Flu vaccine cuts heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths, study finds
A new study released by the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran suggests that getting a flu shot could help reduce a person’s risk of having a heart attack. The findings were published this week in Scientific Reports. The study said that in a meta-analysis of over 9,000 patients, flu shots reduced the risk […]
Inside The University of Arizona’s Cancer Center in Tucson
TUCSON, AZ — Hundreds of clinical trials could one day not only change lives but maybe even save lives — and it’s all happening right here in Arizona. The University of Arizona’s Cancer Center in Tucson is the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated facility and ABC15 recently got to see part of it for ourselves. […]
Thousands of discharged LGBTQ+ veterans still being denied benefits
When Annabel “Annie” Reyes joined the Navy in 2007, she expected to spend most of her life serving her country. But a lifelong dream of military service was cut short just two years later after Reyes was kicked out of the military for being gay under the now repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. “It […]
Salmonella from pet food sickens 6 infants, prompting multiple recalls
Health officials are investigating seven salmonella cases tied to Mid America Pet Food, which has recalled its pet food brands for both cats and dogs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven salmonella cases have been reported across seven states (Minnesota, California, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida), with six of these cases involving […]
Valley veteran raising awareness about mental health
As we approach Veterans Day, ABC15 is taking a closer look at issues impacting veterans here in Arizona and across the country. Veterans are 57% more likely to die by suicide – that’s according to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs. But the mental health concerns extend beyond that. ABC15 recently sat down […]
HEALTH INSIDER: Are plant-based diets safe for kids?
PHOENIX — Whether you are considering switching your family to a plant-based diet or have a child who refuses to eat meat or dairy, some have questions about nutritional safety. In this interview with ABC15 Health Insider Dr. Shad Marvasti, we discuss how to safely implement vegan or vegetarian diets at a young age. Dr. […]
This home appliance can put out more benzene than secondhand smoke
Gas stoves can put out more benzene into your home than secondhand smoke from cigarettes, according to a study. Benzene is a known cancer-causing chemical that is widely used across the U.S. to make things like plastic, resin and synthetic fibers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Stanford-led study published in the American Chemical […]
What’s the latest to know about COVID, flu vaccines as respiratory virus season begins?
As the United States heads into the cold-weather months, respiratory virus season has also arrived, with cases of influenza and COVID-19 likely to increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up-to-date and get a flu vaccine and a COVID vaccine, and that it’s safe […]
Tempe raises age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years old after unanimous vote
TEMPE, AZ — Tempe has voted to raise the age a person can purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old. Following a second and final public discussion Thursday evening, the city council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance, to raise the age. The ordinance also installs fines and fees to ensure retailers are […]
Maricopa County has had more heat-related deaths in 2023 than any year on record
PHOENIX — Maricopa County has officially had more heat-related deaths in 2023 than any other year on record. That’s according to the latest report from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Released Wednesday, the report confirmed 469 heat-associated deaths in 2023. The old record, set last year, was 420. The county tied that record […]