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 [...]
Taking the family to play in the snow? These tips will make sledding safer
An abundance of snow no doubt has many Arizonans planning trips to the high country. If your family fun will include sledding, please take along some advice to play safely. The Arizona State Trauma Registry maintained by ADHS Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System recorded 40 sledding injuries between 2019 and 2021. And these are just the injuries that required [...]
COVID-19 Boosters for Seniors: A new resource for those at greater risk of severe illness
It's important for everyone to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccination. But all evidence points to an even greater need for older Arizonans to get the lifesaving protection offered by the current bivalent booster, which targets Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective, widely available, and free. That's one reason why we've launched a website, azhealth.gov/BoostersForSeniors, to make it [...]