Middlesex County has been selected to be part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Each year, 5,000 residents across the nation have the chance to participate in the latest survey, which is used to gather data to assess the health and nutritional status of children and adults in the United States, according to information provided by the Middlesex County Office of Communication. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the CDC, conducts the survey.
“NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up,’ going into communities to collect health information throughout the country,” NCHS Director Charles J. Rothwell said in the statement. “The survey is a unique resource for health information, and without it we would lack important knowledge about major health conditions.”
Research results from previous NHANES surveys have been used to help address important health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the statement.
The CDC will randomly select residents to participate. Survey staff will collect information through interviews and schedule a physical exam at no cost. Survey information gathered will be kept in the strictest of confidence at all times.
Participants will be given the results of their exam, which they can review with their healthcare provider if they choose.
“Middlesex County is one of 15 counties nationwide selected to be part of this important initiative. The information collected will help health professionals gain a better understanding on how to diagnose, treat and prevent disease,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said in the statement.
“For the past 55 years, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. NHANES data are used to produce national references and are used to create standardized growth charts for pediatricians across the country,” Freeholder Shanti Narra, chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee, said in the statement.
Participants will receive compensation for time and travel expenses of up to $125. Participants also receive a free and confidential health and nutrition evaluation.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or call the CDC’s toll-free number at 1-800-452-6115.