Arizona Mission of Mercy Event
Oral health is more than just a nice smile. Having good oral health improves a person’s ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew and eat. Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked with other serious health problems like heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as premature births. Given […]
Updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
For the first time in 10 years, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated national physical activity guidelines with evidence-based recommendations for everyone ages three and up to get the physical activity they need to stay healthy. I am excited about these updated guidelines as they support […]
2018 State Heath Assessment
Did you know the average life expectancy can vary by as much as 14 years depending on where you live in Arizona? Did you know that Arizona has seen an 85% drop in teen pregnancy in the past decade? And did you know Arizona has lower rates of cancer and heart disease […]
Haven’t gotten your flu shot this year? It’s not too late!
Arizona’s last influenza season was record breaking. More than 35,000 people in Arizona were reported to be sick with flu – more people than during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic! Similarly, the rest of the country was hit hard last season with nearly one million Americans hospitalized and over 80,000 dying from flu.
Getting […]
Tips for Visiting Friends and Loved Ones in Long-term Care and Assisted Living Facilities During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, visiting friends and family residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is a top priority for many. The visits, while strongly recommended by those involved in health care and aging, are sometimes very emotional. We highly recommend that visitors plan ahead to ensure that the time spent […]
Holiday Challenge: Maintain, Don’t Gain!
Did you know many Americans gain between one and five pounds each holiday season? That doesn’t sound like much, but most people never manage to lose those extra pounds. However, you can do something to enjoy holiday festivities without the weight gain.
I am inviting you to join the […]
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
