For the past several years stroke has been recognized as the fourth leading disease-related cause of death in Arizona, making it eligible for tobacco tax funding under Proposition 303. Our Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease (BTCD) has been dedicating a portion of tobacco tax revenues to fund the development of healthcare systems aimed at increasing the [...]
On September 17 we held the first ever Viral Hepatitis Summit sponsored by Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI). There were 85 healthcare personnel and public health professionals in attendance, including physicians, social workers, nurses and pharmacists from all over Arizona. Some of the topics included adhering to hepatitis B and C testing guidelines, accessing treatment for hepatitis C, and [...]
Last flu season was a rough one, mainly because the influenza A (H3) strain in the vaccine did not match the circulating A (H3) strain that was making most people sick. This season, CDC believes the strains in the vaccine will be a good match against the currently circulating strains and provide better protection. Although the flu [...]
Throughout the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, local health departments in Arizona have worked with ADHS, CDC, and other federal partners to monitor travelers returning from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for signs and symptoms of Ebola. Since October 17, local public health in Arizona has monitored more than 200 returning travelers. As disease prevention and [...]
As part of our on-going cardiac resuscitation quality improvement program, the Bureau of EMS and Trauma System along with the University of Arizona (UA) has made tremendous strides in saving lives by translating basic science advancements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) research into action by emergency providers. The discoveries have led to important changes in national standards and spawned the enormous [...]
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 [...]
Half of the adults in the United States are living with a chronic disease which includes heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death in the U.S. The way to reduce this trend may just be a step away. Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote [...]
A healthcare provider's strong recommendation for vaccination has an enormous influence on whether patients of all ages receive recommended vaccines and the protection against dangerous diseases that these vaccines give. At ADHS, we implement many strategies to support the healthcare providers who provide community protection through vaccination. Staff in our Assessment, Feedback, Incentive, and eXchange [...]
Perinatal depression is one of the most common medical complications women experience during pregnancy and the first 12 months after delivery. It can affect up to one in seven women and if left untreated and undetected, perinatal depression can be damaging to the growth and healthy development of very young children as well as the [...]
Our public health communication efforts received notable honors this month. The National Public Health Information Coalition announced the winners of the 15 Awards for Excellence in Public Health Communications, and Arizona received five awards. The awards are a given in several categories of health communications, such as media relations, Internet and new media, and radio [...]
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