Every day, public health works to keep Arizonans healthy and well by promoting good choices like healthy eating, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, vaccinations, and injury prevention through seatbelt and helmet use. We know that these choices lead to good health, but we also know that it's not always easy—or even possible—to make these choices. Many factors, including something known as [...]
In the summer months many of us find our way to a local swimming pool to cool down. Whether you use your own pool, a neighbors’, the community pool, or even a plastic kiddie pool, our Injury Prevention team reminds you to stay vigilant when children are around water. A fun day in the sun [...]
The bright flash of red, white, and blue accompanied by a thunderous boom defines Independence Day for many Americans. Dozens of professional fireworks shows are preceded and followed by thousands of amateur exhibitions. Arizona relaxed its stance towards the sale and use of fireworks a few years ago but the danger remains. Our Injury Prevention team [...]
Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans. The Public Health Prevention Team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for an individual, which improves the [...]
As parents we need to be vigilant to keep our kids safe with their new holiday toys. Always double check to make sure toys are age appropriate. Many toys have small, moving parts that can become a danger. Sometimes it’s not the toy itself but something hidden, like a battery, that can be a choking hazard. If [...]
Our department's injury surveillance system achieved an overall score of 86.1 percent in a Traffic Records Assessment that was just completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We exceeded the 24-state average score of 64.3 percent. The Traffic Records Assessment was managed by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, which worked with staff from our [...]
Occupational injuries and illnesses are significant but preventable public health problems, which can result in both healthcare and economic costs for workers and employers. We recently conducted an analysis using nationally recognized occupational health indicators in order to better understand Arizona’s occupational health successes and opportunities. The first Arizona Occupational Health Hazard Indicator Report was released this summer. The [...]
Our Women’s and Children’s Health team administers the AZ federal maternal Child Health Block Grant. This grant is authorized through Title V of the Social Security Act and has been in place since 1935. Every 5 years we look at the health and well-being of Arizona’s women and children and develop our top priorities based [...]
Last year 3,663 refugees resettled in Arizona from 45 different countries (about 1/3 were from Iraq). Refugees have a variety of pressing social, economic and health needs when they arrive. That’s where our ADHS Refugee Health Program comes in. Our Refugee Health Coordinator, Zachary Holden, works with partners to ensure that refugees arrive healthy and maintain good [...]
A new report from the CDC shows some good news for older adults in Arizona. According to the report, people in Arizona have a life expectancy of more than 20 years after the age of 65, with 15 of those years healthy. This places Arizona as one of the top states in the nation for [...]
