Social Media Cybersecurity

"Now more than ever, consumers spend increasing amounts of time on the Internet. With every social media account you sign up for, every picture you post, and status you update, you are sharing information about yourself with the world. How can you be proactive to stay safe online and, “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.”? #BeCyberSmart and take these simple steps to connect with confidence and safely navigate the social media world.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 3.48 billion people worldwide now use social media worldwide. That’s an increase of 9% from 2018. Put another way: 45% of the total world population are using social networks.¹
• Digital consumers spend nearly 2.5 hours on social networks and social messaging every day.²
• 69% of U.S. adults use at least one social media site³ and the average American has 7.1 social media accounts.⁴

SIMPLE TIPS TO OWN IT.

Remember, there is no ‘Delete’ button on the Internet. Share with care, because even if you delete a post or picture from your profile seconds after posting it, chances are someone still saw it.

Update your privacy settings. Set the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Disable geotagging, which allows anyone to see where you are—and where you aren’t—at any given time.

Connect only with people you trust. While some social networks might seem safer for connecting because of the limited personal information shared through them, keep your connections to people you know and trust.

Never click and tell. Limit what information you post on social media—from personal addresses to where you like to grab a coffee. What many people don’t realize is that these seemingly random details are all that criminals need to know to target you, your loved ones, and your physical belongings—online and in the real world. Keep Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and even vacation plans. Disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are—and where you aren’t—at any given time. Read the Social Media Cybersecurity Tip Sheet for more information..."
Social media cybersecurity

Travelers' Diarrhea

"Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia (except for Japan and South Korea) as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America.

In otherwise healthy adults, diarrhea is rarely serious or life-threatening, but it can make a trip very unpleasant.

You can take steps to avoid traveler’s diarrhea

• Choose food and drinks carefully
  Eat only foods that are cooked and served hot. Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice because it may have been made from unclean water.
• Wash your hands
  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your hands away from your mouth..."
  Travelers' Diarrhea

Law of Immigration Detention: A Brief Introduction

"The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes— and in some cases requires—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who are subject to removal from the United States. This detention scheme is multifaceted, with rules that turn on several factors, such as whether the alien is seeking admission or has been lawfully admitted into the country; whether the alien has engaged in certain proscribed conduct; and whether the alien has been issued a final order of removal. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the immigration detention framework. For a more detailed discussion, see CRS Report R45915, Immigration Detention: A Legal Overview, by Hillel R. Smith..."
Immigration detention

Federal Workforce Statistics Sources: OPM and OMB

"This report describes online tools, reports, and data compilations created by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that contain statistics about federal employees and the federal workforce.

The report also describes key characteristics of each resource and briefly discusses selected methodological differences, with the intention of facilitating the selection of appropriate data for specific purposes. This report is not intended to be a definitive list of all information on the federal workforce. It describes significant and recurring products that contain specific data often requested by Members or congressional staff..."
Federal workforce stats

Congressional Access to Information in an Impeachment Investigation

"Committee investigations in the House of Representatives can serve several objectives. Most often, an investigation seeks to gather information either to review past legislation or develop future legislation, or to enable a committee to conduct oversight of another branch of government. These inquiries may be called legislative investigations because their legal authority derives implicitly from the House’s general legislative power. Much more rarely, a House committee may carry out an investigation to determine whether there are grounds to impeach a federal official—a form of inquiry known as an impeachment investigation.

While the labels “legislative investigation” and “impeachment investigation” provide some context to the objective or purpose of a House inquiry, an investigation may not always fall neatly into one of these categories. This ambiguity has been a topic of interest to many during the various ongoing House committee investigations concerning President Trump. On September 24, 2019, Speaker Pelosi announced that these investigations constitute an “official impeachment inquiry.” Although these committee investigations into allegations of presidential misconduct are proceeding, in the Speaker’s words, under the “umbrella of [an] impeachment inquiry,” most appear to blend lawmaking, oversight, and impeachment purposes..."
Congressional Access

The Older Population in Rural America: 2012-2016

"The older population, those aged 65 and older, is distributed across the urban and rural landscapes in ways that help shape this population and the country overall. According to 2012 to 2016 American Community Survey (ACS) data, there were 46.2 million older people in the United States, with 10.6 million living in areas designated as rural by the U.S. Census Bureau. Considering that the oldest of the baby boomers, those born between mid-1946 and 1964, began turning 65 years old in 2011, the demographic changes ahead for rural America have only begun. Most older people do not live in rural areas and most rural residents are not older. But an older, increasingly rural, population requires specialized medical and rehabilitation services, as well as innovative housing and public transportation options. An aging population clearly has the potential to shape rural America in new and important ways.

