CDC Vital Signs

CDC Vital Signs offers recent data and calls to action for important public health issues.

January 2013 Vital Signs Issue: Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is a dangerous behavior but is not widely recognized as a women’s health problem. Drinking too much – including binge drinking* - results in about 23,000 deaths in women and girls each year. Binge drinking increases the chances of breast cancer, heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy, and many other health problems. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to sudden infant death syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Click here to read full issue ››

More Issues

HIV Among Youth in the US
About 50,000 people are infected with HIV each year, and 1 in 4 is 13 to 24 years old.

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States (2005-2009).

Teen Drinking and Driving
The percentage of teens in high school who drink and drive has decreased by more than half since 1991, but more can be done.

Getting Blood Pressure Under Control
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US.

More People Walk to Better Health
More than 145 million adults now include walking as part of a physically active lifestyle.

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About Vital Signs

CDC launched a new program called CDC Vital Signs, which includes an MMWR Early Release, a fact sheet and website, a media release, and a series of announcements via social media tools.

Vital Signs will be released the first Tuesday of every month. Issues include colorectal and breast cancer screening, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use, access to health care, HIV testing, seat belt use, cardiovascular disease, teen pregnancy and healthcare-associated infections, asthma, and foodborne disease.