Selected 2015 Infectious Disease Stats
This is the time of year when we start closing out all of our infectious disease data from the previous year. That means our epidemiology and data entry staff will be hard at work to identify potential duplicate cases, make sure reported disease cases are classified correctly and similarly between the state and local health departments, and finalize our year [...]
Adding Physical Activity to Your Daily Routine Will Improve Your Overall Health
Like many people, you may be making your health a priority in the new year. Did you know that being physically active can help you increase your chances to live longer, feel better about yourself, decrease your chances of becoming depressed, sleep well at night, and stay at or get to a healthy weight? Adding activity into your [...]
Arizona is Prepared for Public Health Emergencies
Every day our staff works with local public health and healthcare partners to prepare for and respond to all kinds of public health threats. Looking back at 2015, we addressed infectious disease threats like Ebola, measles, chikungunya, and Salmonella; environmental threats like wildfires, monsoons, and floods; and potential health security threats at Superbowl XLIX. This work requires partnership across many areas [...]
Birth Defects Prevention Month Highlights Preconception Health
Earlier this month I highlighted Folic Acid Awareness Week and PowerMeA2Z as part of National Birth Defects Prevention Month. I also want to recognize Governor Doug Ducey's proclamation declaring January 2016 as Birth Defects Prevention Month in Arizona. There are approximately 700 serious birth defects reported each year in Arizona, which are tracked by the Arizona Birth Defects Monitoring Program. [...]
Cervical Cancer Screenings Vital for Women’s Health
As we come to a close on the first month of 2016, it is important to revisit the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year. One important way to stay healthy this year and for years to come is to get screened for cancer. For women, getting screened for cervical cancer is one of the best ways to [...]
Targeting Children at Risk for Lead Poisoning
Every year children in Arizona are identified with elevated blood lead levels. Even at low levels, children's intelligence, behavior, hearing, and growth can be irreparably damaged. Most children will not have any symptoms. The only way to detect lead poisoning is through a blood test . In 2015, an estimated 432 newly identified elevated blood lead level cases were reported [...]