National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Spotlight on Health: September 2018

Be Safe: Prevent STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an STI. STIs are the same thing as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Many STIs do not have symptoms, and you can have an STI and pass it on without knowing it.

Upcoming Editions

• September 2018: Be Safe: Prevent STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an STI. STIs are the same thing as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Many STIs do not have symptoms, and you can have an STI and pass it on without knowing it.
• October 2018: Get Recommended Vaccines and Screening Tests  
• November 2018: Be Tobacco Free  
• December 2018: Manage Stress  

Past Editions

• August 2018: Get Recommended Vaccines and Screening Tests Recommendations for preventive services depend on your age, gender, health status, and family history. Find out which immunizations are recommended for you.
• July 2018: Ask About Low Blood Sugars It is important for patients who have diabetes to talk with their health care provider about selecting a safe and effective blood glucose target range that is based on their own goals, priorities and lifestyles.
• June 2018: Be Safe: Prevent Falls Identifying fall hazards and deciding how best to protect yourself is the first step in reducing or eliminating an injury from a fall. Physical activity and improving your balance can also help you decrease your risk of falling.
• May 2018: Be Physically Active Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Being active may be easier than you think. Find how you can be active your way every day and discover a healthier you.
• April 2018: Limit Alcohol Are you thinking about your drinking? Developing or maintaining healthy, moderate drinking habits can help you live a healthier life. Making informed choices about alcohol use can help you reduce risk of numerous problems and improve your overall health. There are many resources to help you successfully limit alcohol if that is something you are considering.
• March 2018: Colorectal Cancer Screening New cancer cases can be reduced and many cancer deaths can be prevented. Studies show that screening for colorectal cancer helps find early signs of the disease before it becomes cancer. Find out more about colon cancer screening tests.
• February 2018: Strive for a Healthy Weight by Eating Wisely Eating wisely can help you lose weight. If you need to lose weight, losing even a little will help! If you are of normal weight, maintain it. Making informed food choices along with being physically active to attain and maintain a healthy weight can reduce your risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.
• January 2018: Be Involved in Your Health Find out ways to become more involved in your health care. How you can work with your health care team to make sure you get answers to all your questions and the best care possible.
• December 2017: Manage Stress Feeling stressed? It's very common. Consider checking out some of these simple options for managing your stress.
• November 2017: Be Tobacco Free Thinking about quitting? We can help. Quitting tobacco is the number one step to take to improve your health.
• October 2017: Get Recommended Vaccines and Screening Test—Focus on Cancer Screening New cancer cases can be reduced and many cancer deaths can be prevented. Studies show that screening for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancer helps find these diseases at an early, often highly treatable stage. Find out more about cancer screening tests.