Saving Kid’s Lives
The death of a child is a tragedy not only for their family, but also for our communities- and finding ways to save kids' lives is a sentinel public health goal. But- as is always the case- finding solutions and implementing effective public health interventions requires solid data collection and analysis. That’s where the annual Child Fatality Review Report comes [...]
Painkiller Overdoses
I know I read like a broken record- but prescription painkiller misuse and abuse is a huge public health issue not just here- but nationally. The newest edition of CDC Vital Signs presents information about prescription painkiller overdoses in the United States and highlights promising strategies for addressing the issue. Please share this information broadly with your colleagues and partners and [...]
Helping Folks with Disabilities
Part of my job as the Director is to be the Chair of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council- which expands resources through planning for folks with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council advocates for folks of all ages to achieve the highest possible level of independence while being included in the life of the surrounding community. We rolled out our new Five Year State Plan this week-focusing on employment [...]
Bite the Bullet
There are lots of things about turning 50 that make you stop and think. Near the top of the list is the conversation you’ll have with your doctor about getting a colonoscopy screening to looks for polyps and cancer. Not every polyp turns into cancer, but just about every colon cancer starts as a polyp. And since colon cancer is [...]
What’s Preconception Health- and Why’s it Important?
Being born too soon is the number one killer of infants in Arizona and in the nation. Death rates from prematurity are declining but babies born too soon (before 37 weeks) often face medical, developmental and social challenges as they get older. More than 8,000 babies in Arizona were born too soon last year. This week the March of Dimes released the 2011 [...]
Valley Fever Week
This is Valley Fever Awareness Week- an annual event to provide awareness of coccidioidomycosis (also known as Valley Fever)- the second most commonly reported infectious disease in Arizona. Events for the general public include a “Learn about Valley Fever – Ask the Doctor Your Questions” held in Tucson on Sunday, Nov. 6 and the Walk for Valley Fever in Sun City West on Sunday, Nov. [...]