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Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. About 10% of Americans older than age 40 years have diverticulosis, which, when the pouches become infected or inflamed, is called diverticulitis. The main cause of diverticular disease is a low-fiber diet.
Approximately one in three babies in the United States is now delivered by cesarean section. The number of cesarean sections in the United States has risen 46% since 1996.
Illicit drug use costs the United States approximately $181 billion every year.
Excessive alcohol use costs the country approximately $235 billion every year.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.