The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in reported and confirmed Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) cases in 2018. AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness. AFM has a number of causes, including viruses, such as enterovirus and West Nile virus, and a [...]
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) occurs globally from October 14 - 20 and raises awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety. The 2018 theme, “Protecting Patients Everywhere,” emphasizes how keeping patients safe from infection is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re in a healthcare facility or in the community, there are things you [...]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background. It happens among married or not married couples, those who are dating, living together, and partners in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence comes in many forms. The abuse may be physical, sexual, [...]
The 2018–2019 influenza season has arrived in Arizona! Since the beginning of October, Arizona had 56 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported from 10 counties, compared to 16 cases typically seen at this time of year. This means if you and your family have not been vaccinated for this season, now is the time. The influenza [...]
Thousands of Arizona kids will get bullied this month, and only 20-30 percent of those kids will report what happened to an adult. At the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), we are working to help kids stop bullying and share concerns with teachers and parents. This week, our Must Stop Bullying campaign is releasing [...]
October is National Farm to School Month. Schools and early care and education programs throughout Arizona are participating in the 2018 Farm Fresh Challenge sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education. Participating sites are working to serve more products that are Arizona grown and raised. School garden celebration and other events are taking place to [...]
October 10 is a big day here in Arizona and around the country. Kids and their parents will join together to celebrate the benefits of physical activity on International Walk to School Day. From Flagstaff to Sahuarita, Walk to School events across Arizona will highlight safe and walkable routes to school and encourage families to [...]
Although many types of fungal disease occur in our country, there is one that poses the greatest risk to our health in the desert southwest. In Arizona, valley fever has a large impact with over 5,000 reported cases, 700 hospitalizations, and 50 deaths each year. To raise awareness about this disease, the Arizona Department of Health Services [...]
Did you know that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or playpen, in the same room as a parent or caregiver? Watch our video on the ABC’s of Safe Sleep: Alone on my Back in a Crib. According to the Child Fatality Review Program, 41 Arizona babies died in 2016 while co-sleeping, which [...]
As National Preparedness Month comes to an end, remember that preparing for emergencies and disasters is a year-round effort. Arizona may not be vulnerable to destructive hurricanes like Florence, but we are at risk of flooding, wildfires, power outages, severe weather, and other unforeseen hazards. One question to ask yourself, your friends, and your family [...]
