When it comes to public health, there are few scourges with the profile of obesity. With obesity increasingly becoming an issue in America, it is little surprise that health professionals and advocates are concerned about obesity. Many consider obesity in America a true public health risk, due to the diseases connected to obesity, as well as the costs associated with obesity. Here are 25 enlightening studies and infographics about obesity in America:

Adult Obesity

Many adults in the United States are obese. These studies and infographics address the issue of overweight adults.

1. The United States of Obesity 2009: Get an idea of what America looks like in terms of obesity. A great infographic that breaks down the fattest states in the U.S., and learn facts about obesity in America.
2. F as in Fat 2009: This study looks at obesity in America, and the increasing rates. It also looks at the failure of anti-obesity policies to stave off the epidemic.
3. Nutritional and other influences in childhood as predictors of adult obesity: What you do as a child, even if you are not an obese child, can point to whether or not you are obese as an adult.
4. Causes and consequences of adult obesity: health, social and economic impacts in the United States: Learn more about adult obesity in general, and view it through a variety of lenses.
5. Adult obesity: An overview of the problem of adult obesity, as well as information about health habits in America.

Childhood Obesity

Concerns about obesity in children are on the rise. With lifestyles today, more and more children are overweight — threatening to create health problems as they grow up.

6. Childhood Obesity: Learn more about the growth in childhood obesity. This infographic offers information on the growth of childhood obesity from 1976 to 2000. It’s only grown since then.
7. Childhood Obesity: The Health Issue: Get a solid understanding of the health issue of childhood obesity, and its implications for the future.
8. Childhood obesity: public-health crisis, common sense cure: Addresses the issue of childhood obesity and its status as a public health crisis. Also looks at possible solutions that could lead to an improved situation.
9. Cross-national comparison of childhood obesity: A look at childhood obesity in America, as well as comparing America’s numbers to an international standards. Looks at socioeconomic risk factors and other issues that may contribute to childhood obesity.
10. Defining obesity in childhood: current practice: When is a child considered obese, anyway? This enlightening paper looks at obesity, and children, and looks at the metrics used to measure obesity, and helps us define what childhood obesity is.
11. Childhood Obesity: Trends and Potential Causes: An interesting study looking at trends in childhood obesity, and pinpointing possible causes of the epidemic. An interesting approach to following childhood obesity.

Causes of Obesity

There are a number of risk factors associated with obesity. Understanding where obesity comes from is a step in the right direction.

12. Causes of Obesity: This infographic illustrates the different risk factors associated with obesity. Learn what can cause obesity, and see what you can do to decrease your chances of becoming obese.
13. Overweight and Obesity: Prevalence, Consequences, and Causes of a Growing Public Health Problem: Takes a look the growing health concern that is obesity. Pays attention to the causes of obesity, and what can be done to prevent them in order to slow this public health problem.
14. Do We Fatten Our Children at the Television Set? Obesity and Television Viewing in Children and Adolescents: One of the causes of obesity might be a sedentary lifestyle. This study looks at the connection between watching a large amount of television and the likelihood of obesity, especially among children.
15. Obesity and socioeconomic status: A framework for examining relationships between physical and social variables: Obesity isn’t always just about eating junk food and not getting exercise. Some studies also point out that economic opportunity can be a risk factor. A look at whether or not some people can actually afford being healthy.

Obesity Related Diseases

There are a number of diseases and health concerns related to obesity. Find out what other problems can result when you are obese.

16. Medical Complications of Obesity: Obesity isn’t just about carrying some extra weight. There are a number of medical conditions and costs that come with obesity. This infographic shows you some of the other areas of the body affected by obesity.
17. American Heart Association Call to Action: Obesity as a Major Risk Factor for Coronary Heart Disease: If you are obese, you are at an increased risk for coronary heart disease. This study looks at the medical and scientific case for the link between obesity and heart disease.
18. The Continuing Epidemics of Obesity and Diabetes in the United States: This study published in the Journal of the America Medical Association looks at the connection between obesity and diabetes. An interesting look at the continued rise of obesity — and diabetes — in America.
19. Obesity, fat distribution, and weight gain as risk factors for clinical diabetes in men: Learn about how obesity likely contributes to diabetes in the male population. A good look at the way fat plays a role in diabetes.
20. Overweight, obesity and cancer: epidemiological evidence and proposed mechanisms: Provides an overview of the different cancers that can be caused by obesity, and looks at the mechanisms that lead from obesity to cancer.

Cost of Obesity

Diseases related to obesity are expensive. There are a number of costs related to obesity. It is important to recognize the costs so that steps can be taken to reduce them.