 Download The Older Population in Rural America: 2012-2016 [PDF - 1.0 MB].."
Older rural population

Libra: A Facebook-led Cryptocurrency Initiative

"On June 18, 2019, Facebook announced that, with 28 other members, it had founded the Libra Association, which planned to launch a new cryptocurrency, called Libra. The association released a white paper that outlined the characteristics of Libra and described its goal of creating a cryptocurrency that would overcome some of the challenges faced by other cryptocurrencies and deliver the possible benefits of the technology on a large scale.

President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin raised concerns about the Libra project, as did several Members of Congress during Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services hearings, although some Members were more welcoming of efforts to advance financial innovation. The House Financial Services Committee majority has drafted legislation that would effectively block the Libra project..."
Libra and Cryptocurrency

Portecting Older Consumers: 2018-2019

"As the nation’s primary consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) has a broad mandate to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.1 It does this by, among other things, filing law enforcement actions to stop unlawful practices and, when possible, returning money to consumers. The FTC also protects the public through education and outreach on consumer protection issues. Through research and collaboration with federal, state, international, and private sector partners, the FTC strategically targets its efforts to achieve the maximum benefits for consumers, including older adults. 

Protecting older consumers in the marketplace is one of the FTC’s top priorities.3 Unfortunately, in numerous FTC cases, older adults have been targeted or disproportionately affected by fraud. For example, the FTC has brought numerous enforcement actions in federal court to stop deceptive technical support schemes that affected older consumers.4 As the population of older adults grows, the FTC’s aggressive efforts to bring law enforcement action against scams that affect them, as well as provide useful consumer advice, become increasingly important.

The FTC submits this second annual report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to fulfill the reporting requirements of Section 101(c)(2) of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017.6 The law requires the FTC Chairman to file a report listing the FTC’s enforcement actions “over the preceding year in each case in which not less than one victim was an elder or that involved a financial scheme or scam that was either targeted directly toward or largely affected elders.” Given the large number of consumers affected in FTC actions, this list includes every administrative and federal district court action filed in the one-year period..."
Older consumers

How to Save Money on Diabetes Care

"Diabetes costs can really add up. Find out how you can save money on medicine, supplies, and treatment and still get the care you need.

A person with diabetes pays more than twice as much a year for health care as a person who doesn’t have diabetes. The good news is that you can save on many of those costs so that managing diabetes doesn’t take such a big bite out of your budget.

Some ways you can lower the cost of day-to-day diabetes care:

Save on Medicine

• Call your health insurance company to find out which medicines are covered at the lowest cost to you. Ask your doctor to prescribe them if possible.
• Compare pharmacies for the least expensive prescription prices. Your neighborhood drug store may not have the lowest.
• Ask your health care team if changing your medicine is an option:
  • Can you take a generic or lower-priced medicine?
  • Some medicines are combined into one pill and cost less. Are some of your medicines available that way?
  • Can you get a higher dose of your medicine and split the pills into the correct dose?
  • Can you take a less expensive drug that works well instead of a newer, more expensive one?
• Look into pharmacy discounts to save on prescriptions. Search online or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
• Let your health care team know if you’re having trouble paying for your medicine. They may know of programs or coupons that can help cut the cost.
• Most drug companies have a patient assistance program that provides free or low-cost medicine. Search for your medicines on this siteexternal icon or ask your health care team about available programs.."
  Diabetes care

Living with Spina Bifida

"Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). To learn what it’s like to live with this condition or how families are affected, read these real stories from people living with spina bifida.

• Randi's Story
• Nikia's Story
• Daily's Story
• Eli's Story
• Elley's Story
• Katie's Story
• Zachary's Story
• Beth's Story
• Henry's story
• Renee's Story
• Clark's Story
• Anifa's Story

Living with Pressure Sores

“Paying attention to yourself is the biggest form of self-care you can do. Spina bifida is not a one-size-fits-all condition.”

Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spine. People living with spina bifida can have limited or no feeling in certain parts of their body. This limited feeling may leave them unable to feel pressure sores that may develop in areas with continuous pressure from equipment they need to move around, such as under and around braces, specially designed shoes, or wheelchairs.

Staff at spina bifida specialty clinics participating in CDC’s National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) collected data from 2009–2016. They found that 19% of children and adults enrolled in NSBPR reported a pressure sore since their last clinic visit.¹ A study.² using hospital discharge information found that people with spina bifida who were hospitalized with pressure sores stayed in the hospital 1.2 days longer and had $1,182 in additional hospital costs, on average, compared to people with spina bifida who were hospitalized without pressure sores. In 2016, a pressure sore education and tracking program was designed by CDC and put into place at some NSBPR clinics. Tracking of pressure sores at these clinics is ongoing..."
Spina Bifida

Robert E. Lee�s demand for the surrender of John Brown and his party, October 18, 1859

"On October 16, 1859, abolitionist John Brown and his "army" of some 20 men seized the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia) in preparation for his war for slave liberation. By the morning of October 18, when Brown refused to accept the terms of this note, marines under the command of Bvt. Col. Robert E. Lee, stormed the building and captured Brown and the survivors of his party. The operation that Brown envisioned as the first blow in a war against slavery was over in 36 hours..."
John Brown's surrender

Epilepsy Self-Management

"Epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can get in the way of life, mostly when seizures keep happening. Although there are many medicines to help prevent seizures, they don’t always work. In fact, more than half (56%) of adults with active epilepsy who take antiseizure medicines are still having seizures.¹

Uncontrolled seizures can increase the risk of injury, anxiety, depression, brain damage, and in rare cases, death. They can also interfere with activities such as working, going to school, and socializing with friends and family. Side effects from medicine (such as feeling tired or having memory problems) can add to the challenges of living with epilepsy.²

As with any chronic condition, people with epilepsy can benefit from learning skills that help them better manage their disorder and its effects on daily life.

Epilepsy self-management involves three areas:

1. Treatment management, such as taking medicines as prescribed, keeping medical appointments, and communicating effectively with health care providers.
2. Seizure management, such as recognizing and avoiding seizure triggers and keeping track of when seizures happen.
3. Lifestyle management, such as getting enough sleep and reducing stress.^.."
   Epilepsy

People at High Risk For Flu Complications

"Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. Flu also can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu. Below are the groups of people who are more likely to get serious flu-related complications if they get sick with flu..."
Flu complications

Executive Privilege and Individuals outside the Executive Branch

"White House assertions of executive privilege for presidential communications have historically been confined to individuals who were executive branch employees when those communications occurred. While the idea that executive privilege could extend to individuals outside the executive branch predates the Trump Administration, it appears that recent testimony by Kris Kobach, former Kansas Secretary of State, and Corey Lewandowski, former manager of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, are likely the first times the executive branch has actually made such an assertion to Congress.

Use of Executive Privilege

For decades, Presidents have asserted executive privilege by instructing current and former executive branch officials to refuse to respond to congressional questions about communications with the President and the deliberations of the executive branch. While the Supreme Court recognized in United States v.Nixon that the privilege is rooted in the Constitution, it also held that the privilege is not absolute and that the value of confidentiality within the executive branch needs to be balanced against the other branches’ need for information. While the Nixon decision related only to court access to presidential records, this principle has also applied to congressional access. Since that time, Congress and the executive branch have developed a shared understanding of some aspects of executive privilege through decades of negotiations and the precedents established by self-imposed limits on executive privilege in prior presidential Administrations..."
Executive Privilege

Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) and Cancer

"If you are currently being treated for cancer, it is important to know that you are at increased risk for developing a blood clot. The good news, though, is blood clots may be preventable and treated if discovered early.

While everyone is at risk for developing a blood clot (also called venous thromboembolism or VTE), having cancer and some of its treatments increase the risk for a blood clot. Learn other interesting facts about blood clots below.

Why Are People with Cancer at Risk for Developing a Blood Clot?

• Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lungs, uterus, ovaries, and kidneys. Certain blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma, also increase risk.
• Treatments for these cancers involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and catheters (small tubes placed in veins to administer treatments) may also increase your risk for blood clots.

