CDC MMWR News Synopsis for November 18, 2016

MMWR- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

MMWR News Synopsis for November 18, 2016 

Potentially Preventable Deaths Among the Five Leading Causes of Death — United States, 2010 and 2014

Information about differences in rates for the five leading causes of death among states might help state health officials determine prevention goals, priorities, and strategies. Cause-specific death rates vary across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. CDC analyzed National Vital Statistics data to provide national and state-specific estimates of potentially preventable deaths among the five leading causes of death in 2014 and compared these estimates to estimates previously published for 2010. Compared with 2010, the estimated number of potentially preventable deaths changed: cancer decreased 25%, stroke decreased 11%, heart disease decreased 4%, chronic lower respiratory disease increased 1%, and unintentional injuries increased 23%.

Trends in Obesity Among Participants Aged 2–4 Years in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — United States, 2000–2014

Despite the recent modest declines in childhood obesity prevalence among Women Infants and Children (WIC) participants ages 2-4 years, the obesity prevalence among young children in WIC remains high. Continued efforts to work with parents and other stakeholders to promote healthy pregnancies, breastfeeding, quality nutrition, and physical activity for young children in multiple settings are needed to ensure healthy child development. From 2010-2014, 34 of 56 states and territories (61%) reported a modest decrease in obesity prevalence among children ages 2-4 years enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC.Overall, WIC data show that during 2000-2010, obesity prevalence in young children increased significantly from 14.0% to 15.9%; however, during 2010-2014, obesity prevalence decreased significantly to 14.5%.In 2014, obesity prevalence varied by state; obesity prevalence among young children enrolled in WIC ranged from 8.2% in Utah to 20.0% in Virginia. During 2010-2014, the prevalence of obesity decreased significantly among non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. Despite these improvements, obesity prevalence remains high (14.5%) among young children living in low-income households.

CDC Grand Rounds: A Public Health Approach to Detect and Control Hypertension

Millions of Americans have undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Through collaborative efforts, Million Hearts has increased awareness of opportunities to better detect and control high blood pressure at the individual level, the care providers’ level, and the healthcare system level. An estimated 75 million Americans – nearly one out of three adults – have high blood pressure. Of this group, almost half don’t have their high blood pressure under control, including more than 11 million who don’t even know they have it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Million Hearts brings together public health and healthcare to create opportunities to better detect and control high blood pressure. For example, the national initiative promotes proven prevention strategies such as standardized hypertension treatment protocols and effective use of health information technology. The goal of Million Hearts is to leverage resources and expertise across the health spectrum to reduce hypertension prevalence nationwide and ultimately help protect millions of Americans from unnecessary and preventable events.

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