21. Obesity and the Workplace: This interesting infographic shows how obesity can cost someone who is overweight. It shows salary decreases due to obesity, as well as other costs.
22. The economics of obesity: dietary energy density and energy cost: Learn about how obesity works on an economic level, including a look at costs to the poor.
23. National Medical Spending Attributable to Overweight And Obesity: How Much, And Who’s Paying?: Consider how much money is spent as a result of obesity, and find out who is footing the bill.
24. Economic costs of obesity: A stark look at how much obesity costs the economy of the United States each year.
25. Will All Americans Become Overweight or Obese? Estimating the Progression and Cost of the US Obesity Epidemic: A somewhat frightening look at the way obesity is progressing in the U.S., along with a projection of how much it will cost society and the economy.

We’ve been hearing a lot about the swine flu, or the H1N1 virus. It was given pandemic status by the World Health Organization in 2009, and many people have been concerned about it. Of course, the H1N1 virus was not the first pandemic, and it certainly won’t be the last. If you want to be prepared for the next pandemic — and kept up to date — here are 50 tools and tips to bookmark so that you are ready for next time:

Government Information and Resources

One of the best places to go is the government if you are looking for up-to-date information on pandemics and tools to track outbreaks. Here are some government and public health information resources that can help you in the event of a pandemic.

1. PandemicFlu.gov: Just what it sounds like, this site is set up to help you keep up with the latest developments in a pandemic flu situation.
2. Office of Medical Services Pandemic Influenza Plan: This site provides the plan for dealing with widespread illness, developed by the U.S. State Department.
3. Department of Health and Human Services: Turn to the HHS if you are interested in the latest news and tips for dealing with any current public health emergency.
4. Centers for Disease Control: This site contains tips for protecting yourself and includes outbreak maps for pandemics.
5. UN Pandemic Influenza Contingency: See the United Nations plan for pandemic preparedness, and get tips on personal protection.
6. World Health Organization: This site offers alerts on global pandemics and coordinates worldwide responses. You can get helpful tips on protecting yourself, as well as helping to organize relief efforts.
7. Public Health Agency of Canada: Get information from Canada about public health threats and how to protect yourself from pandemics.
8. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: The European Union has its own web site devoted to helping to track pandemics and provide information.
9. American Red Cross: This is not a government resource, but the Red Cross does have valuable public health information and tips for what to do in a pandemic situation.

General Pandemic Preparedness

Be prepared for a pandemic, or any other health emergency. These sites offer helpful insights and tools for general emergency preparation.

10. Ready America: This is a U.S. government site that is devoted to emergency preparedness, and can help you get yourself ready in advance for the next pandemic.
11. Top 20 Ways to Prepare for a Pandemic: This helpful tip sheet is from the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services.
12. Pandemic Influenza: What You Can Do To Be Ready: The Minnesota Department of Health offers a handy list of things you can do to prepare for a pandemic.
13. Answers to Swine Flu Questions: Get the answers to the most important H1N1 questions from CNN.
14. Swine Flu FAQ: Not everything is covered in the CNN list, so you can read this FAQ from WebMD to get a little more information.
15. Oregon Public Health Emergency Preparedness: This site, while aimed at Oregonians, also provides helpful information for anyone else interested in tools and tips. Check your own state for something similar.
16. Flu Checklist: Use this checklist from the Red Cross to determine if you are ready for a pandemic.
17. Questions About Swine Flu: The New York Times provides a video about swine flu and how you can protect yourself from a pandemic.

Family Preparedness

You want to make sure that your family is properly prepared for a pandemic. Here are some helpful resources to help you make a plan for family preparedness.

18. Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families: Get help on how to create a plan, and learn the differences between protecting yourself from seasonal flu and a strain of pandemic flu.
19. Make a Plan: This emergency preparedness site helps you make a plan for emergencies, including a form to help you get started.
20. Family Emergency Planning: While this is aimed at members of the LDS Church through the Provident Living site, the tools and tips can help any family with emergency planning.
21. How to Swine Flu Proof You and Your Family: This is a helpful guide from eHow on how to get your family prepared for and protected from pandemic flu.
22. Talking with Children about a Flu Pandemic: Helpful tips and resources on explaining a pandemic to your children.
23. Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Family Checklist Video: This video is helpful for families who are interested in preparing for pandemics.
24. Let’s Get Ready!: This resource from Sesame Workshop helps you get ready for emergencies with your family.
25. Pandemic Flu…What to do, what to do!: This is a kids’ page from the National Institutes of Health aimed at helping children learn about public health emergency preparedness.

Online Tools

Interested in keeping track of pandemics online? Want the latest information and emergency tips? You can use these online tools to stay updated during the next pandemic.

