September is National Preparedness Month, and during this time we encourage you to talk to your elderly neighbors and family members to make sure they have a plan in case of an emergency, big or small.

Be prepared and have at least a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and clean drinking water.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the National Park Service and the California Department of Public Health on an investigation of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in people who stayed at Yosemite National Park during June through August 2012. The purpose of this HAN Advisory is to inform state health departments and health care providers to be alert to the possibility of HPS in patients who may have had recent exposure to rodents or a history of travel to Yosemite National Park during this period.

Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported with West Nile virus disease. Outbreaks occur each summer however, this year, some areas of the country are experiencing earlier and greater activity. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and solid-organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness if they are infected. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features of West Nile virus disease is valuable for clinicians. Join us for this COCA call where a subject matter expert will review epidemiology, modes of transmission, clinical features, appropriate use of diagnostics, and treatment and prevention options for West Nile virus infections.

Follow the advice of state & local authorities when a hurricane watch or warning is issued. Tune in to the radio or television for hurricane and evacuation information about your area.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

The practice of tattooing has been around for thousands of years. These days, 21% of adults in the United States report having at least one piece of permanent artwork on their bodies.One question few people may consider, however, is "What exactly went into that ink you're about to inject into my skin?"

The overall approach to emergencies and disasters has recently shifted from post-impact activities to a more systematic and comprehensive process of risk management. Disaster risk management underlying goal is to reduce risk to both human life and systems important to livelihood, and includes both pre-impact disaster risk reduction and post-impact humanitarian and development action. During this call, a CDC subject matter expert will discuss the importance of disaster risk reduction for reducing adverse health effects of disasters and how application of the basic tenets of preventive medicine and public health can result in a more humane and cost-effective approach to emergency management. Participate by Phone: 1-800-619-2685 / Passcode: COCA and join us online.

Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue and charcoal grills outside and away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

West Nile virus season is off to an early start this year, which doesn't bode well for what's to come. Most West Nile virus exposures in the United States occur from July through October, with a peak during the first two weeks of August.

Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or hurricane water. Learn other signs to look for to know whether food is safe.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

Twelve years of school, countless numbers of standardized test, a tassel, a diploma, and a college acceptance letter and you are fully prepared for college, or are you? We've put together a few helpful tips on how to get ready for college.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

There are often many hazards in a hurricane-damaged home. Learn how to stay safe when it's time to return home.

Multiple infections with variant* influenza A (H3N2v) viruses have been identified in 3 states in recent weeks. From July 12 through August 3, 2012, 16 cases of H3N2v were reported and confirmed by CDC. This virus was first detected in humans in July 2011. It has also been isolated in U.S.

Power outages and traffic jams are not unusual for India. But never before has half the country lost power all at once.

COCA Email Update: July 16 - July 30, 2012