 The New Year is prime time for a healthy new start. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40 percent of adults are obese, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating habits and physical activity can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages you to make 2019 your healthiest year. Get moving with information on the importance of physical activity from the Move Your Way Campaign website.
 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is January 22 – 27. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) created this week to encourage educational events in communities that teach teenagers science-proven facts about drug use and addiction. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week connects students with experts to debunk the myths about drugs and alcohol that teenagers can get from the internet, social media, television or their peers.
Find out more information on activities and resources on the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse website.
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 January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. According to National Institutes of Health (NIH): National Eye Institute, glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. While anyone can be affected by glaucoma, African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are at higher risk of developing the disease.
Many people are unaware they may suffer from glaucoma because this eye condition has no symptoms in its early stages. Early detection can help prevent severe vision loss from glaucoma. Visit the National Eye Institute Glaucoma Awareness observance page for downloadable materials to help spread the word.
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 Influenza (flu) season is heightened during the fall and winter, and Americans experienced one of the most severe flu seasons in four decades last year. The flu is highly contagious and causes an array of symptoms such as mild to severe fever, body aches, and chest or head congestion. As a preventative measure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
Learn more about the benefits of the flu vaccination and how you can protect you and your family from the flu virus on the CDC Prevent Seasonal Flu website. Read more about why ADM Brett P. Giroir, Assistant Secretary for Health advises against missing the yearly flu vaccine: Never Miss a Flu Vaccine. Here Are the Reasons #WhyIFightFlu.
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 The Knowledge Center online library catalog includes materials for both consumers and health professionals related to glaucoma and eye conditions in minority populations. To learn more, search here.
In recognition of Glaucoma Awareness Month, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information on taking steps to reduce risk of vision loss.
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