Several other factors may also increase the risk for a blood clot in a person being treated for cancer, such as

• A previous blood clot
• Family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorder
• Hospitalization for illness or major surgery, particularly those involving the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee
• Broken bone or severe muscle injury
• Severe physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident
• Serious medical conditions, such as heart and lung diseases or diabetes
• Sitting too long, such as traveling for more than 4 hours, especially with legs crossed
• Other causes of immobility, such as extended bedrest
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Smoking.."
  Venous Thromboembolism

Closing date of the Granada Project

"Granada Relocation Center, Amache, Colorado. Shown here is a young miss, dressed in her Sunday best ..., 10/06/1945,"

 
October 15, 1945 marked the closing date of the Granada Project, the first of the War Relocation Authority centers to be closed. Under the authority of Executive Order 9066, issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, approximately 110,000 Japanese-Americans were interned in 10 relocation centers for the duration of World War II.."
Granda Project

Cybersecurity While Traveling

"In a world where we are constantly connected, cybersecurity cannot be limited to the home or office. When you’re traveling — whether domestic or international—it is always important to practice safe online behavior and take proactive steps to secure Internet-enabled devices. The more we travel, the more we are at risk for cyberattacks. #BeCyberSmart and use these tips to connect with confidence while on the go.

SIMPLE TIPS TO OWN IT.

Before You Go

• If you connect, you must protect. Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, game device, or other network devices, the best defense against viruses and malware is to update to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. Sign up for automatic updates, if you can, and protect your devices with anti-virus software.
• Back up your information. Back up your contacts, financial data, photos, videos, and other mobile device data to another device or cloud service in case your device is compromised and you have to reset it to factory settings.
• Be up to date. Keep your software updated to the latest version available. Maintain your security settings to keeping your information safe by turning on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it, and set your security software to run regular scans.
• Keep it locked. Lock your device when you are not using it. Even if you only step away for a few minutes, that is enough time for someone to steal or misuse your information. Set your devices to lock after a short time and use strong PINs and passwords.
• Double your login protection. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that the only person who has access to your account is you. Use it for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device, such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token—a small physical device that can hook onto your key ring..."
  Cybersecurity

Keeping Your Vaccine Records Up to Date

"Your vaccination record (sometimes called your immunization record) provides a history of all the vaccines you received as a child and adult. This record may be required for certain jobs, travel abroad, or school registration.

How to Locate Your Vaccination Records

Unfortunately, there is no national organization that maintains vaccination records. The CDC does not have this information. The records that exist are the ones you or your parents were given when the vaccines were administered and the ones in the medical record of the doctor or clinic where the vaccines were given.

If you need official copies of vaccination records, or if you need to update your personal records, there are several places you can look:

• Ask parents or other caregivers if they have records of your childhood immunizations.
• Try looking through baby books or other saved documents from your childhood.
• Check with your high school and/or college health services for dates of any immunizations. Keep in mind that generally records are kept only for 1-2 years after students leave the system.
• Check with previous employers (including the military) that may have required immunizations.
• Check with your doctor or public health clinic. Keep in mind that vaccination records are maintained at doctor’s office for a limited number of years.
• Contact your state’s health department. Some states have registries (Immunization Information Systems) that include adult vaccines..."
  Vaccine records

The Endangered Species Act and Climate Change: Selected Legal Issues

"For more than a decade, federal agencies have grappled with how to address climate change effects when implementing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The ESA aims to protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plants from extinction. As set forth by Congress, one of the main purposes of the ESA is to “provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend may be conserved.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, the Services) have acknowledged that the changing climate may threaten the survival of and habitat for some species. As noted by courts and legal scholars, the ESA does not expressly require the Services to consider the effect of climate change in their ESA decisions. However, the ESA and its implementing regulations (1) direct the Services to consider “natural or manmade factors affecting [a species’] continued existence” when determining whether a species should be protected under the ESA; and (2) require the Services to analyze cumulative effects on a species’ survival when analyzing whether federal actions jeopardize a species protected under the Act. The courts and the Services have interpreted these provisions as requiring the Services to consider climate change effects in the ESA decisionmaking process. Various lawsuits have challenged the Services’ interpretation of complex scientific data or models that predict short- and long-term effects from a changing global climate on specific species and their habitats..."
Endangered Species Act

Executive Branch Service and the “Revolving Door” in Cabinet Departments: Background and Issues for Congress

"Individuals may be subject to certain restrictions when leaving the government for private employment or joining the government from the private sector. These restrictions were enacted in response to what is often referred to as the revolving door. Generally, the revolving door is described as the movement of individuals between the public and private sector. Individuals may move because they possess policy and procedural knowledge and have relationships with former colleagues that are useful to prospective employers.

