Prevention

/Prevention

Topics here will include issues that fall into the Prevention Division of the agency, which include – as the name implies – programs that help prevent disease in our state. You will find information about chronic diseases (cancer, heart health, breathing disorders) as well as tobacco use prevention. This area also includes education about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infant and Children programs; both USDA programs that help provide nutrition to lower income residents.

Teal pumpkins promote safe spaces for kids with allergies

By | October 26th, 2022|Prevention|

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 [...]

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Positive experiences help children bounce back from adverse events

By | October 19th, 2022|Prevention|

You may have heard about adverse childhood experiences, potentially traumatic events that could have lifelong health consequences. But there is increasing attention focused on positive childhood experiences that help children build resilience and recover from significant adversity or trauma. Researchers have noticed that children with resilience have better health outcomes and develop the ability to plan [...]

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‘Together We Rise’: Ensuring access to breast cancer screenings

By | October 13th, 2022|Prevention|

With breast cancer, as with other cancers and many other diseases, early detection makes a positive outcome more likely. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Arizona, with an estimated 6,110 cases expected to be diagnosed in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.  It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which promotes educating yourself and [...]

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Smoking cessation PSAs win Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards

By | October 3rd, 2022|Prevention|

Following up on a recent blog, I'm pleased to share that two public service announcements developed for our Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine) won Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards over the weekend.  “The Run,” produced by True Story Films, won in the Single Spot Commercial category. “Milestones,” produced by Matter Films and OH Partners, won for Health/Medical [...]

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Fungus Disease Awareness Week: Valley fever not the only concern in Arizona

By | September 22nd, 2022|Prevention|

In Arizona and nearby areas in the Southwest, there's a strong likelihood that a person who develops a fungal infection is facing Valley fever. After all, roughly two-thirds of the nation's Valley fever cases are diagnosed in Arizona. There have been more than 7,000 cases diagnosed in our state this year. However, there are many [...]

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Working to achieve a goal of zero suicides

By | September 21st, 2022|Prevention|

As we mark national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I’m highlighting the new suicide prevention website at azhealth.gov/PreventSuicide that connects people with information and help.  Resources include:  Details on groups that are disproportionately affected groups including LBGTQ, older adults, teenagers, veterans, American Indians, and those who have survived previous attempts at self harm Local and national [...]

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Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report available for 2020-2021

By | September 9th, 2022|Prevention|

More than 2,000 Arizonans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2021, with fentanyl the most commonly reported drug in opioid overdoses. You'll find this and other key information in the just-published Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report, 2020-2021. Producing this report is just one way ADHS continues to battle a crisis in which five Arizonans die [...]

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Pregnant? Protect your baby by not drinking alcohol

By | September 8th, 2022|Prevention|

Those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant share the goal of having a healthy baby. In addition to getting proper prenatal care, there's one more step prospective parents can take: Avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Month and Sept. 9 — the 9th [...]

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You can make a difference in preventing suicides

By | September 6th, 2022|Prevention|

As the 10th-leading cause of death in Arizona – and the second-leading cause of death among those age 10 through 34 – suicide is a major public health concern in our state. But knowing what to do when someone you know is at risk for self harm may make the difference in preventing a suicide. [...]

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Health Start program wins approval for community health worker training curriculum

By | August 30th, 2022|Prevention|

Health Start, an ADHS program that educates pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations, will now be able to help even more Arizona babies get a healthier start. A curriculum developed by the ADHS Health Start team has been approved for use in training community health workers, who will [...]

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