TMC granted zoning rights to start expansion

The Tucson Medical Center plans to expand its hospital on Grant and Craycroft Roads in Tucson, Ariz. got a huge boost from the Tucson City Council's New zoning approval last week.

Currently, the TMC is a maze of hallways and scattered buildings. Nurses have to be carted from building to building and patients experience more time traveling than multi-story medical facilities.

The planned area development for the property will revamp the area into a modern and more efficient medical facility.

"After nearly four years of work, we have successfully passed a major initial hurdle in getting the new Tucson Medical Center built for the community," said the TMC in response to the rezoning approval.

Some neighbors are still concerned the construction will lead to unwanted noise, increased traffic and blocked views.

The medical center is working to quell the concern by working with neighbors on design and agreements in the interest of both parties.

The TMC is the largest health-care facility in Southern Arizona. More than 6,000 babies are born each year, emergency visits total 90,000 and more than 30,000 people are admitted annually, according to the hospital's figures.

The TMC opened in 1943 and has undergone construction throughout the decades. This is the largest reconstruction of the hospital.

Zoom into the border region

Border alliances helping meet future health goals

The U.S.- Mexico border region suffers from a long list of health conditions and unhealthiness. Those who live 62 miles north and south of the line have among the highest rates of blood and cholesterol levels, obesity and diabetes in the U.S. The region's diets are out of control causing cardiovascular disease to be more common in the Hispanic population.

The problems have caught the attention of various health groups who previously worked independently. The U.S. Mexico Border Health Commission and Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, created alliances between various qualified health centers and organizations to attempt improve the health of the border region.

"The goals are increasing partnerships and creating a network to increase resources," said Laura Reichhardt, Arizona Coordinator for the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Outreach office with the Arizona Department of Health Services. "Many areas of in the region need health improvement."

A few of the organizations working together to achieve health goals include: the Mexico Secretariat of Health and Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the Health Initiative of Americas, the Pan American Health Organization, the ten U.S.-Mexico border states and the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association.

Last week the Alliance for a Healthy Border, the name of the partnership, held Border Binational Health Week in the region to recommend lifestyle changes and address public health issues.

There is still a lot of work to be done.

The population of Hispanics is expected to reach 102 million by 2050 and make up nearly 25% of the total U.S. population. Right now, access to care is limited and increases in health conditions are predicted. Latino life expectancy rates are lower along the 2,000 mile border region than any other part of the United States.

To date, the Alliance has helped more than 11,000 people - a number that would have to jump drastically to have any profound impact on the Hispanic population's health, according to a press release. Although, evaluations by the University of Texas Pan-American shows that those who received educational and community outreach lost weight and had lower blood sugar levels.

Flu shots are readily available

Tucson, Ariz. - A number of medical clinics are offering affordable flu shots at various locations throughout the city to limit the spread of influenza virus.

In past years shortages have plagued the number of available vaccinations, but this year the vaccines are readily available.

"There are no shortages of vaccines this year," said Marilyn D., a registered nurse immunizing people at Fry's groceries store, 4150 E. 22nd St. "We encourage everyone to get flu shots."

On average, more than 225,000 people are hospitalized for influenza, or the common "flu", and nearly 37,000 die - most of whom are elderly.

Influenza Q&A

Mollen Immunization Clinics, a phoenix based medical practice, is offering more than 3,000 flu shot clinics in Arizona during this years flu season which began Sept. 19th.

Immunization clinics flu shot locations and schedule

"People can get the flu from being out in public and contact with other people," Marilyn said. "The most vulnerable are the infants and elderly."

Influenza symptoms include a fever, sore throat, chills, headache, fatigue and coughing.

The best time to get the influenza vaccine is in October and November, or up to two months later. Most influenza cases occur in January or February, but the flu season run through May.

If you are considering the influenza vaccine you might want to speak with your doctor before if you have severe allergies or already sick.

A small amount of people may experience severe reaction from the vaccine one or two days after the dose.

Phoenix Children's Project

The Phoenix Children's Project provides children and families in need with more than food and clothing, they build trust and self-esteem to prepare them for the future.   The Project is ran entirely by volunteers and donations.  Many of the children come from broken homes and lives of poverty, but are loved and happy.  

Doing activities like basketball, football and mountain climbing provides the kids with experiences that build character and improves social skills.  As well, the Project rewards hard work and good grades through more incentives.

The Phoenix Children's Project works with parents to teach them how to care for their children and support their families.  Most come from poor areas and have little education and income. 

Many of the children suffer due to their parents inability to teach them the vital lessons of life. This starts them off on the wrong path in life and the Project strives to redirect them to be successful and learn to achieve.  

Volunteers and donations are always needed.  Some of the most needed items are dishes, computers, washing machines, beds, diapers and holiday decorations.  

The holiday season is approaching fast and the organization is dependent on donations to make the children's holidays one to remember.  Many of the kids have never experienced the joy of opening a present under the christmas tree.  

For information about how to volunteer call (602) 955-2228 or email helpingkids@phoenixchildren.org

Projects and programs are a great way to meet the children and become involved in improving the life of one or several kids.  Painting is an example of a great way to teach and enrich a child.  Halloween is the closest holiday and the Project needs volunteers to setup the event and participate in activities.  

Visit Phoenix Children's Project