Laws attempting to restrict the movement of individuals between the government and the private sector have existed since at least the late 1800s. Today’s revolving door laws focus on restricting former government employees’ representational activities that attempt to influence federal officials with whom they used to work. Found at 18 U.S.C. §207, revolving door laws for executive branch officials include (1) a lifetime ban on “switching sides” (e.g., representing a private party on the same “particular matter” involving identified parties on which the former executive branch employee had worked while in government); (2) a two-year ban on “switching sides” on a broader range of issues; (3) a one-year restriction on assisting others on certain trade and treaty negotiations; (4) a one-year “cooling off” period for certain senior officials on lobbying; (5) two-year “cooling off” periods for very senior officials from lobbying; and (6) a one-year ban on certain former officials from representing a foreign government or foreign political party. In addition to laws, executive orders have been used to place further restrictions on executive branch officials, including officials entering government. For example, President Trump issued an executive order (E.O. 13770) to lengthen “cooling off” periods for certain executive branch appointees both entering and exiting government..."
Executive branch service

Legal Authority to Repurpose Funds for Border Barrier Construction

"President Trump has prioritized the construction of border barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the course of negotiations for FY2019 appropriations, the Administration asked Congress to appropriate $5.7 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for that purpose. When Congress appropriated $1.375 billion to DHS for border fencing, the President announced that his Administration would fund the construction of border barriers by repurposing funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) and transferring funds from the Department of the Treasury. The Administration asserted that these funding transfers were authorized by a combination of the following federal laws:

 National Emergencies Act (NEA). The NEA establishes a framework for the President to declare national emergencies. The NEA does not itself appropriate or authorize the transfer of funds, but the declaration of a national emergency triggers other statutory provisions that allow certain executive departments to repurpose existing appropriations.

 10 U.S.C. § 2808. Section 2808 becomes available upon the President’s declaration of a national emergency under the NEA. This provision authorizes the Secretary of Defense to use unobligated military construction funds for the construction of otherwise unauthorized military construction projects.  Sections 8005 and 9002 of the 2019 DOD Appropriations Act. Sections 8005 and 9002 of the 2019 DOD Appropriations Act authorize the transfer of up to $6 billion appropriated in that act for “military functions” arising from “unforeseen military requirements.” Funds may be transferred under these authorities only for “unforeseen military requirements” where the item for which funds will be transferred “has [not] been denied by the Congress.”

  10 U.S.C. § 284. The 2019 DOD Appropriations Act also appropriated funds to a Drug Interdiction Account. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 284, money in this fund may be spent by DOD in support of other agencies’ counterdrug activities, including by constructing “roads and fencing . . . to block drug smuggling corridors across international borders of the United States.” The Trump Administration proposed to use Sections 8005 and 9002 of the 2019 DOD Appropriations Act to transfer additional funds into the Drug Interdiction Account, which would then be used to construct border barriers.

 31 U.S.C. § 9705. This provision establishes a Treasury Forfeiture Fund (TFF) in the Department of the Treasury and authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments from unobligated sums in the TFF to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for various law enforcement purposes..."
Border barrier construction

Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping

"CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

If you have questions about CDC’s investigation into the lung injuries associated with use of electronic cigarette, or vaping, products, contact CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636.

What we know

• As of October 1, 2019, 1,080* lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory.
• Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states.
• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• Approximately 70% of patients are male.
• Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
  • 16% of patients are under 18 years old
  • 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old..."
    E-Cigarettes or Vaping

Protecting the Health of Children with ADHD

"Being healthy is important for all children and can be especially important for children with ADHD. The core symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and inattention, might lead children to behave in ways that can put their health at risk or cause them to forget healthy and protective behaviors. Over time, if not addressed, these risks can lead to injury, disease, or even an earlier-than-expected death.