26. Google Alerts: Set up alerts using desired keywords to help you get the latest information delivered right to your inbox.
27. QuickShare My Emergency Information: This tools helps you create an email message with emergency information that can be easily and quickly shared with the important people in your life.
28. Twitter: Everyone is on Twitter. And it can also help you find tips and news updates on pandemics. Search keywords and use hashtags to find the latest.
29. Global Map of Pandemic Risk: This offering from Maplecroft is accessible through docstoc and can help you see where the biggest pandemic threats are.
30. CDCemergency: This is the Twitter account for the CDC’s emergency updates. Follow to get tips and resource hints from the Centers for Disease Control.
31. HealthMap: This global disease map offers an interactive resource to keep you updated on pandemics.
32. Where You Live: This interactive map from Flu.gov helps you find out what is happening where you are right now.
33. Widgets from HHS: The Health and Human Services deparment has widgets that can direct readers to the latest pandemic information.
34. Google Maps: Where there is a pandemic, there is a Google Map that can help you plot it out. Most recently, there was a Swine Flu map with confirmed and probable cases.

iPhone Apps

You can track disease outbreaks and pandemics with the help of your iPhone.

35. Outbreaks Near Me: This app from the Children’s Hospital in Boston helps you find local pockets of disease.
36. FDA Mobile: Get the latest health information and tips for protecting yourself while on the go from the Food and Drug Administration.
37. Mobile World Disaster: If you want to know immediately when disaster strikes, this iPhone app will keep you in the loop.
38. HealthMap: This is an iPhone app that can help you see, on your phone, exactly where health issues are most prevalent.
39. Diagnose the Disease: This app is designed to help you identify diseases. While not a true substitute for a medical professional, it can nevertheless provide some needed help and information.
40. CDC News Reader: Get the latest from the Centers for Disease Control — no matter where you are.
41. PEPID Elements Infections Disease & Travel Medicine: Keep track of where diseases are, and what you can do to protect yourself with this handy iPhone app.
42. Emergency Radio: This iPhone app lets you listen in to emergency radio stations from all around the country in order to get the latest information.

Pandemic Tips

You want to be adequately prepared, and you also want to be calm and collected. Here are some tips that can help you protect yourself in a pandemic situation.

43. Wash your hands: You want to be as clean as possible. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from a pandemic is to properly wash your hands.
44. First Aid kit: Put together, or purchase, a First Aid kit that can be used in a number of situations, including a pandemic.
45. Have a stockpile: Before a pandemic hits, make sure you have some food storage, as well as emergency money. You should also have other items on hand, in the event you are in the house for an extended period of time.
46. Telecommute: If you have a job that can be performed, at least temporarily, from home, ask about telecommuting to avoid being involved in the spread of a pandemic.
47. Consider a facemask: If you are truly concerned, you can find CDC approved facemasks to help protect you from a pandemic.
48. Stay healthy: Maintaining healthy diet, exercise and sleep habits can keep your immune system in good shape, helping you ward off pandemic illness.
49. Be educated: Learn about what to do, and how to do it. Get information from reliable sources so that you are prepared for a pandemic situation.
50. Don’t panic: It is very important to realize that pandemics have been happening throughout history. If you prepare properly and take precautions, you can reduce your chances of falling victim.

We may sometimes scoff when celebrities start promoting causes, or trying to raise awareness of certain situations or diseases, but the truth of the matter is that in some cases we may not even be made aware that something exists without a little celebrity intervention. When it comes to somewhat rare diseases, the issue becomes even more obscure for many. The bottom line is that the fame that celebrities have can shed light on diseases that you might not have heard of. And if you, or someone you love, ends up with that disease, you’ll probably be glad if a celebrity, somewhere, is willing to bring his or her clout to the cause. Here are 10 diseases made famous by celebrities:

1. Testicular Cancer (Lance Armstrong): Very people were willing to talk about testicular cancer before Lance Armstrong came along. However, when Lance Armstrong, the famous road racing cyclist, admitted that he suffered from the disease, the condition achieved instant celebrity. Armstrong’s determination to continue excelling at his sport, and his subsequent record-breaking, seventh win at the Tour de France, provides inspiration for cancer survivors everywhere. Since then, Armstrong has become more than a spokesman bringing awareness of testicular cancer; he has started his own foundation, the Live Strong Foundation, for all types of cancer research, and single-handedly started a fashion trend for rubber bracelets to raise awareness of a cause.
2. Colorectal Cancer (Katie Couric): Katie Couric is known for her former role on the “Today” show, as well as for being the first female anchor for a network nightly news program. But she is also known for bringing colorectal cancer to light. It took her many years after her husband’s death to begin speaking about colon cancer, but she began to become more outspoken as her pain began to heal. She put together a special series for the “Today” show on colon cancer, and continues to be a spokesperson for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, which she helped found. The alliance is one that focuses on efforts to get the entertainment industry involved in spreading the word about this common, but not often talked about, cancer.
3. Sickle Cell Disease (Kiki Shepard): A little-known disease that affects predominantly black women is sickle cell disease. In order to bring awareness to this disease, Kiki Shepard routinely holds a celebrity bowling event to raise funds. Shepard is known as the long-time co-host of the television program “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” She is also known as the “Queen of Fashion” in some circles. She has done acting and voice acting as well. Sickle cell disease falls into main types, including Sickle Cell Anemia, Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease, Sickle Beta-Plus Thalassemia and Sickle Beta-Zero Thalassemia. Shepard’s bowling evening routinely brings out such stars as Tatyana Ali, James Pickens, Jr., Loretta Devine and DJ MC Lyte.
4. Parkinson’s Disease (Michael J. Fox): This degenerative disease did not get a lot of play on the national airwaves until Michael J. Fox revealed that he suffers from the disease. This is a disease that eventually results in the inability to move, and it also results in an inability to communicate clearly. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can slow its progression. Michael J. Fox made drew even more attention to Parkinson’s — and created a controversy — when he appeared in ads about the disease and stem cell research, as well as appearing before Congress to give testimony, without taking the medication that keeps his tremors in check. He did so in order to provide a visual of what Parkinson’s disease does to the body.
5. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig): You probably still haven’t heard of ALS. But that’s because, for the most part, no one calls it that anymore. Instead, you probably know ALS as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. At the time that Lou Gehrig had to stop playing for the Yankees, due in part to the ravages of ALS, he was one of the most well-known and beloved public figures. As a result, the entire diseased was sub-titled with his name. The ALS Association still works to raise funds to help those with the disease, and ease the symptoms. Like so many other diseases, there is no cure for ALS, but there is hope that Lou Gehrig’s Disease might some day be defeated.
6. Thyroid problems (Oprah Winfrey): Many of us are unaware of the gland in the body known as the thyroid gland. It is large as endocrine glands go, but you would probably be unimpressed by its size. It is located in the front part of the neck. The thyroid and its gland can cause a number of problems, including issues with weight. In 2007, Oprah Winfrey brought awareness of thyroid problems to the forefront by sharing that she had been diagnosed with a thyroid gland problem. While there are different reasons for thyroid problems, the bottom line is that once this is identified, many health and weight problems can be better managed.
7. Craniosynostosis (Jorge Posada): Jorge Posada is one of the best loved and recognizable players for the Yankees baseball team today. He has been acknowledged a great catcher and a fairly consistent hitter. Posada also has a child affected by craniosynostosis. This disease is defect of the brain that involves closure, prematurely, of the joints between the joints of skull. Surgery can be used to help alleviate the problem, but it is expensive. Posada set up a foundation designed to help provide emotional support and financial assistance to families affected by this problem.
8. Neuroblastoma (Tom Hanks): One of the most devastating diseases that affects children and infants is neuroblastoma. This is a type of cancerous tumor that attacks nerve tissue. The disease can cause a number of issues, including abdominal swelling, rapid pulse and breathing problems. Surgery can be attempted in order to help the condition, and other therapies are available. Tom Hanks has long been a spokesperson for raising awareness of neuroblastoma on behalf of the James Fund. Hanks was inspired by a young boy’s fight with neuroblastoma (which ended with his death at the age of eight), and wrote the forward to a book authored by the boy’s father.
9. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Montel Williams): One of the reasons that multiple sclerosis (MS) is so well-known today is due to the efforts of former talk show host Montel Williams. When Williams shared that he was afflicted with MS, it managed to become more prominent on the national scene. Williams started his own foundation dedicated to fighting MS, and providing funding for organizations and research that attempt to find a cure for the diseases and look at ways to slow the disease. He also wrote a book about his fight with the disease. MS is one of those diseases that cannot be cured, but that can be countered with certain lifestyle choices and actions to help slow the effects of progress.
10. Autism (Doug Flutie): We hear about autism quite a bit these days. But it wasn’t always that way. Diagnosis of autism, and the recognition that there are different forms of the condition, have made leaps since Doug Flutie, Jr., the football player, first started a foundation in an effort to help his autistic son, and others like him. Autism has since become more recognized, and a number of conditions have been put on the “autism spectrum”. Flutie’s foundation provides emotional and financial support for families who are affected by autism. Without Flutie’s efforts, autism may not have the resources that it has today.