Nutrition Basics

Take a look at how the basic food groups have changed over the years.

The U.S. Infant Mortality Rate: International Comparisons, Underlying Factors, and Federal Programs

"The infant mortality rate (IMR)—the number of deaths occurring in the first year of life per 1,000 live births—is a widely used proxy for the health status of a nation, and is commonly used for international comparisons. As of 2008, the U.S. IMR was 6.6, a historically low rate of the United States, but a rate that is still higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 4.6. The relatively high U.S. rate—and the number of infant deaths it indicates—concerns some policymakers. In addition, there is concern that the U.S. IMR has leveled off after four decades of decline. Reducing the U.S. IMR has been—and continues to be—a recognized public health objective..."

OnGuardOnline

"If you run a small business, you may rely on technology to expand your reach and stay competitive, even if you don’t have a full-time IT staff. OnGuardOnline.gov wants you to have the information you need to protect your data, your networks, and your IT systems.

Our small business page highlights how-to videos and tutorials about protecting information, creating cybersecurity plans, and learning about cyber threats. The page also features training materials for employees, free email updates, and other cybersecurity resources for small businesses..."

Smokefree.gov

"Smokefree.gov allows you to choose the help that best fits your needs. You can get immediate assistance in the form of:

A step-by-step quit smoking guide
Information about a wide range of topics related to smoking and quitting
An interactive U.S. map highlighting smoking information in your state
LiveHelp, National Cancer Institute's instant messaging service
National Cancer Institute's telephone quitline, 1-877-44U-QUIT
Local and state telephone quitlines, 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Publications to download, print, or order.."

National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population 2012

"CDC’s Second Nutrition Report Adobe PDF file [PDF - 10.98MB] is part of a series of publications that provide ongoing assessment of the U.S. population’s nutrition status by measuring blood and urine concentrations of biochemical indicators (such as nutrients or a dietary indicator with potential health relevance).

Covering 58 biochemical indicators, CDC’s Second Report is the most comprehensive biochemical assessment of the nutritional status of the U.S. population – it shows us what the levels of nutrition indicators are actually in people – general population and selected groups such as children, women of childbearing age, and minorities..."

Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance

"Building capacity and limiting corruption at all levels of Afghan governance are crucial to the success of a planned transition from U.S.-led NATO forces to Afghan security leadership.

• The capacity of the formal Afghan governing structure has increased significantly
since the Taliban regime fell in late 2001, but many positions at the local level
are unfilled.
• Nepotism and political considerations in hiring are entrenched in Afghan culture
and limit development of a competent bureaucracy, as does widespread illiteracy.

• President Hamid Karzai has accepted U.S. help to build emerging anti-corruption
institutions, but these same institutions have sometimes caused a Karzai backlash
when they have targeted his allies or relatives..."

Population and Housing Unit Estimates, 2011

The latest estimates of total population for counties, Puerto Rico municipios, and metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas - for July 1, 2011 - were released April, 2012.

2011 County Total Population Estimates
2011 Puerto Rico Municipio Total Population Estimates
2011 Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Population Estimates

Living With Diabetes: Keep Your Feet Healthy

"People with diabetes can develop serious problems with their feet that can affect how easily they can walk, and even lead to amputation.

Many of these serious problems can be prevented by taking good care of your feet and your health:

Manage your diabetes, including keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose) and cholesterol at levels your health care provider recommends.

Don't smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the feet. Ask for help to stop smoking by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Make healthy food choices.
Stay at a healthy weight.
Be physically active every day.
Take your medicines even when you feel good.
Have your doctor give you a comprehensive foot exam every time you visit (but at least four times a year).
Check your feet for sores and other injuries every day.
Wear shoes that fit right and do not rub or pinch your feet, or cause blisters.
Never walk barefoot or while wearing just socks."

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Find safety information from the U.S. Department of Transportation on distracted driving.

Effects of Radiation from Fukushima Dai-ichi on the U.S. Marine Environment

"The massive Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, caused extensive damage in northeastern Japan, including damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power installation, which resulted in the release of radiation. Some have called this incident the biggest manmade release ever of radioactive material into the oceans. Concerns arose about the potential effects of this released radiation on the U.S. marine environment and resources...

Based on computer modeling of ocean currents, debris from the tsunami produced by the Tohoku earthquake was projected to spread eastward from Japan in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Approximately two to three years after the event, the debris plume likely will reach the U.S. West Coast, dumping debris on California beaches and the beaches of British Columbia, Alaska, and Baja California. Although much of the radioactive release from Fukushima Dai-ichi is believed to have occurred after the tsunami, there is the possibility that some of the tsunami debris might also be contaminated with radiation."

Investor.gov

Learn how to invest your hard earned money at this new web site from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CDC estimates 1 in 88 children in United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a new study released today that looked at data from 14 communities. Autism spectrum disorders are almost five times more common among boys than girls – with 1 in 54 boys identified.

The number of children identified with ASDs ranged from 1 in 210 children in Alabama to 1 in 47 children in Utah. The largest increases were among Hispanic and black children.."

Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2008

"Death rates from all cancers combined for men, women, and children continued to decrease in the United States between 2004 and 2008. The findings are from the latest "Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer," coauthored by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society."

Fair Debt Collection Policies Act

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB” or “the Bureau”) is pleased to
submit to Congress its first annual report summarizing its activities to administer the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA” or “the Act”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692 et seq., during the past year. These activities represent the Bureau’s inaugural effort to curtail deceptive, unfair, and abusive debt collection practices in the marketplace prohibited by the FDCPA. Illegal collection practices cause substantial harm to consumers, who may pay amounts not owed, unintentionally waive their rights, suffer emotional distress, and experience invasions of privacy. Such practices can even place consumers deeper in debt..."

Internet Social Newtork Risks

A recent report from the FBI outlining potential threats to social networks.