In July 2000, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disbursed money to seven unnamed US states for campaigns aimed at curbing the over-prescribing of antibiotics. The campaigns focused on educating both physicians and consumers, because that is the most effective way to change prescribing behavior. According to the CDC, some 50 million courses of antibiotics prescribed by physicians each year may be unnecessary and may lead to antibiotic resistance and other health problems. But you don't have to wait for others to be educated.Here is an article you can print with you and bring to office visits that covers the basics of when antibiotics are and are not warranted.