Topics Related to Chronic Disease and Injury

Thinking about a fresh start in the New Year?Dry January is a great way to kick off 2026 on a healthy note. Start the year by taking part in a month-long break from alcohol. You may experience certain health benefits, such as improved sleep or weight loss.How Alcohol Impacts YouNo amount of alcohol is safe for your health. Each drink increases the risk of harm.Alcohol use can increase the risk of:

Diabetes affects more than 1.3 million people in NC — and that number keeps growing. Even more people are at risk. About 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes. Prediabetes can often be prevented or reversed with healthy lifestyle changes.This November, for Diabetes Awareness Month, take steps to lower your risk and help others do the same. Small changes can make a big difference.

Halloween is a time for costumes, fun and lots of candy! But before you or your kids dig into that trick-or-treat bag, take a few minutes to check the treats to make sure they’re safe.Be aware that some candy-like products, known as edibles, can contain ingredients that are not safe for children. They often look just like regular sweets, which makes it hard to tell the difference.Here are some simple ways to stay safe this Halloween:

Pharmacies in NC can now give COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription after a short discussion on the benefits and risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its recommendations to allow this change.Due to this update, NCDHHS ended standing orders that allowed pharmacies to give COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions. These orders are now not needed with the updated CDC recommendations.

Have you ever wondered what a day in public health looks like? A lot of the work happens quietly, behind the scenes.In the Chronic Disease and Injury section at NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health, people work hard to:Collect informationPrevent sicknessTeach others how to stay healthyWe spent a day with Zaniyah Upchurch to see what her job is like.

Students are back in classrooms across NC, bringing new routines, friendships and challenges.One challenge too many students face is bullying. It's more than "kids being kids." Bullying can affect learning, safety and health.  With awareness and action, schools, parents and students can work together to spot it and stop it.What Bulling Looks LikeBullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that often occurs repeatedly. It can be:

Did you know more than one in five North Carolina adults experienced mental illness in the past year? About one in 20 had a serious mental illness.You're not alone. Free, confidential help is available now.This Mental Health Awareness Month, North Carolina is sharing:

We bet you know someone who works in public health. We're your neighbors and friends, working in every county to protect the health of all North Carolinians.

January is National Radon Action Month, and North Carolinians can get a free radon test kit as of Jan. 1, while supplies last.