Memorial Day signals the start of summer break for many kids in Arizona as well as triple digit temperatures. Many people are preparing for upcoming outdoor activities with friends and family. While enjoying the holiday grilling or relaxing by the pool, it is important to remember safety tips to protect yourself from the Arizona heat and sun.
Despite heat-related illnesses being preventable, 2,874 heat-related illness emergency department visits occurred last year in Arizona. The most affected areas were counties located in southern and western Arizona. To raise awareness about heat safety, the Arizona Department of Health Services has teamed up with the National Weather Service for Arizona Heat Awareness Week from May 28 – June 1st, 2018.
Please feel free to follow us on social media (#AZHeat, #AZwx) to share safety tips, which are intended to help remind family, friends, and visitors to Arizona about ways to stay safe while outdoors.
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
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