In a noteworthy partnership to battle Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD), the Pima County Health Department (PCHD) is turning its focus towards an often-overlooked culprit: tobacco. This progressive move is part of a larger conversation on brain health and aging, with a keen eye on prevention and risk reduction. With smoking pinpointed as a leading risk factor for ADRD, the PCHD has aligned with the Arizona Department of Health Services to take a stand.
The collaboration was spurred by findings from the City of South Tucson Community Convenings on May 30 and June 25, noted for their diverse attendee list spanning faith-based groups to educational and health institutions. These gatherings, hosted at locales such as the El Pueblo Activity Center and Eckstrom-Columbus Library, were focused on promoting brain health across all life stages. Subsequent plans are in motion to leverage existing community resources, amplify prevention messaging, and hone a screening tool for better addressing community health needs, as reported by Pima County
Algurie Wilson, president of the Coalition for African American Health and Wellness, underscored the vital importance of safeguarding the youth from brain injuries common in contact sports and recreational activities. "One important piece is protecting youth from brain injury, whether through playing contact sports, wearing proper equipment while cycling or roller skating, aligning with the community’s aspiration from independent aging without burdening loved ones," Wilson told PCHD, as per Pima County.
Reinforcing the sentiment, Beth Francis from the Pima Joint Technical Education District emphasized the role of the young in disease prevention. She stated, "JTED’s collaboration on the dementia risk reduction task force empowers our health high school students to become future advocates for healthier lifestyles, reducing the incidence of cognitive disorders in their communities." This empowerment is crucial in Arizona, where a staggering 65.7% of residents reportedly live with at least a single risk factor for dementia.
There's an urgent call to action for those looking to kick tobacco to the curb, and PCHD has resources available for those looking to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping. Interested individuals can find support and information on PCHD's Tobacco Prevention & Cessation webpage.
