Arizona saw children’s obesity drop after WIC required healthier foods
WASHINGTON - The obesity rate among young Arizona children in the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program declined from 2010 to 2016 after the program changed its rules to require healthier food, one of 41 states to see obesity rates fall, a new report says.
Food insecurity is at a decade low in Arizona, report says
PHOENIX – Not having access to food is an issue across the country, but in Arizona, food insecurity has decreased over the past 10 years.
Prescription for nature: Grant aims to boost patient health through park time
PHOENIX – A new initiative encourages Arizona health care providers to “prescribe” park time for patients. It’s part of a larger effort to get people out and about to help battle mental and physical problems.
Farm-to-school programs revitalize health in nutritionally underserved communities
MESA – Latino communities have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, in part because of food deserts and the abundance of unhealthy food choices. To find a lasting solution, an elementary school in Mesa is teaching children about nutrition and agriculture through gardening.
Phoenix Shanti Group to close, but leaves legacy of AIDS/HIV treatment
PHOENIX – Phoenix’s longest-serving treatment center for HIV+ people in metro Phoenix is set to close in 2020.
Federal grant helps Phoenix clinics provide low cost dental care
PHOENIX – Mountain Park Health Center has been awarded a $300,000 federal grant to update equipment and expand its dental program.
Preterm births inched up in Arizona, but 2018 rate still beat nation
WASHINGTON - Rising rates of preterm births in 30 states - Arizona included - are a sign that health care providers are "failing our many mothers and babies," say advocates, as the release a report showing premature births hit 9.5% in Arizona and 10% nationally last year.
‘In this for the long haul’: How a labor organizer’s daughter became a force for rural health care
PHOENIX – Jill Guernsey de Zapien She helped start a program in southeastern Arizona to bring better care to rural residents, particularly farmworkers.
As valley fever education increases, so does the infection’s reach
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – With valley fever being rare outside of California and Arizona, California places legislation to warn at- risk workers.
Por Tu Salud wellness program benefits businesses and their Hispanic employees
PHOENIX – A new initiative helps Arizona companies create and promote a culture of good health among Hispanic employees. The initiative is free for Arizona businesses.
Grant allows Native American nonprofit to expand medical services in Phoenix
PHOENIX - A federal grant awarded to Native American Connections in Phoenix will allow the group to provide primary care medical services to patients. The group already offers substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Periods get political: Arizonans rally to demand end to ‘tampon tax’
PHOENIX – Amid a growing push for “menstrual equity,” dozens of activists from across Arizona convened for the first National Period Day protest to call for an end to taxation of menstrual products and more widespread availability of items to help those who can’t afford them.
