Testing for syphilis during pregnancy protects you and your baby
Last year, more than 100 babies were born with syphilis in Arizona, including nine who were stillborn. Syphilis is completely preventable through timely testing and treatment. Testing should take place three times during pregnancy – at the first prenatal care visit, early in the third trimester (around 28-32 weeks), and at delivery. In Arizona, there is currently a statewide outbreak [...]
The ADHS COVID-19 Data Dashboard is changing; here’s why
Throughout the pandemic, your state government and Arizona’s hospitals have worked together to provide data critical to understanding and responding to the invisible enemy that is COVID-19. This partnership has made the ADHS COVID-19 Data Dashboard a go-to resource for the public, news media, and Arizona leaders. Updated daily and enhanced many times over these many months, Arizona’s public dashboard [...]
Mobile vaccination clinics help make COVID-19 vaccines available to all
When the last state-run COVID-19 mass-vaccination site closed last June, with millions of Arizonans already protected, former ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ noted that in many ways the hardest work was just beginning. The vaccine was and continues to be widely available around the state. The focus for ADHS, local health departments, and others had shifted to reaching people who [...]
Start small, live big: Make heart health a priority
Understandably, as most people made a concerted effort to stay safe from COVID-19, some other important health concerns may have received less attention during the past two years. As we mark American Heart Month, now is the perfect time to increase your focus on cardiovascular health. The Start Small, Live Big campaign from the Alliance for Million Hearts and the [...]
ADHS program helps mothers, babies get off to a healthier start, comprehensive study finds
An ADHS program to educate pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations is resulting in healthier babies across Arizona. A comprehensive evaluation covering 2006-2016 found that participation in Arizona’s Health Start Program improved low birthweight and preterm birth outcomes, prenatal care attendance, and on-time child immunizations. The report, which included more than 7,200 births, [...]
Make safety your goal with Super Bowl party food
In just a few days, friends and families will gather for Super Bowl parties, and we want to be sure you and your guests are safe – including from foodborne illness. Here are some tips to keep everyone focused on football and smiling about the great food to be enjoyed during the game: Wash up: Wash your hands before you [...]