On May 19, we recognized No Menthol Sunday, a national observance aimed at raising awareness of the harms associated with menthol cigarettes and promoting the benefits of quitting. This year's event coincides with the Arizona Department of Health Services' renewed commitment to accessible health services through the Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine). The ASHLine's expanded eligibility [...]
Following up on a recent blog, I'm pleased to share that two public service announcements developed for our Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine) won Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards over the weekend. “The Run,” produced by True Story Films, won in the Single Spot Commercial category. “Milestones,” produced by Matter Films and OH Partners, won for Health/Medical [...]
The greatest reward for our Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine) is when someone decides to live their best life free from dependence on nicotine. But it’s always nice to see recognition for the high-quality messaging that helps power this effort. Three public services announcements produced for ASHLine campaigns were nominated this week for Rocky Mountain Emmy [...]
While it is possible for anyone to experience severe illness from the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is critical to point out that the groups at highest risk include individuals who are 65 years and older, and individuals who use tobacco or have underlying health conditions such as a disease of the heart, diabetes, asthma, cancer, or [...]
For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. The event is an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit or to quit smoking that day. [...]
Every year the March of Dimes releases grades based on the National Center for Health Statistics data to calculate preterm birth rates. Arizona received a “C+” grade in the 2019 Premature Birth Report Card, an improvement from last year’s report when Arizona received a “C” grade. The report further highlights disparities across racial and ethnic [...]
Every year the March of Dimes releases grades based on the final National Center for Health Statistics data. Arizona received a “B” grade for the 2017 Premature Birth Report Card. While the preterm birth rate worsened in 43 states in 2016, the rate remained the same in Arizona. A premature birth is defined as 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. The Public Health Prevention Team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for an individual, which improves the [...]
Most people associate lung cancer with tobacco use, but using tobacco can cause several other types of cancers. Using tobacco increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nose and sinuses, larynx (voice box) pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, and ovary (mucinous), as well as acute myeloid [...]
The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative recently released the findings from its from its third annual Women’s Lung Health Barometer. The Lung Association estimates that almost 4,000 women in Arizona and more than 106,000 in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. Our Chronic Disease Office in the Bureau of [...]
