 because the group of corporations that announced plans to invert that year included some that were very large: Their combined assets were $319 billion, more than the combined assets of all of the corporations that had inverted over the previous 30 years.

What Is a Corporate Inversion?
A corporate inversion occurs when a U.S. multinational corporation completes a merger that results in its being treated as a foreign corporation in the U.S. tax system, even though the shareholders of the original U.S. company retain more than 50 percent of the new combined company..."
Corporate Inversions

An App to Answer Your Questions about the Constitution

"Two years ago, in honor of Constitution Day—celebrated annually on September 17—I wrote a post about the publication “Constitution of the United States: Analysis and Interpretation,” also referred to as the “Constitution Annotated.” Along with the U.S. Code, it is one of my favorite work resources.

Unfortunately, it is a behemoth of a work—it takes two hands to hold the volume, which weighs a good 10 pounds. Fortunately, the text is also available online through Congress.gov and through the U.S. Government Publishing Office, whose digital system includes both the most recent edition (2016) as well as historic editions back to 1992.

But given my penchant for bringing work topics into social situations, even the online version is not very practical. I cannot, very easily, fire up the computer during a conversation at a dinner or cocktail party. However, fortunately for me, there is an app for the “Constitution Annotated.” It debuted in 2013, when Congress.gov was still in beta, and has since been updated..."
Constitution of the U.S. App

Congressional Consideration of Resolutions to "Censure" Executive Branch Officials

"Over the history of the federal Congress, Members have proposed resolutions to formally express the House or Senate's censure, disapproval, loss of confidence, or condemnation of the President or other executive branch official or their actions. This Insight summarizes the parliamentary procedures the House and Senate might use to consider a resolution to censure or condemn an executive branch official and provides links to additional reading material on the subject.

Two Types of "Censure" Resolutions

An important distinction should be made between two types of "censure" resolutions: (1) resolutions expressing the sense of the House or Senate that the behavior or actions of an executive branch official should be condemned or censured and (2) resolutions that censure a Member of Congress for "disorderly behavior," including ethical violations. Resolutions that censure officials of the executive branch for abuse of power or inappropriate behavior, including ethical violations, are usually simple resolutions of the House or Senate. Such resolutions, however, are distinct in an important way from the simple resolutions by which either chamber may censure one of its own Members, even though the reasons for censure may be similar. Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution grants each chamber the power to discipline its own members, and resolutions censuring a Senator or Representative are based on this power. Resolutions censuring an official of another branch, on the other hand, are merely expressions of the sense of the House or the Senate about the conduct of an individual over whom Congress has no disciplinary authority (except through impeachment). Consequently, both Houses treat these two types of "censure" resolutions very differently in a parliamentary sense. Resolutions of either type, however, have been rare.."
Congressional censure of Executive Branch

Household Food Security in the United States in 2016

"An estimated 87.7 percent of American households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2016, meaning they had access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The remaining households (12.3 percent) were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 4.9 percent with very low food security, meaning that at times the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted because the household lacked money and other resources for obtaining food. Changes from 2015 to 2016 in food insecurity overall (from 12.7 to 12.3 percent) and in very low food security (from 5.0 to 4.9 percent) were not statistically significant, but they continued a downward trend in food insecurity from a high of 14.9 percent in 2011. Among children, changes from 2015 in food insecurity and very low food security were also not statistically significant. Children and adults were food insecure in 8.0 percent of households with children in 2016, essentially unchanged from 7.8 percent in 2015. Very low food security among children was 0.8 percent in 2016, essentially unchanged from 0.7 percent in 2015. In 2016, the typical food-secure household spent 29 percent more on food than the typical food-insecure household of the same size and household composition. About 59 percent of food-insecure households participated in one or more of the three largest Federal food and nutrition assistance programs during the month prior to the 2016 survey (food stamps (SNAP); Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch Program)..."
Food security

5 Facts About Working Women and Retirement

"1) Women live longer but often have less saved for retirement.

You probably knew women tend to live a little longer than men, but did you know they also tend to have less saved for retirement? On average, a woman retiring at age 65 can expect to live another 21 years, nearly three years longer than a man retiring at the same age. The median balance of women’s retirement accounts in 2016 was only $20,680 compared to $31,371 for men, as reported by Vanguard.

