Health Matters for Women ▲ CDC

March 2012 Health Matters for Women New from CDC National Estimate Shows Not Enough Young Women Tested for Chlamydia Just 38 percent of sexually active young women were screened for chlamydia in the previous year, according to the most recent nationally representative estimate of chlamydia screening among this population conducted by the CDC. CDC recommends annual screening for all sexually active women aged 25 and under. First Marriages in the United States: Data from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth (pdf) This report shows trends and group differences in current marital status, with a focus on first marriages among women and men aged 15-44 years in the United States. In 2006-2010, women and men married for the first time at older ages than in previous years. The median age at first marriage was 25.8 for women and 28.3 for men. CDC Ad Campaign Reveals Harsh Reality of Smoking-Related Diseases A hard-hitting national ad campaign that depicts the harsh reality of illness and damage suffered as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke was launched by CDC. Ads began Monday, March 19, and  will run will run for at least 12 weeks on television, radio, and billboards, online, and in theaters, magazines, and newspapers nationwide. Tips for Former Smokers The Tips from Former Smokers campaign features real people suffering as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Their compelling stories send a powerful message: Quit smoking now. Or better yet -- don’t start. Hear Andrea’s Story (video) Andrea once heard her life counted in minutes. She had a heart attack at 35. After surviving, but losing her unborn baby, she is helping to educate other women like her about the signs of heart disease. Highlights of the 2012 STD Prevention Conference: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Summaries of research presented at the March 2012 STD Prevention conference focus on: Self-Reported Chlamydia Testing of Women in the United States, 2006-2008; Trends in Chlamydia Retesting Rates Among Males and Females; How One Simple Clinic Systems-Level Intervention Increased Overall Chlamydia/Gonorrhea Retesting Rates; and Increasing Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Retesting Rates in a Student Health Center Using a Quality Improvement Approach. Diagnoses of HIV Infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2010 This report includes estimated numbers and rates of diagnoses of HIV infection based on data from 51 areas (46 states and 5 U.S. dependent areas) that have had confidential name-based HIV infection reporting. The rates among adults and adolescents in 2010 were 20.0 among males and 6.4 among females. African American Women Claiming their Power in Fight Against HIV (pdf) Take Charge. Take the Test. messages remind women that they have the power to take charge of their health and protect themselves from HIV through testing, talking openly with their partners about HIV, and insisting on safe sex. Resources for Take Charge. Take the Test National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Be aware of the special risks HIV/AIDS pose for women and girls, and help raise awareness of the disease's impact on them. Updated HPV Vaccine (Gardasil®) What You Need to Know This updated information sheet answers eight questions: what is HPV, why get vaccinated, who should get this HPV vaccine and when, why should some people not get the vaccine or wait, what are the risks from this vaccine, what if there is a moderate or severe reaction, what is the national vaccine injury compensation program, and how can I learn more. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If everyone who is 50 years old or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Caitlin's Story About 300,000 to 600,000 people are newly affected by DVT each year in the United States. Read about one woman's experience with DVT. Women’s Health Ebrief This e-brief provides summaries of recent research findings, funding, and programs in women’s health at CDC. Are You a Teen Worker? Every 9 minutes, a U.S. teen gets hurt on the job. This guide gives you the facts you need to stay safe and healthy at work. It also shows you what jobs you can (and can’t) do, and it teaches you about your rights and responsibilities as a young worker. Partner Services for Medical Providers and Referring Providers This module provides an overview of the principles that guide effective practice in discussing a referral to Partner services with patients. It is a beta version (pending final CDC clearance.) On completion, you will be asked to evaluate the module. Updated HIV Surveillance - Epidemiology of HIV Infection (through 2010) Slide Set Slides provide information on diagnosis by sex, adult and adolescent, transmission category, race/ethnicity, sexual contact, injection drug use, and more. Women’s History Month 2012 The 2012 theme for Women's History Month is "Women's Education-Women's Empowerment". Learn about the connection between education and women's health. Sleep and Work A growing number of American workers are not getting enough sleep. Research shows an increase from 24% in the 1980s to 30% in the 2000s in the percentage of American civilian workers reporting 6 or fewer hours of sleep per day--a level considered by sleep experts to be too short. 2012 Surgeon General's Report--Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults This Surgeon General’s report examines in detail the epidemiology, health effects, and causes of tobacco use among youth ages 12 through 17 and young adults ages 18 through 25. This report also highlights the efficacy of strategies to prevent young people from using tobacco. 75 Years of Mortality in the United States, 1935-2010 While the overall risk of mortality decreased 60 percent over this 75-year period, there were fluctuations in the rate of decline most likely associated with changes in the broader environment. Between 1935 and 2010, age-adjusted death rates decreased by 56 percent for males and 62 percent for females. Vaccines Help Protect Travelers of All Ages Travel within the U.S. or to other countries can be an opportunity for volunteerism or work, fun and relaxation, but also exposure to disease. Make sure you and your loved ones are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases that may be only a plane ride away. Planning for the Big Day! Wedding Health and Safety Tips Planning a wedding can be wonderful and stressful, so make decisions that support the day and your mental and physical health. Include ways to be safe and healthy on your wedding plan "to do" list. Snapshots Prevalence of Obesity* Among Persons Aged 12-19 Years, by Race/Ethnicity and Sex -- National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2009-2010 Figure 4. Age-Adjusted Death Rates and Ratio of Rates by Sex: United States, 1935-2010 QuickStats: : Age-Adjusted Motor Vehicle Accident Death Rates, by Sex and Type of Locality -- United States, 2007-2009