Prevention

/Prevention

Topics here will include issues that fall into the Prevention Division of the agency, which include – as the name implies – programs that help prevent disease in our state. You will find information about chronic diseases (cancer, heart health, breathing disorders) as well as tobacco use prevention. This area also includes education about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infant and Children programs; both USDA programs that help provide nutrition to lower income residents.

Follow Safety Guidelines for Fireworks to Keep Your Family Safe

By | June 30th, 2016|Prevention|

For many people Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. There are dozens of public fireworks shows around the state, but some people like shooting them at home. Fireworks are legal in Arizona although some communities have banned them due to wildfire concerns . The best thing you can do to keep your family safe [...]

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Youth Tobacco Rates Continue to Drop in Arizona

By | June 22nd, 2016|Newborn Screening, Prevention|

We’re seeing a downward trend in Arizona with youth tobacco prevalence that is similar to the national trend , according to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey. The percentage of Arizona’s high school youth who have ever tried smoking has decreased from 46.5 percent in 2011 to 37 percent in 2015, a decrease of almost 20 [...]

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Summer Lunch Buddies Program helping Families Find Healthy Meals

By | June 20th, 2016|Prevention|

During the school year in Arizona, nearly 650,000 meals are served at schools each day. Last summer, the Summer Food Service Program served 16,007 meals each day at schools and other sites. Meals are served at a variety of community sites, but many families do not know about the program. Our staff and the Arizona Department [...]

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E-Cigarettes are the Next Battlefront in Tobacco Prevention

By | June 10th, 2016|General, Prevention|

In the last several years electronic cigarettes have gained popularity, especially among youth, as a “safe” alternative to traditional cigarettes. A recent report from the CDC showed that while youth smoking rates are decreasing nationwide and in Arizona, there has been a significant rise in the use of e-cigarettes. The report showed that the rise in use [...]

Reducing Tobacco Use in Arizona: Keeping Our Foot On the Gas

By | June 9th, 2016|General, Prevention|

Arizona has been among the nation’s leaders in helping its residents quit using tobacco, and even better, never start using tobacco. Thanks to our dedicated staff in the Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease and countless partners in communities throughout Arizona, I’m pleased to report that our commitment to success has only intensified. In the past two [...]

Turning the Tide on Prescription Drug Abuse

By | June 8th, 2016|Prevention|

Arizona continues to battle the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. On average, an Arizonan dies every day from an overdose due to prescription pain relievers . We’ve been on the battle lines with partner organizations, such as the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, and the Board of Pharmacy, as part of [...]

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Stakeholder Meeting Examines Preventive Health for Adolescents

By | June 7th, 2016|Prevention|

Adolescence is a critical period of change. It is a time when teens develop life skills needed to successfully transition from childhood to adulthood that includes physical, intellectual and emotional changes. Adolescents who receive preventive health care are more likely to graduate from high school, and are more prepared to make that successful transition to [...]

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It’s Getting Hot in Here!

By | June 3rd, 2016|General, Preparedness, Prevention|

The scorching heat is right around the corner this weekend with heat warnings for nearly all of Arizona (Coconino, Yavapai, Graham, Pima, Cochise, Greenlee, Santa Cruz, Pinal, La Paz, Maricopa, Yuma, and Mohave Counties). Temperatures may reach 108 to 115 °F. High outdoor temperatures aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re dangerous. Year after year, nearly 2,000 [...]

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Early Intervention for Speech and Hearing is a Vital Component of Public Health

By | June 1st, 2016|Prevention|

The role of early intervention is key in public health, especially when it comes to speech and hearing. May was Better Speech and Hearing Month and the theme this year was "Communication Takes Care." An estimated 40 million Americans experience speech or hearing disorders. In Arizona, hearing screening statutes mandate all educational institutions, including private, charter and [...]

Arizona Nutrition Network Meeting a Success

By | May 23rd, 2016|Prevention|

Nearly 150 people participated in the Arizona Nutrition Network's two-day annual contractors meeting held earlier this month in Phoenix. The event featured national and local speakers on implementing policy, systems, and environmental change strategies to improve healthy eating and active living opportunities in Arizona. The meeting highlighted the synergy and collaborative efforts between the Arizona [...]

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