When Mario Enciso moved to Arizona from San Diego in 2011, he could not have known that he'd see his future each day as he drove between his downtown Phoenix apartment and his master's level classes in music therapy at Arizona State University. "I chose to live downtown because it was central," he said. "On [...]
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 [...]
For most people who get COVID-19, isolation, rest, and following a doctor's advice leads back to full health within a few weeks, especially if you were up-to-date on vaccination. If you can't shake fatigue a month or more later, however, chances are you're among the millions of Americans facing long COVID. Also referred to as [...]
I've said it before, and I'll say it again now: COVID-19 vaccines save lives. The latest strong evidence is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study that underscores the benefits of vaccination for older people and others at higher risk of severe COVID-19. It links COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021 with 650,000 fewer hospitalizations [...]
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 [...]
Children ages 5 and older may now receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters targeting Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 as well as the original coronavirus. This is important news for parents of kids in this age group who are vaccinated, as this bivalent booster includes protection against the highly transmissible and immune-evading variants that dominate [...]
As a scientist in the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory, Sarah Brown found a calling she found more fulfilling than a private sector career. She and others in the ADHS chemical emergency response program are trained to deliver critical intelligence to medical providers and political decision-makers in the event of terrorism. "Hospitals need to know [...]
Arizona may not be among six states experiencing an outbreak of disease from listeria bacteria linked to brands of cheese sold nationwide, but the episode provides a reminder about the importance of taking steps to avoid foodborne illness. So far in 2022, there have been four cases of listeriosis in Arizona unrelated to the current [...]
Nearly 200,000 Arizonans have received new COVID-19 boosters designed to guard against current Omicron subvariants that have dominated around the country. Even with millions in our state fully vaccinated, that number needs to be much, much higher to protect our most vulnerable against severe outcomes. There has been considerable news coverage nationally about lower-than-hoped-for uptake [...]
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 [...]
