CDC Press Release

E-journal offers access to original research and innovative approaches to public health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced the launch of a peer-reviewed electronic journal, Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy (PCD). The journal will focus on prevention, screening, surveillance, and population-based programs that address the leading causes of the death and disability in the United States.

"Many chronic diseases are largely preventable, and we have the science needed to help Americans lead healthier, longer lives. This free online journal will make the latest prevention research accessible to doctors, public health professionals and others who can put it to work and improve Americans' health," said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.

The first issue of PCD (available online at www.cdc.gov/pcd) includes a video about tobacco control programs and articles about nutrition, dementia surveillance, osteoporosis, population-based interventions for communities of color, diabetes prevention, law, school health, and community-based research and partnerships. Contributors include David L. Katz of Yale, who writes a regular health column for 0 Magazine, and S. Leonard Syme, emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of California at Berkeley.

Chronic diseases are responsible for seven of 10 deaths in the United States or more than 1.7 million deaths each year. The treatment of chronic diseases accounts for 75 percent of the $1.3 trillion spent each year on health care in the United States.

"Public health is at a crucial turning point - we have never had more challenges, but we have also never had more opportunities to make such a difference in the health and well-being of every American. This e-journal provides a unique opportunity to share results and ideas with public health professionals and promote the idea of preventing, rather than simply treating, chronic disease," said Lynne Wilcox, editor-in-chief of Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy.

The journal is currently accepting manuscripts from scientists and public health practitioners in academia, industry, government service, and the community. The journal will be published quarterly. To submit a manuscript or to sign up for a free subscription, visit www.cdc.gov/pcd.

Subscribers to PCD will benefit from the e-journal's multimedia capabilities, including audio and streaming video presentations. Additionally, all articles and transcripts will be available for download.

CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Contact: Chronic Disease Office of Communications
(770) 488-5131