Discussion  Data can be found anywhere and everywhere, especially with hospitals using electronic health records and the fact that most records are now kept electronically. Epidemiologists use this data to look for trends, monitor health, make predictions, examine relationships, and draw inferences. Outcomes of these studies are used to support needed changes in public health to improve health outcomes.

Before selecting data to use, epidemiologists need to make sure they have access to the data and that the data is relevant to the study they are completing. They also need to consider the limitations that may be associated with the data as well as any flaws in data accuracy, as all this will impact the results of the study.

For this discussion, put yourself in the role of an epidemiologist. Explore the different types of data that are available to you. Using your project topic from last week (how the media affects obesity rate in the United States),