Health & Wellness
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Lee County
CDC Report: High Sodium Intake Common Among U.S. Adults
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the vast majority of adults in the United States consume excessive amounts of sodium. The CDC recommends limiting sodium intake to promote health.
CDC Report: Preventable Heart Disease, Stroke Deaths Exceeded 200,000 in 2010
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report indicates that over 200,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke could have been prevented in 2010. The report, part of the CDC's Vital Signs series, examines mortality data and preventative strategies.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Reports Rise in E-Cigarette Use Among Students
Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant increase in e-cigarette usage among U.S. middle and high school students. The CDC reports usage more than doubled between 2011 and 2012.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Cancer Death Rates in U.S. Show Continued Decline
A new report indicates ongoing decreases in cancer mortality across demographic groups in the United States. The findings are based on data spanning nearly four decades.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Opioid Prescriptions Remain Elevated in U.S., Exhibit Regional Disparities
Opioid prescribing rates in the United States, while declining after 2010, are still considered high, according to recently compiled data. Significant differences in prescribing patterns exist across different U.S. counties.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
HPV Vaccination Rates Reach 60% Among U.S. Teens
A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report indicates that 60% of U.S. parents are opting for their children to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The vaccine is designed to protect against cancers caused by HPV. The data was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Data Shows Drug Overdose Deaths Exceed Urban Rates in Rural U.S.
New CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths are now more prevalent in rural parts of the United States than in urban centers. The report highlights a shift in overdose patterns across different geographic regions.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC: Over 100 Million Americans Affected by Diabetes or Prediabetes
A new CDC report indicates that more than 100 million adults in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes. The findings highlight the growing prevalence of these conditions nationwide. The report was released today.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC-Convened Panel Examines Link Between Bullying and Suicidal Behavior in Youth
A special issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health explores the connection between bullying and suicide-related behaviors in young people. The effort was coordinated by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expert panel.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
RSV Cases Triple in Alabama ERs, Sparking Parental Alerts
Alabama doctors are sounding the alarm as RSV positivity rates in emergency rooms have tripled to 14.8% in recent weeks, hitting young children hardest. With vaccines in short supply, health experts urge basic precautions to shield kids under five from severe respiratory illness. Parents in Mobile and beyond face a familiar winter foe making an early surge.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Listeria Infections Pose Risk to High-Risk Groups, Health Officials Say
Listeria, a bacteria found in some foods, can cause severe illness, especially among pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Health officials are monitoring potential outbreaks.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Prescription Painkiller Overdose Deaths Increased Among Women, CDC Reports
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant rise in prescription painkiller overdose deaths among women. The study, covering 1999 to 2010, highlights a critical public health concern. The report did not explore causality.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Report Details Impact of Multi-State Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
A new CDC report reveals that multi-state foodborne illness outbreaks, though rare, contribute disproportionately to deaths. The report highlights the need for continued vigilance in food safety.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Report Highlights Need for Increased Awareness of HIV Prevention Pill
A daily pill known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, can effectively prevent HIV infection. A new CDC report indicates that awareness and usage of PrEP remain lower than needed among individuals at substantial risk.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Drug Overdose Deaths Reached Record High in 2014, CDC Report Shows
Nearly half a million Americans died from drug overdoses between 2000 and 2014, according to a CDC report. Opioid-related deaths saw a sharp increase in 2014, rising 14 percent from the previous year.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Alabama Taps $203M Federal Funds for Rural Mental Health Boost
Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama secured over $203 million in federal funding to transform rural healthcare, including major expansions in mental health services. The Rural Health Transformation Program targets shortages in the state's 58 rural counties, where 1.6 million residents face high hospital closure risks. New clinics and school-based telehealth aim to deliver care where it's needed most.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Alabama braces for dengue as CDC sounds alarm on record global cases
Health officials across Alabama are urging residents to take precautions against dengue fever as the mosquito-borne virus reaches record infection levels globally in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued alerts to physicians and public health authorities nationwide, warning of increased risk in southern states including Alabama where competent mosquito vectors exist.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Alabama Pollen Surge Sparks Respiratory Crisis Statewide
Spring pollen levels in Alabama have shattered records, driving a sharp rise in asthma attacks and allergy flare-ups across the state. Health officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health urge residents to brace for worsening symptoms as oak, pine and cedar trees unleash their peak assault. From Birmingham clinics to rural North Alabama trails, sneezes and wheezes are the new normal.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
New Lyme Disease-Causing Bacteria Species Identified in Upper Midwest
Federal health officials have identified a new species of bacteria, *Borrelia mayonii*, that causes Lyme disease in humans. The discovery marks the first new Lyme-disease causing bacteria identified in North America. Cases have been reported in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Reports Decline in Preventable Deaths From Key Causes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data indicating a decrease in preventable deaths from some of the leading causes in the U.S. The study analyzes mortality rates, focusing on potentially avoidable premature deaths.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Links Zika Virus to Microcephaly, Other Birth Defects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other serious fetal brain abnormalities. The conclusion follows an extensive evaluation of available scientific data.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Report Highlights Sepsis Prevention and Early Recognition
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses sepsis, a severe medical condition arising from the body's reaction to infection. The report emphasizes prevention and early detection to improve patient survival rates. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Report Links Tobacco Use to 40% of Cancer Diagnoses
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that tobacco use is a primary preventable cause of cancer. Approximately 40% of cancer diagnoses are associated with tobacco use or secondhand smoke.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Alerts Healthcare Providers to Infection Risk in Open-Heart Surgery Devices
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the risk of infection linked to devices used during open-heart surgery. The advisory targets healthcare providers and patients undergoing these procedures. Specific devices are under scrutiny for potential contamination.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Reports Decline in Breast Cancer Mortality Rates, Racial Disparities Remain
A new CDC study indicates a decrease in breast cancer death rates among women between 2010 and 2014. However, the research also highlights persistent racial disparities in mortality related to the disease.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Updates HPV Vaccine Recommendation to Two Doses for Younger Adolescents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for adolescents aged 11-12. This change from the previous three-dose schedule simplifies the vaccination process.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall, National Report Shows
A new Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer indicates a continued decline in overall cancer death rates. The trend extends to both men and women, as well as various racial and ethnic groups. The report, based on data from 1975-2012, shows progress across most cancer sites.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC to Provide Update on First U.S. Ebola Case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has scheduled a telebriefing to provide an update on the investigation into the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States. Details of the briefing including participants and logistical information are forthcoming.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CDC Issues Updated Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Chronic Pain Management
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain. The recommendations exclude cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care. The guidelines are intended to address the ongoing issue of overdose deaths in the United States.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Alabama Clinics See 20% Spike in Asthma, Allergy Visits Amid Pollen Boom
Birmingham-area clinics are swamped as pollen counts soar, driving a 20% jump in respiratory illness visits across central and northern Alabama. Public health officials warn of year-round allergens worsened by mild winters and temperature swings. Experts urge residents to act now to breathe easier this spring.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026