Health and Medicine, Archive - AZPM News - Local, independent journalism from the NPR 89.1 newsroom

Students from "The Class of 2024" after performing their essays.

The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.

Feb 26, 2025 Also on Arizona Spotlight: TIHAN provides kindness and support to those living with HIV or AIDS; and a new Ten-Minute Drama.

Pat Grenier, a Tucson native and former carpenter, has spent years cycling between the Pima County Jail and court-mandated mental health treatment. His family says many of the institutions designed to help the mentally ill and their families still have major gaps in service.

The Buzz: Mental healthcare in the Pima County Jail

Feb 21, 2025 The Buzz partners with Arizona Luminaria to tell the story of how one man and his family navigate complex mental health and justice systems.

Local elected officials, public health and climate advocates talked about the benefits of electric vehicle provisions, tax credits and health benefits in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2024. From left to right: Arizona State Director of Climate Cabinet Nick Arnold, political and policy director of Rural Arizona Engagement Antonio Ramirez, chair and co-founder of Arizona Health Physicians for Climate Action Dr. Brian Drummond and Tucson councilmember Kevin Dahl. In a statement from the Mayor of Tucson Regina Romero, the city has received $40 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand its EV fleet and infrastructure.

Tucson leaders push for support to expand clean energy

Feb 18, 2025 Climate change is straining healthcare systems– advocates say clean energy can help.

Today's parents are putting more time into child care and work than they were two decades ago, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's 2024 advisory. That leaves parents with less time for themselves, their partners and leisure activities.

Parents, are you worried about burnout? Here are 3 red flags to watch out for

Feb 14, 2025 Parenting can keep you on your toes all day. But if you find it so physically and mentally draining you can't enjoy family time, it may be a sign of burnout. Here's what you can do about it.

Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Feb 12, 2025 They say the Arizona corrections department lacks the leadership to comply with changes ordered by a judge in a 2012 lawsuit over the quality of health care for prisoners.

Many people rely on opioids to manage chronic pain.

Native communities in Arizona to receive $500,000 grant to combat opioid misuse

Feb 12, 2025 Grant will support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in tribal and urban Indian communities.

Measles manifests as a red blotchy rash which appears around day 3 of the illness, first on the face, and then becoming generalized. Measles kills thousands of children across the globe every year.

As measles cases rise, a new book warns parents not to underestimate the disease

Feb 11, 2025 As childhood vaccination rates drop in the U.S., outbreaks of measles are rising. In his new book, Dr. Adam Ratner makes the case that this is a bad sign for public health.

A box of tissues, a digital thermometer, and other home care remedies on a nightstand.

Flu cases rise again, while COVID takes a back seat

Feb 7, 2025 It's an unusual winter for respiratory illnesses. The flu is peaking twice: once in early January and again in February.

"Free flu shot" sign outside of Walgreens on Speedway Blvd.

Winter illnesses return with a vengeance

Feb 7, 2025 The number of people catching the flu is skyrocketing, while COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viral illnesses are also rising.

Attorney General Kris Mayes speaking with attendees on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives on opening day of the 57th legislature in Phoenix, Arizona. January 13, 2025

‘Absolutely appalled’ Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues Trump Administration over $3 trillion federal funding freeze

Jan 29, 2025 The Trump administration walked back the freeze after public outcry.

An Arizona lawmaker wants ultra-processed foods out of school lunches.

The Buzz: Removing ultra-processed foods from school meals

Jan 17, 2025 A bill in the Arizona legislature aims to pull foods with certain ingredients from what public schools serve.

FDA bans the food dye Red No. 3

Jan 15, 2025 The petroleum based color additive that's been used for decades, gives foods and drinks bright, flashy coloring.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs gives her third State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz.

Governor Katie Hobbs targets school voucher reform and accountability in State of the State Address

Jan 13, 2025 Hobbs outlines 2025 plans for housing, childcare, education reform, water security, and public safety.

iPhone fitness rings track steps, movement, and exercise. A new study shows evidence that even small amounts of movement can add up to support better mental health.

Feeling down? Taking a walk could help, new research shows

Jan 5, 2025 Getting your steps in can reduce depression, research finds.

What planners want The Homing Project in Tucson to look like.

The Buzz: Catching up with some of our 2024 interviewees

Dec 20, 2024 We check back in on four stories we covered this year to see how they are doing.

Arizona completes statewide water testing for PFAS ahead of updated EPA regulations deadlines

Dec 19, 2024 88% of water systems sampled meet new federal standards, 12% exceed newly established levels.

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