The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report this week in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) about five Arizona children diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness and loss of muscle [...]
We have seen more 1,100 possible opioid overdoses reported to us since the enhanced surveillance executive order went into effect on June 15. With more required reporters reporting, we expected that we might see an increase in the number of overdoses reported. During this four-week period, 146 deaths were reported as suspected opioid overdoses. Expanding the use [...]
In the summer months many of us find our way to a local swimming pool to cool down. Whether you use your own pool, a neighbors’, the community pool, or even a plastic kiddie pool, our Injury Prevention team reminds you to stay vigilant when children are around water. A fun day in the sun [...]
Temperatures in Arizona during the summer soar, and heat-related illnesses are common. Anyone can be susceptible to heat-related illness, but those at greatest risk are children under age four, adults over age 65, homeless people, outdoor workers, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications. Following some simple safety tips [...]
Summer is here, and that means a new set of seasonal fruit to enjoy. Summertime also means an increased risk for foodborne illnesses, as bacteria multiply faster in warmer temperatures. The last thing you want on a vacation, road trip, or at a backyard barbecue are sick kids. Thankfully, washing fruits thoroughly can keep them [...]
Parents, are you ready for the new school year? Meeting teachers, organizing backpacks, and packing lunches are some of the many things you are prepared for, but what about your child’s vaccination status? As the first day of school approaches, take a quick second to review Arizona’s state mandated immunization requirements for children entering child [...]
The Douglas City Council voted July 12 to increase the age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 years of age to 21 years of age, which is an initiative known as Tobacco 21 or T21. It is now the second community in Arizona and the first border community within Arizona to do so. [...]
With three weeks of real time data reported to us, there has been 661 possible opioid overdoses in Arizona, with 8 percent of those resulting in death. This is cumulative data since Governor Ducey’s executive order for enhanced surveillance went into effect on June 15. The report for June 15 to July 6 shows that the highest [...]
Temperatures in many areas of the state won’t be dwindling down anytime soon, so practicing good sun safety is important. Wearing sunscreen every day is the one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can damage your skin. Wear sunscreen with an SPF [...]
Each summer, free healthy meals are available to children ages 18 and younger at approved sites across Arizona as part of the Summer Lunch Buddies program. Sites are operated by schools, nonprofit agencies or local governments and are located in low-income neighborhoods where many children receive free or reduced price school breakfast and lunch during [...]
