Fewer Than Half of Americans Get Vaccinated Against the Flu

Fewer Than Half of Americans Get Vaccinated Against the Flu

According to health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than half of Americans are being vaccinated against the flu.  Yet influenza remains a leading cause of death in the United States year after year.  Depending on the severity of the virus and other factors, thousands to tens of thousands of Americans die each year from the flu.  The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for all individuals older than six months of age. 

You can greatly reduce your risk of catching the flu by getting a flu shot.  To learn more about the vaccine and other actions you can take to protect yourself against the flu please visit theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

Lawmakers Urge Pro Sports Leagues to Adopt Stronger Policies Against Abuse and Assault

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when Americans join together in rededicating ourselves to eradicating from our society the scourge of domestic violence.

The domestic violence cases within the National Football League recently led to a bipartisan effort to urge the major U.S. sports leagues to review and strengthen their policies regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.  Fifty-seven House members, including Rep. Levin, joined together to send letters to the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer.

Forecast for Midwest: Heavy Downpours on the Rise

The torrential rains that hit the Metro Detroit area on August 11dumped 5-6 inches of rain on our region, resulting in over $1 billion in damage.  In recent years, these heavy downpours are on the increase in the United States, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.

Between 1958 and 2012, large precipitation events in the Midwest have risen 37 percent, according to a study from the latest U.S. National Climate Assessment report.  One reason for the increased heavy rainfall is climate change, as warmer air can contain more water vapor than cooler air. 

Iran Must Fully Disclose Its Nuclear Activities

The U.S. and other nations have been negotiating with Iran about its nuclear program.  With talks set to resume, over 350 members of the House of Representatives, including Rep.Levin, recently wrote a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging him to ensure that Iran is fully transparent about its nuclear activities, particularly those related to the development of nuclear weapons.  The letter expresses serious concern about Iran’s refusal to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.