His career helps maintain a safe care environment at Arizona State Hospital
Some may have a preconceived image of security guards at major facilities. Perhaps they picture a person in a uniform sitting inside a booth, checking credentials as people come and go, or walking down long corridors looking for suspicious activity. But for 10-year officer Greg Herrera, and the others charged with providing security at the Arizona State Hospital (ASH) in [...]
Food for thought: Stay healthy while feasting on big game and golf
What happens when you combine the year's most-watched sporting event – the Super Bowl, and in Arizona no less – with the year's best-attended golf tournament: the WM Phoenix Open? In addition to an extended celebration, you get food – lots of it, at homes and events. Arizona hasn't seen a week like this since 2015, the last time the [...]
Follow a COVID-19 action plan if you have a weakened immune system
If you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system, it's more important than ever to have a COVID-19 action plan. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the therapeutic agent EVUSHELD is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S. This monoclonal antibody had been prescribed to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems to help [...]
Diabetes action plan focuses on prevention, care, and social determinants of health
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 equity, the 2023 Arizona Diabetes [...]
Before and during pregnancy, take steps to reduce the risk of birth defects
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 chromosomes, are out of parents' [...]
Supporting the physical and mental health of new and expectant mothers
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 found that almost half of [...]