MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Prevalence of Physically Active Adults – United States, 2007

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

This analysis provides baseline data for the proportion of respondents who reported meeting minimum levels of aerobic activity according using criteria from the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The proportion of persons who report meeting the new 2008 Guidelines is higher than previous estimates using Healthy People 2010 objectives. However, the variations in the proportion of persons who report meeting aerobic physical activity reflect the changes in definition of physical activity, and should not be attributed to an actual increase in the physical activity levels of the population. A recent CDC report indicated that over one-third of U.S. adults do not report meeting the minimum requirements for aerobic physical activity set forth in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The 2008 Guidelines, released by the Department of Health and Human Services on October 7, provide the first major scientific review of the amount of physical activity needed to provide health benefits in over a decade. The 2008 Guidelines recommend adults participate weekly in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate-and vigorous-intensity activity, in episodes of at least 10 minutes. Muscle-strengthening activities are also recommended at least twice per week. The new 2008 Guidelines encourage a range of activities, and allow individuals to design their own way to meet the guidelines.

Neurological Illness Associated with Occupational Exposure to 1-Bromopropane – New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 2007-2008

PRESS CONTACT: Fred Blosser
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(202) 245-0645

Clinicians and public health professionals should be alert to the potential health risks of 1-Bromopropane, also called 1-BP and n-propyl bromide, use within industrial and commercial processes, such as dry cleaning and electronics manufacturing, and effective control methods should be used to limit exposure to 1-BP. Occupational exposure to 1-BP, a solvent that increasingly is used industrially as a substitute for ozone-depleting compounds, poses a potential health risk in workers. Two cases recently reported through regional poison control centers involve two workers in the electronics and dry cleaning industries with symptoms of neurotoxicity associated with 1-BP, including confusion, difficulty focusing the vision, unusual fatigue, headache, and twitching. Due to the recent introduction of 1-BP within many industrial processes, and the nonspecific nature of potential health effects, the incidence of similar cases is unknown. Clinicians and public health professionals should be alert to this potential risk, and employers should use effective control measures to limit occupational exposures.

Progress in Global Measles Control and Mortality Reduction, 2000-2007

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Measles deaths worldwide fell by 74 percent between 2000 and 2007, from an estimated 750 000 to 197 000. In addition, the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan, has cut measles deaths by a remarkable 90 percent — from an estimated 96 000 to 10 000 — during the same period, thus achieving the United Nations goal to reduce measles deaths by 90 percent by 2010, three years early. From 2000 to 2007, measles deaths fell by 74 percent globally, from an estimated 750,000 to 197,000. During this period, the largest reductions occurred in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean where deaths dropped by 89 percent and 90 percent respectively. The world′s success in reaching the 2010 measles goal depends on ensuring that all children receive two doses of measles vaccine including one dose by their first birthday, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and providing effective treatment for measles.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES