Take the Disease Prevention Test
You can do a lot to keep yourself healthy. Avoiding germs, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest—all these steps and others can put you on the road to good health. How much do you know about preventing disease? Take this quiz and find out.
1. How are infectious diseases, such as colds and influenza, most commonly spread?
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The most common way to catch infectious illnesses is to touch the mouth, nose, or eyes with hands that are contaminated with germs such as virus or bacteria, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Which is the most important hygiene habit to teach young children?
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Be sure to use plenty of soap and water when you wash, the CDC says.
3. Stress has been linked to which of these health problems?
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Stress can affects the body in many ways, including dampening your immune system and making it more likely that you'll get sick. It can worsen health problems you already have and contribute to the development of others.
4. Which of these will help keep your immune system strong?
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A weakened immune system allows viruses and diseases to gain a foothold.
5. Which of these is the highest risk factor for diabetes?
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Type 2 diabetes affects four out of five people who are 20 percent or more overweight, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
6. Alcoholism is among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. Which of these rank higher?
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Each year, 440,000 Americans die from smoking-related causes, 100,000 die from alcohol-related causes, according to the CDC.
7. Which of these measures can reduce the risk of contracting communicable sexual diseases, such as genital herpes?
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It may be best for preventing genital herpes because it protects a larger area. About 20 percent of U.S. adults suffer from the disease, according to the CDC.
8. When should infants start vaccinations against serious diseases?
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Today's schedule of vaccines now assures that children are also protected from chickenpox and hepatitis B in addition to polio, measles, and other infectious diseases.
9. Which of these can sabotage healthful sleep habits?
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If you suffer from insomnia, taking a nap in the afternoon can disrupt your nightly sleep pattern, the National Sleep Foundation says. Don't substitute a nap for a good night's sleep.
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