Guard against a potentially deadly amoeba in bodies of fresh water
As the swim season comes to a close, there is a tragic reminder about the dangers of a potentially deadly amoeba found in lakes, rivers, hot springs, and other bodies with warm water. A boy believed to have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri recently passed after swimming and diving in Kingman Wash on the Arizona side of Lake Mead. Naegleria [...]
Teal pumpkins promote safe spaces for kids with allergies
For most children, trick-or-treating is a fun way to dress in costumes and collect their favorite candy. But for children with food allergies, this weekend's festivities can present a tempting danger. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies – and the many [...]
The Unvape Generation keeps on growing
"I don't vape, because there's no point to it and I have better things to do with my life." That wisdom comes from Serenity, a pilot who is part of the Unvape Generation you'll meet at unvape.org. She joins other young people who, unafraid of a future without nicotine, share on the ADHS YouTube channel and in social media posts [...]
2021 Trauma Report identifies opportunities for injury prevention
Public health oversees many areas, one of which is the Arizona trauma system. Each year, the State Trauma Advisory Board collaborates with the ADHS Bureau of EMS and Trauma System to publish a report summarizing trauma in Arizona. Data reported to the Arizona State Trauma Registry from Arizona trauma centers is analyzed to illustrate top mechanisms of injury, trauma mortality, [...]
Respiratory diseases heating up as the weather cools down
The weather may be cooling down, but respiratory diseases are beginning to heat up in Arizona. Common cold-causing viruses such as rhinovirus and enterovirus are circulating at this time throughout the U.S. The 2022-2023 influenza season recently began Oct. 2, but we’re already seeing a higher rate of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity than usual. So far, three [...]
At the Arizona State Hospital, a therapist’s music helps with healing
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 my daily trips to class [...]