Cara M. Christ

/Cara Christ

About Cara Christ

Cara M. Christ, MD, Director Arizona Department of Health Services

October Health Walks Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Prevention

By | October 6th, 2016|Prevention|

There are several special events taking place in October that provide us with great opportunities to get active with our families and friends. The annual events help raise funds for non-profit organizations that help people with treatment of certain cancers, and to find a cure for cancer. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure [...]

Comments Off on October Health Walks Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Prevention

New Treatment Recommendations Released

By | October 5th, 2016|Preparedness|

Tuberculosis (TB) experts recently released new treatment recommendations for health care providers treating patients with drug susceptible TB. It has been thirteen years since new treatment guidance was released. Updated recommendations for drug resistant TB are also in the works. The United States Preventive Service Task Force just released a new recommendation encouraging providers to [...]

Comments Off on New Treatment Recommendations Released

More than 200,000 Quit Smoking in the Last Five Years in Arizona

By | October 4th, 2016|Prevention|

Last week we announced that the adult smoking rate in Arizona is at an all-time low. New data from the CDC shows the 2015 adult smoking rate in Arizona dropped to a historic low of 14 percent, down from 19.3 percent in 2011. This decrease translates to more than 200,000 Arizonans who quit smoking over [...]

ADHS Developing First Community Report on Childhood Cancer in Arizona

By | October 3rd, 2016|Prevention|

The Arizona Cancer Registry and the Office of Cancer Prevention and Control are teaming up to compile the first community report on childhood cancer data and resources in the state. This report will share state and national-level data and seek to offer a list of resources for families battling a childhood cancer diagnosis. This report [...]

Comments Off on ADHS Developing First Community Report on Childhood Cancer in Arizona

Lighting the State Capitol Purple Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence

By | September 30th, 2016|Prevention|

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Abusive behavior can be physical, emotional, sexual, economic and/or psychological and often results in long term public health and social ramifications for the victim(s), including decreased income due to missing work as well as the physical and emotional scars that require healing.  Domestic Violence occurs in all communities and [...]

Comments Off on Lighting the State Capitol Purple Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence

Proper Temperatures Are Critical to Keeping Food Safe

By | September 29th, 2016|Preparedness|

In observance of Food Safety Education Month, we have been covering the four keys to food safety, which are Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill. This week, we will learn more about the final key: Chill. Keeping food at the right temperature prevents bacteria from rapidly multiplying in food and making us sick . Most foodborne illness-causing [...]

Comments Off on Proper Temperatures Are Critical to Keeping Food Safe

Children’s Oral Health a Leading Health Issue in Arizona

By | September 28th, 2016|Prevention|

Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in Arizona. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. In 2015, the Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health, Office of Oral Health completed the Healthy Smiles Healthy Bodies Survey, a [...]

Comments Off on Children’s Oral Health a Leading Health Issue in Arizona

ADHS Staff Participate in Hunger Action Month Social Media Campaign

By | September 27th, 2016|Prevention|

The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks in all 50 states is asking each of us to take steps to bring an end to hunger. Hunger Action Month, which is observed in September, is designed to bring awareness of the fact that 48 million Americans, including 15 million children, are food insecure, according to [...]

Comments Off on ADHS Staff Participate in Hunger Action Month Social Media Campaign

Bureau of Vital Records Participates in National Data Sharing Program

By | September 26th, 2016|Licensing|

This week the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released the 2015 birth data file and accompanying data brief “Births in the United States, 2015.” This report plays a significant role in public health program planning and funding throughout the nation. Our Bureau of Vital Records participated with vital records departments from across the country [...]

Food Safety Education Month Tips: Always Cook to Proper Temperature

By | September 23rd, 2016|Preparedness|

Studies have shown that Americans know food safety is important, but they have also shown we need to be better informed about what food safety looks like in practice. There are four keys to food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill. I’ve already discussed the importance of cleaning and separating. This week, we will learn more [...]

Comments Off on Food Safety Education Month Tips: Always Cook to Proper Temperature