Having a healthy lifestyle can help children with ADHD deal with stress and difficulties in their daily lives. In addition to recommended treatments like behavioral therapy and medication, a healthy lifestyle can help children with ADHD manage their ADHD symptoms. Parents and healthcare providers can learn more about health risks associated with ADHD and about healthy habits that can help protect children from long-term health risks..."
ADHD

Helping Babies Sleep Safely

"Expecting or caring for a baby? Take these steps to help baby sleep safely and reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

There are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year. CDC supports the updated 2016 recommendationsexternal icon issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS. See How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explainedexternal icon to learn more about these and other actions.

Parents and caregivers can help create a safe sleep area for babies by taking the following steps:

• Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night. Even if a baby spits up during sleep, babies’ anatomyexternal icon and gag reflex help prevent them from choking while sleeping on their backs. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their sides or stomachs.
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved cribexternal icon covered only by a fitted sheet. Some parents and caretakers might feel they should place their baby on a soft surface to help the be more comfortable while sleeping. However, soft surfaces can increase the risk of sleep-related death. A firm sleep surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation..."
  Safe baby sleep

Impeachment Investigations: Law and Process

"Speaker Pelosi announced last week that the House “is moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry.” Although the Speaker’s statement did not address precisely how the House will proceed, it is noteworthy not only because the House has so rarely investigated a President for the purpose of impeachment, but also because an impeachment investigation has usually been an early step in a constitutional process that could ultimately result in the removal of the subject of the inquiry from office.

This Sidebar identifies procedural options for the House as it proceeds with an impeachment investigation. The Sidebar also describes some of the ways in which an impeachment investigation, as compared to a more traditional investigation for legislative or oversight purposes, might bolster the House’s ability to obtain, either voluntarily or through the courts, information from the executive branch. The Sidebar also briefly describes possible future steps that might follow an impeachment inquiry, including possible action by the Senate..."
Impeachment investigations

Noise and Hearing lost prevention

"In the United States, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition after high blood pressure and arthritis. Not surprisingly, hearing loss is among the most common work-related illnesses. Workers are faced with occupational noise hazards every day. This page provides guidelines and recommendations for employers and workers to help reduce risks from noise exposure in the workplace.

 Did you know that within every industry sector, there are workers at risk for work-related hearing loss?

Why is prevention important?

• Almost all work-related hearing loss is permanent, and it can have a profound impact on quality of life.
• As hearing loss worsens, hearing and understanding others becomes increasingly difficult, which can lead to isolation.
• Hearing loss is associated with cognitive (mental) decline and heart problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Hearing loss is also strongly associated with depression.
• Hearing loss can lead to loss of enjoyment, when all the sounds we want to hear (e.g., music, voice of loved one) become muted and lack quality.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which often occurs along with hearing loss, can disrupt sleep and concentration and is associated with both depression and anxiety.
• Hearing loss can impact safety at home and on the job.
• Income is typically lower among workers with hearing loss, than among workers with normal hearing..."
  Loud noise and hearing

FTC to Study E-Cigarette Manufacturers’ Sales, Advertising, and Promotional Methods

"The Federal Trade Commission has issued orders to six e-cigarette manufacturers seeking information to study the companies’ sales, advertising, and promotional methods. The orders were sent to: JUUL Labs, Inc.; R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Fontem US, Inc.; Logic Technology Development LLC; Nu Mark LLC; and NJOY, LLC.

The FTC study will complement similar FTC studies on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. The orders will collect information about e-cigarette sales, advertising, and promotional practices in the U.S. for the calendar years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The goal is to assist the Commission, policy makers, and the public to better understand the rapidly growing e-cigarette market.

Among other things, the Commission orders seek: annual data on the sales and give-aways of e-cigarette products; information about the characteristics of the companies’ e-cigarette products, such as product flavors; annual amounts the companies spent on advertising and promoting e-cigarette products; and information about e-cigarette product placement, the websites and social media accounts used to advertise or sell e-cigarettes, affiliate programs, influencer marketing, and college campus programs..."
E-Cigarettes

Household Food Security in the United States in 2018

"An estimated 11.1 percent of U.S. households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2018, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. That is down from 11.8 percent in 2017 and from a peak of 14.9 percent in 2011. The prevalence of very low food security was 4.3 percent in 2018.

See additional tables: Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2018 (AP-081).
View full full report.."
Household Food security