High suicide rates in Arizona lead to prevention awareness efforts
PHOENIX – The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors walks around Arizona to bring awareness to the problem, especially among ages 15-34.
U.S., Arizona life expectancy fell, driven by deaths of younger people
WASHINGTON - After decades of increases, life expectancy in the U.S. ticked down slightly over three recent years, a drop blamed on a rise in "cause-specific" deaths like suicides and drug overdoses. The decline was mirrored in Arizona, but life expectancy remained higher than the national average.
Social seclusion cited as one factor affecting senior health
WASHINGTON - Pick up the phone and give Grandma a call - advocates say more quality time with elderly citizens could help turn around Arizona's faltering standing in a national report on senior health, with experts citing social seclusion as one of the biggest factors affecting senior health.
ASU develops program to prevent debilitating chronic anxiety in children
PHOENIX – Compass for Courage is helping children deal with and avoid the disabling mental disorder, which can change the way children typically learn, behave and handle their emotions.
Native Americans fight historical discrimination to lower diabetes, obesity rates
PHOENIX – Obesity and diabetes disproportionately affect Native Americans, and many communities are taking steps to curb the costly, devastating and sometimes deadly diseases.
FDA’s sudden increase in legal tobacco age catches retailers off-guard
WASHINGTON - Retailers and local leaders said they were "caught with their pants down" by a Food and Drug Administration announcement last week that it had raised the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.
Jury still out, but officials hopeful about ridesharing to medical care
WASHINGTON - Uber to parties, Uber to work, sure. But to the doctor's office? For some Arizona Medicaid recipients, the answer may be yes, and the state will pick up the tab.The first-in-the-nation program is just six months old, but state officials are enthusiastic about its prospects.
‘We need each other to heal:’ Native Americans help Native Americans overcome domestic violence
LAS VEGAS – Domestic violence affects 4 out of 5 Native American women – more than triple the national average. But some have found healing through what’s known as “Gathering of Native Americans” programs. These culture-based education sessions seek to foster healing through embracing community and tradition.
As maternal mortality rises in U.S., California bucks the trend
PHOENIX – The maternal mortality rate in the United States has continued to rise in recent years, but California is reversing the tragic trend.
Q&A: Facts and figures on maternal mortality in the U.S.
PHOENIX – What is maternal mortality, and what’s being done to reduce it? Here are five facts about the issue and what steps Congress and the states have taken to address it.
‘We can help ourselves:’ Native women come together to confront high rates of maternal mortality
WINDOW ROCK – Death due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth should be preventable with the right intervention and care. Recent investigations have put a national spotlight on the issue, but Native Americans are often left out of the conversation. Now, they’re changing that narrative.
Role reversal: Teen caring for father with Alzheimer’s shares her experience
CERRITOS, Calif. – Emily Jenkins has helped care for her father since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about 10 years ago. She just turned 19.
