 Investing in public transportation is investing in public health. The benefits of an equitable, affordable, and safe public transportation system are numerous and can affect communities in surprising ways. With increasing issues involving pollution, traffic-related deaths, and access to healthy food and medical care, the need for policies that support better public transportation systems is becoming more apparent each day.
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 It’s World Breastfeeding Week! To celebrate, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and empower breastfeeding moms everywhere. Breastfeeding is a way to give nourishment to babies, but it offers so much more than sustenance.
 Though we traditionally view health as the result of individual choices, there are many factors outside of our control that influence these choices without us always being aware. Where you live plays a vital role in your health. Depending on your location, living a healthy lifestyle may be easy, or it may be more difficult.
 Arizona is known for its extremely hot temperatures, especially during the summer months. Exposure to extreme heat can be uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can be extremely harmful. Here are ways you and your loved ones can seek relief from the Arizona summer temperatures:
 For many children, summer means days at the pool and quality time spent with their families. However, for some children, summer is associated with hunger. With no school for several weeks, many students will be left wondering where their next meal will come from.
 Food-insecurity and hunger affect far too many Arizonans, including some of our population’s most vulnerable: senior citizens. 46 million people in the U.S. are over the age of 65. Of that 46 million, 2.8 million seniors live in food-insecure households, and an additional 1.2 million seniors who live alone are also food-insecure. Arizona is home to 1.1 million seniors. 15.4 percent of those seniors are food-insecure. Although there are programs and organizations working to aide these community members, a lack of knowledge and stigmas surrounding food assistance are inhibiting true progress.
 A hike or trip to the park with family or friends is a great way to stay active and healthy. Arizona is known for its outdoor activities, but unfortunately not everyone has an equal opportunity to experience them. Some places in our state have a shortage of parks, trails, and public spaces. Investing in these types of areas can have major benefits.  Hunger is an issue that almost 800 million people in the world face every day. In Arizona alone, there are over 1 million people who are food insecure. The United Nations started a program to globally combat these devastating food security and malnutrition problems. National Take a Hike Day is observed annually on November 17. Phoenix is home to more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves and more than 200 miles of trails. Hiking has tons of benefits and is a great way to start to your holiday season. Whether you bring a buddy or take a solo adventure, get out there and enjoy the fresh air, cooler weather, scenery, and exercise. Be sure to dress appropriately, and bring water, sunscreen, and snacks!  The holiday season is right around the corner! Few things warm our hearts more than families gathering for shared meals and creating meaningful memories over the next two months.
Sometimes the stress of the holidays can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of ways you and your family can remain mindful of healthy habits during this holiday season. |
