- Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act are the same thing.
True -- The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.
- Because college students are young and healthy they don't need the flu vaccine every year.
False -- Young adults are just as likely to get the flu as children or adults. Young adults are less at risk for complications of the flu because they are healthy with strong immune systems. People at highest risk for complications are very young children and elderly adults. But even healthy people can have severe complications from the flu. The CDC strongly recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone older than 6 months.
- Four of the actors who previously played the role of the "Marlboro Man" in cigarette advertising have died of smoking-related causes.
True -- The most recent Marlboro Man, Eric Lawson, died in 2014 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He took up the habit of smoking at the age of 14.
- More than one-third of US adults are obese.
True -- According to the CDC, 34.9 percent of adults in the US are obese and approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese.
- The World Health Organization recently recommended countries raise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent chronic disease and tooth decay.
True -- The World Health Organization recommended countries raise taxes on sugary drinks to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. The World Health Organization’s report, which coincided with World Obesity Day, also said that the revenue from taxes could be used to provide health services, and that reducing the price of fresh produce can promote healthy eating.
- Four out of five people who use heroin started with prescription drugs.
True -- And the risk is even higher for teens and adults in their early 20s.
- I don't need to get HPV vaccine because I'm not sexually active.
False -- Human papillomavirus is so common that most people will get it during their lives, even if they have sex with only one other person. The CDC recommends the vaccine for teens and young adults up to age 26. The vaccine protects against genital warts and several types of cancer. You can receive this vaccine at the health center without an appointment.
Answers to "What do you know about public health?" quiz
The quiz ended April 11, but here are the questions, with answers!