2) Many women aren’t saving for retirement at work.

Approximately 54 percent of working women are not participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan either by choice (7 percent), ineligibility (9 percent), or because none was offered (37 percent), according to the National Institute for Retirement Security.

3) Mothers’ wages are increasingly important to the economic security of their families.

Almost 60 percent of all women over age 16 were in the workforce in 2015. For mothers with children under 18, the participation rate jumps to nearly 70 percent. Additionally, the number of mothers who are the sole or primary earner has increased significantly in the past few decades. Mothers provide at least half of the family’s income in 40.9 percent of households with children under age 18, up from 11.3 percent in 1960.

4) Mothers are nearly five times more likely to work part-time than fathers.

Despite strides in women’s earnings over the past decades, employed mothers are nearly five times more likely to work part-timethan fathers, due in part to caregiving duties. Part-time workers are less likely to be covered by an employer-provided retirement savings plan, and may have less money to save on their own.

5) Women are at greater risk of experiencing poverty in retirement.

Women face a higher risk of poverty in retirement and are much more likely than men to depend on Social Security payments. For 27.4 percent of women age 65 and over, Social Security benefits comprise 90 percent of their total income. Forty-six percent of all elderly unmarried women (including widows) who received Social Security benefits in 2014 relied on it for 90 percent or more of their income..."

Working women

New American Community Survey Statistics for Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Available for States and Local Areas

"The U.S. Census Bureau today released its most detailed look at America’s people, places and economy with new statistics on income, poverty, health insurance and more than 40 other topics from the American Community Survey.

Many states saw an increase in income and a decrease in poverty rates between 2015 and 2016. During that same period, the percentage of people covered by health insurance increased in most of the largest 25 metropolitan areas. The findings are from the Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey, the nation’s most comprehensive information source on American households. Today’s release provides statistics on more than 40 social, economic and housing topics for U.S. communities with populations of 65,000 or more. 

“The American Community Survey allows us to track incremental changes across our nation on how the nation’s people live and work, year-to-year,” Census Bureau Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division Chief David Waddington said. “It’s our country’s only source of small area estimates for social and demographic characteristics. These estimates help people, businesses and governments throughout the country better understand the needs of their populations, the markets in which they operate and the challenges and opportunities they face.”

Below are some of the local-level income, poverty and health insurance statistics from the American Community Survey that complement the national-level statistics released earlier this week from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. The Current Population Survey is the leading source for national-level data, and the American Community Survey is the leading source for community and local-level data. For more information on the topics included in the American Community Survey, ranging from educational attainment to computer use to commuting, please visit census.gov. To access the full set of statistics released today, please visit American FactFinder..."
American Community Survey

FTC Revises Fuel Economy Guide

"Today the Federal Trade Commission announced that the agency has approved changes to the Fuel Economy Guide as part of Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen’s regulatory reform initiative to keep pace with technological advances in the marketplace while continuing to protect consumers.

Adopted in 1975, the Guide (formally, the “Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles”), helps advertisers avoid making unfair and deceptive claims.

In 2016, the FTC sought public comment on proposed changes to the Guide. Based on comments received, the Commission approved changes to account for a number of new issues, such as driving range and fuel economy claims for alternative fueled vehicles, including electric and flex-fueled models. The changes also harmonize the Guide with current Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fuel economy labeling rules. The amendments will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register..."
Gas mileage rules

Lupus among Asians and Hispanics

"Lupus is an autoimmune disease that triggers inflammation in different tissues of the body. The severity of lupus can range from mild to life threatening. According to recent studies supported by CDC, Asian women and Hispanic women are more likely to be affected by the disease compared with white women.

Signs and Symptom of Lupus

Lupus can affect people of all ages. However, women of childbearing ages—15 to 44 years—are at greatest risk of developing the disease. Men are at lower risk.

People with lupus can have many different symptoms. Some people with the disease may experience fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers. Additional symptoms can include sun sensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems, seizures, psychosis, and blood cell and immunological abnormalities.

People with the disease may have a period of lupus symptoms every so often (called flares), sometimes even years apart, that go away at other times (called remission). They may experience these flares frequently throughout their life..."

Lupus

Justice Department’s Role in Cyber Incident Response

"Criminals and other malicious actors increasingly rely on the Internet and rapidly evolving technology to further their operations. In cyberspace, criminals can compromise financial assets, hacktivists can flood websites with traffic—effectively shutting them down, and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. When such cyber incidents occur, a number of questions arise, including how the federal government will react and which agencies will respond.

The Obama Administration, through Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-41, outlined how the government responds to significant cyber incidents. Responding to cyber incidents involves (1) threat response, (2) asset response, and (3) intelligence support. The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, or the bureau) and National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF), is the designated lead on threat response, which involves investigating and attributing specific cyber activities to particular individuals or entities as well as facilitating intelligence and information sharing..." 
Justice Dept. and cybersecurity

FEMA Advises Disaster Applicants to Beware of Rumors, Misinformation, and Fraud

"The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is raising awareness that Hurricane Irma disaster survivors, and their friends and family, should be alert for false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud. Although many Americans are working hard to help their neighbors now, during chaotic times, some will always try to take advantage of the most vulnerable.

To dispel some of the false rumors circulating on the internet and social media, FEMA has a dedicated website to address some of the most common themes. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Visit https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma-rumor-control to get the most accurate information from trusted sources.

Here are a few guidelines to protect yourself, or someone you care about, from disaster fraud:

• Federal and state workers do not ask for, or accept, money. FEMA staff will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, home inspections, or help filling out applications. Stay alert for false promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance, or building permit process.
   
• In person, always ask to see any FEMA employee ID badges. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in impacted communities providing information and assisting survivors with the registration process or their applicant files.
   
• A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. All FEMA representatives, including our contracted inspectors, will have a laminated photo ID. All National Flood Insurance Program adjusters will have a NFIP Authorized Adjuster Card with their name and the types of claims they may adjust. .."
  Disasters and fraud

Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2016

"This report presents statistics on health insurance coverage in the United States based on information collected in the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC) and the American Community Survey (ACS)..."
Health insurance

Income and Poverty in the United States: 2016

"This report presents data on income, earnings, income inequality, and poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2017 and earlier Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau..."
Income and poverty

How to Save Damaged Family and Personal Treasures

"Many valuable and cherished personal items damaged by flood waters often can be rescued. Here are some tips on how to save some of your family treasures:

• If an object is still wet, rinse it gently with clean water. If dry, remove silt and other foreign material with a soft brush or damp cloth.
• Air dry wet things indoors. Sunlight might be too intense. Keep humidity as low as possible to prevent mold accumulation.
• Flood water may be contaminated. Wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles.
• Do not try to separate photos or negatives that are stuck together. Soak them in water for up to 48 hours until you can safely pull them apart. Hang them with clips or clothespins to dry.
• Put wet books in a sturdy covered plastic container, spine side down. Place the container in a freezer and keep it there for several weeks, even months. Then remove and let dry.
• With fabrics or textiles, remove mud and debris with gently flowing clean water or fine spray from a hose. Press out the excess water with your hand. Do not try to wring out the water. Allow to dry.
• Clean wooden objects, like furniture, with a damp sponge; blot and let dry slowly inside the house, not under the sun.
• Rinse metal objects with clear water and blot dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Fans or low-heat hairdryers will hasten drying rate.
• For broken pottery or ceramics, put all the pieces in an open container and mark what it is. Don’t try to glue the pieces back together until they are dry, and watch for mold. If mold appears,.."
  Flood damage personal property

FTC Advice for Hurricane Victims and People Who Want to Help

 "The Federal Trade Commission has information for people affected by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, and for those who want to contribute to relief efforts.

If you’d like to donate money to a charity, the FTC blog post, Make your hurricane donations count, describes how to make sure your dollars go to the causes you support. See the infographic, How to Verify a Hurricane Relief Charity, for a summary of this information.

After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers often promise clean-up and debris removal, but some of them want payment up-front for work they never do, and others lack the skills, licenses, and insurance to legally do the work. The blog post, Avoid hurricane clean-up scams, has tips to protect yourself, your property, and your money. See the infographic, The Scam: What to Do, for a summary of this information..."
Hurricane victims help

Find Endangered Species

Use this resource to find the current listings of endangered species by state, common scientific name and county. 
Endangered Species

2017-2018 Migratory Birds and Duck Stamps.

"One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying Federal Duck Stamps - among the most successful conservation tools ever created to protect habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps; 98 percent of the purchase price goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements for the  National Wildlife Refuge System. Wetlands acquired with Duck Stamp dollars help purify water, aid in flood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities..."
Duck Stamps

Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Cholesterol

"You may wonder why you should think about cholesterol. After all, high cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms. But having high cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Learn why it’s important to know your cholesterol numbers and what questions to ask your doctor about cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to make hormones and digest fats normally.¹ Your body makes all of the cholesterol it needs, so you do not need to obtain cholesterol through foods.

What are my numbers and what do they mean?

A blood test can tell you whether you have high blood cholesterol. The test, sometimes called a “lipid profile,” measures four things:²

• Your total cholesterol. A total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL or above is considered high.
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein). HDL is sometimes called “good” cholesterol because it helps get rid of extra cholesterol. It’s best to have 60 mg/dL or more.
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein). LDL is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol because it can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries. It’s best to have 100 mg/dL or less.
• Triglycerides.³ Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Normal levels are generally less than 150 mg/dL..."
  Cholesterol

Adults: Protect Yourself with Pneumococcal Vaccines

"Many adults are at risk for pneumococcal disease. Two vaccines provide protection against this serious and sometimes deadly disease. Talk to your healthcare professional to make sure you are up to date on these and other recommended vaccines.

Each year in the United States, pneumococcal disease kills thousands of adults, including 16,000 adults 65 years or older. Thousands more end up in the hospital because of pneumococcal disease with severe infections of the lungs (pneumonia), bloodstream (bacteremia), and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Two vaccines help prevent pneumococcal disease:

• PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
• PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine)..."

Adult vaccines

Living well with SCD

"College students with sickle cell disease (SCD) can have a fun and safe college experience by taking a few safety precautions to keep themselves healthy.

SCD is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain. So for students with SCD, the transition of leaving home to go to college can be a fun and exciting experience, but also challenging. By making smart health decisions, students with SCD can live full lives and enjoy their college experience. Read below to learn nine tips on how students with SCD can stay safe and healthy while at school..."

Sickle Cell Disese

Disaster Debris Management: Requirements, Challenges, and Federal Agency Roles

"Every year, communities in the United States are affected by disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, floods, wildfires, and winter storms. After a disaster, when a region turns its attention to rebuilding, one of the greatest challenges often involves properly managing disaster-related debris.

Disaster debris typically includes soils and sediments, vegetation (trees, limbs, shrubs), municipal solid waste (common household garbage, personal belongings), construction and demolition debris (in some instances, entire residential structures and all their contents), vehicles, food waste, “white goods” (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners), and household hazardous waste(cleaning agents, pesticides, pool chemicals). Each type of waste may contain or be contaminated with toxic or hazardous constituents.

In the short term, debris removal is necessary to facilitate the recovery of a geographic area. In the long term, the methods by which these wastes are managed requires proper consideration to ensure that their management (e.g., by landfilling) will not pose future threats to human health or the environment..."
Disaster and debris management

Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

"You can’t stop a tropical storm or hurricane, but you can take steps now to protect you and your family.

If you live in coastal areas at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages you to begin preparing yourself for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 each year.

Please follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:

• Preparing for a Hurricane: Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
• Emergency Supplies You Will Need: Stock your home and your car with supplies.
• Make a Plan: Create a family disaster plan.
• Avoid Flooded Areas : Take precautions before, during, and after a flood.
• Prepare to Evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
• Protecting Older Adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
• Protecting Pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after an emergency.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after the storm: Place generators outside at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent.
• After a hurricane: Learn how to avoid injuries and make sure your food and water are safe..."

Hurricane preparedness

Flood Safety Tips

"Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other hazard related to thunderstorms. The most common flood deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

During a Flood Watch or Warning

• Gather emergency supplies.
• Listen to your local radio or television station for updates.
• Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot).
  • Store immunization records in a waterproof container.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, gallon jars, and plastic soda bottles so that you will have a supply of clean water.
  • Sanitize sinks/tubs first by cleaning them using a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Then rinse and fill with clean water.
• Bring in outdoor possessions (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely.
• If evacuation appears necessary: turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
• Leave areas subject to flooding: low spots, canyons, washes, etc. (Remember: avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water.)..."
  Food safety and flooding