Preventing the spread of many diseases can be done through simple vaccinations. While most are not fans of needles, getting the recommended shots can protect someone from becoming ill.

A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that, fortunately, more teens are getting the recommendation vaccinations.

The survey of more than 20,000 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 revealed a 15 percent increase in vaccinations for pre-teens. The number of vaccinations for meningococcal conjugate increased to 54 percent and the number of girls receiving at least the first dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine increased to approximately 44 percent.

CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases director Dr. Anne Schuchat says that while the increase in immunization is encouraging, more work needs to be done.

"We can see that more parents of adolescents are electing to protect their children from serious diseases such as pertussis, meningitis, and cervical cancer, but there is clear room for improvement in our system's ability to reach this age group," said Schuchat.

Patients should discuss with their doctor what their health insurance plan with cover in addition to any potential side effects when considering getting a vaccine. Potential side effects for the meningococcal vaccine tend to be mild and include fever and headache.

Efforts are underway to help break the cycle of America's obesity epidemic. The Healthy Incentives pilot program aims to provide nutritious food options to low-income families.

Families in western Massachusetts who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) will be eligible for the discount. Those who use SNAP will be credited 30 cents for each dollar spent on produce. It's hoped that the automatic discount on healthier food will spur low-income families to eat healthier diets.

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama discussed the health care expenses that arise from obesity.

"One-third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma," said Obama.

The American Heart Association notes that many weight-related conditions children today are being diagnosed with weren't typically seen until adulthood until quite recently. People who are unhealthy as children tend to become unhealthy adults. Those in poor health may find themselves paying higher health insurance premiums.