CDC reports slight drop in smoking; tick worries blood experts

News outlets report on a variety of public health issues.

National Journal: Smoking Drops A Little In 2010: CDC
Fewer American adults are smoking cigarettes, and those who do are smoking less, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Tuesday. The CDC's latest data from 2010 show that an estimated 19.3 percent of American adults, or 45.3 million people, smoke. This is a slight decline from 20.9 percent in 2005. Of those adults who smoke, the new data show, 78.2 percent -- or 35.4 million -- do so every day (Fox, 9/7).

USA Today: Tick-Borne Parasite May Be Creeping Into Blood Supply
A potentially life-threatening parasite in ticks capable of causing malaria-like illness is more prevalent than doctors realized and can be transmitted through blood transfusions. It has infected at least 122 people since 2000, says a study out Tuesday by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Weise, 9/7).

Chicago Tribune: HPV Vaccination Rates Low Nationwide
A nationwide survey of 13- to 17-year-old girls by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 found that only about half had received at least one dose of the three-part HPV vaccination series. Illinois was at the low end, according to the CDC results released in August, with only 39.7 percent of female adolescents receiving at least one dose of the series and only 26 percent receiving the full three doses (Neumann, 9/7).

Chicago Sun-Times: Dental Visits Can Detect More Than Just Cavities
Dentists check for a host of health conditions when patients come in for regular visits, which is why skipping or nixing visits can be disastrous. … Built-up bacteria from plaque on teeth can cause periodontal or gum diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis (Posey, 9/6).

The Miami Herald / The Sun Sentinel: Flu Shots Start Early This Year -; And They're Less Of A Pain
Getting a flu shot is normally a topic for small talk in the fall and winter. This year, it's summer fare. And there's more: A tiny, so-called "painless" needle will take most of the sting out of flu protection this year (LaMendola, 9/6).