The Arizona Department of Health Services just released a report on suicides and self-inflicted injuries in Arizona over the last decade, based on information in death certificate and hospital discharge databases. Understanding suicide rates over time gives our communities and partners information about populations to target for intervention. Reducing suicide is one of the leading health priorities [...]
Here it is, Arizona’s top baby names for 2018! For a third year in a row, Emma tops the list for most popular baby girl name and Liam takes the number one spot for boys. The top five girl names in 2018 are Emma, Olivia, Mia, Isabella and Sophia. The top five boy names are Liam, Noah, Sebastian, Oliver and Benjamin. Throughout each year, the Arizona [...]
The Arizona WIC program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community services for income-eligible women who are pregnant and postpartum, infants, and children up to five years old. Arizona WIC is a federally- funded supplemental nutrition and education program that serves almost 135,000 women, infants, and children each month with services [...]
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 the potential link between [...]
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 actions outlined in the [...]
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 than the nationwide [...]
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 your influenza [...]
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 together is as [...]
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 12th annual Eat Smart, Move More, Maintain, [...]
National Adoption Day was Saturday, November 17th, and this year 128 children were adopted in Maricopa County! This annual event is held to raise awareness for the foster-care children nationwide who are waiting to find their forever families. Adoptions for hundreds of children are finalized on this special day. Our Bureau of Vital Records Birth [...]
