Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans. The Public Health Prevention Team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for an individual, which improves the [...]
Note: This week is National Public Health Week. This week I have a five-part public health series that explores the vast network of programs and services that help improve the health and wellness of all Arizonans. Public health includes programs that work to ensure that we are safe whether in everyday life or during an [...]
The CDC's Office on Smoking Health published an article in the JAMA Pediatrics titled "Secondhand Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Among US Youths." The report says the extent to which youth are exposed is unknown. Through self-reporting, about 40 percent of teens reported being exposed within the past 30 days. The article calls for education [...]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation's health protection agency, working 24/7 to protect America from health and safety threats, both foreign and domestic. In 1951, CDC established the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a two-year postgraduate fellowship for health professionals interested in public health and epidemiology. EIS officers are physicians, veterinarians, [...]
The CDC estimates that antibiotic resistance is responsible for more than two million infections and 23,000 deaths each year in the United States. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are dedicated to promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Common antimicrobials are disinfectants and antiseptics, along with antibiotics. Effective use can lead to a decrease in patient illness and [...]
Our Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease has joined forces with community partners to educate the public about Alzheimer's disease and the growing challenge in our state. We're starting a public awareness program called All In for Alzheimer's with our partners KTAR, the Alzheimer's Association, the Arizona Center on Aging, Hospice of the Valley, the [...]
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients can get while receiving medical treatment for something else in a healthcare facility. These infections can have devastating emotional, financial, and medical consequences. The National Patient Safety Foundation reminds us of the importance of safe patient care. This year's United for Patient Safety Campaign focuses on making [...]
World TB Day is recognized every year on March 24th. In the United States, Tuberculosis (TB) remains under control; however continued work must be done to reach TB elimination. The newly released numbers from Arizona’s TB Control Program show a decrease of reported TB cases from 198 cases (2015) to 188 cases (2016). This is [...]
More than 12 million people in the U.S. live with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, according the Brain Injury Association of America. A person with a severe brain injury may need to be hospitalized and have long term health issues that affect memory, learning, coordination and balance, speech, hearing, vision, and emotions. Most [...]
Our Office of Infectious Disease Services has released their 2015 Infectious Disease Outbreak Summary Report, documenting outbreak detection, response, and reporting throughout Arizona. An outbreak is an unexpected increase in the number of people with the same disease at the same time or in the same place. The public health response to outbreaks is a team effort, utilizing knowledge, [...]
