Joan's Corner - October 2024 Update
See the newly added Halloween suggestions. Joan has taken the time to review the many options available for Halloween entertainment. After considerable researc...
Joan Koczor
Arizona Department of Health Services
The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona’s children and adults. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. The department operates programs in the following areas:
Arizona typically experiences long periods of high temperatures from May to September. Frequent triple-digit temperatures can increase a person's risk for a heat-related illness. Nearly 3,000 people visit Arizona emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses annually. Some heat-related illnesses can even be fatal. More than 3,200 people have died from excessive exposure to heat from 2012 to 2022.
As a result, the Arizona Department of Health Services has developed a Heat Emergency Response Plan, a Heat Safety Resource Guide, and a bilingual Heat Brochure.
Heat Relief Networks are in place in Maricopa, Pima County and Yuma County. These heat relief networks provide maps of free air-conditioned spaces to get out of the heat, free water, and places to donate water.
To sign up for email alerts and information regarding extreme heat warnings, check out the instructions on our Extreme Weather and Public Health homepage.
As we age, doctor visits become more frequent and hold great significance to our lives. Therefore, it is important to gain a basic knowledge of the various healthcare options available to you and understand some of the treatment options in order to make the right choices for mind and body. Choosing the right doctor and care could have a significant effect on the quality of the rest of your life.
Falls cause significant burden to older Arizonans, to Arizona, and our healthcare system. Annually, preventable falls are costing lives, causing disability and loss of independence.
Many falls are predictable and preventable. It is possible to assess someone's risk for falls through established risk factors and physiological assessment. Targeting and modifying risk factors in those at high risk for falls has been shown to reduce their risk, injuries and number of subsequent falls. Comprehensive, multifactorial falls prevention has promise of reducing healthcare costs, maintaining independence and avoiding disability.
Activity is an essential component of comprehensive, multifactorial falls prevention as it builds balance, strength, stamina and coordination.
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk, and it starts at home. Reducing clutter and tripping hazards around your home will greatly reduce the risk of a fall. Showers and tubs without slip resistant mats, poorly lit rooms, cords and wires, and unsecured throw rugs can all increase your risk for a fall. It does not have to be expensive to create a safer home. Below is a list of ten things you can buy for less than $20 that will lower your risk for a fall.
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