March has been celebrated as National Nutrition Month for 50 years by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work in a variety of settings including health care, education, industry, and government. Public health nutrition is the application of nutrition and public health principles to design programs, systems, policies and environments that aim [...]
Not long ago, colorectal cancer was thought to be a concern mostly for those age 50 and older. But with more cases of this deadly cancer being found among those in their 40s or younger, doctors nationwide recommend testing by age 45 or sooner for those with identified risk factors. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness [...]
Eating disorders are complex illnesses that can have serious effects on health. They can affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sizes and shapes. About 9% of Arizonans will have an eating disorder in their lifetimes. Prevention, early screening, and treatment are important, and full recovery from an eating disorder is [...]
Diabetes is a relentless disease that affects many families in Arizona and across the United States. A new report from ADHS explains just how much diabetes impacts our state's health care system and communities, and recommends ways to improve the health of Arizonans by reducing the burden of diabetes. With a goal of achieving health [...]
Across America, one baby in every 33 is born with a birth defect. In Arizona, that translates to about 2,400 children each year born with any of a number of diagnoses, including Down syndrome, heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Many causes of birth defects, such as changes in genes and [...]
Maternal health is a key priority at ADHS. During the week when we mark Maternal Health Awareness Day, I'm highlighting two recent initiatives aimed at improving the health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and newborns. One is a recent report summarizing data on maternal mortality related to mental health conditions and substance use disorder. It [...]
"Milestones," an award-winning public service announcement from the Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine), begins with one man's decision to end dependence on commercial tobacco. It then follows the health benefits that multiply in the years after that last cigarette. This year's Great American Smokeout focuses on what gets someone to day one of life without commercial [...]
No one knows a community better than the people who live there. Someone who has spent a lifetime in Tuba City, Seligman, or Yuma knows the people who live there, what makes the community unique, and what health care solutions are needed. That's the idea behind the Community Health Worker movement, which has roots in [...]
For most children, trick-or-treating is a fun way to dress in costumes and collect their favorite candy. But for children with food allergies, this weekend's festivities can present a tempting danger. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food [...]
"I don't vape, because there's no point to it and I have better things to do with my life." That wisdom comes from Serenity, a pilot who is part of the Unvape Generation you'll meet at unvape.org. She joins other young people who, unafraid of a future without nicotine, share on the ADHS YouTube channel [...]
