Topics Related to Families

Did you know underage drinking often takes place in the summer?  

Summer months bring vacations, parties and time with friends. During this time of year, it is important to be aware of how alcohol can impact young people.

When you’re pregnant, your heart works twice as hard. It is running a marathon every day to support you and your growing baby.  

Even if you are young and feel healthy, pregnancy puts a lot of extra stress on your body. This stress can show hidden heart problems or cause a sudden jump in your blood pressure. From the time you become pregnant until your baby’s first birthday, heart problems are the top health risk you face.  

In North Carolina, many families get their drinking water from private wells. Unlike city water, which is tested regularly by water providers, private well owners must test their own water. That means it is up to each family to make sure their water is safe.

Water from private wells can contain harmful germs or chemicals you can’t see, smell or taste. If well water is not routinely tested, families may drink unsafe water without knowing it. This can lead to stomach problems, skin rashes or more serious health issues over time.

To keep the public informed, NCDHHS has launched a new Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard. The dashboard will be updated around noon twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with new case and exposure information. To protect privacy, no personal details about people who are sick will be shared.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the silent killer for a reason. You can't see it or smell it, but it can make you very sick — or even be deadly. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide exposure, and thousands more get sick and need medical care.1

November is National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. It's a good reminder to check your home, car and workplace for ways to prevent CO exposure. All CO poisonings can be prevented.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by:

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, know there are two steps you can take to stay safe and enjoy your treats.

On Halloween, families go door-to-door trick-or-treating. One of the biggest safety risks is passing cars. 

Recent news releases:

North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season. An adult in the western part of the state died from flu complications in early October.

“This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.”

— State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore