Northwest Fire District’s governing board approved a contract for Michael J. Brandt to become its fire chief, dropping the “interim” from his current title when the two-year contract kicks in on May 28.

(BPT) - Imagine what it’s like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence.

(BPT) - Often, we don’t think about heroism until we see it in action - when disaster strikes and ordinary people exhibit extraordinary courage and compassion to help victims in their time of need. The truth is, however, that the best of human nature is on display every day in the lives of millions of Americans who work in public service jobs across the country. Sometimes all it takes to tap that inner hero is an opportunity – and the education – to serve others.

(NAPSI)—You may have heard that drinking 8-ounce glasses of water a day is good for your health. But what if the water you’re drinking isn’t as good for you as you think—due to drinking water contaminants?

When Oro Valley Town Council gave initial approval for the Aquatic Center in December 2011, it was with the vision that the facility would be both an economic driver for the town and an improvement to quality of life for our residents. It has been just two short months since our grand opening, and I am proud to announce that the facility has been an overwhelming success on both accounts.

Century Theatres

(BPT) - American women spend more time taking care of their families, homes and jobs than themselves. With so much time invested in caring for others, women can overlook the importance of their own health. Yet, neglecting their own health needs can make it much harder for women to also take care of those they love.

(BPT) - For the estimated 3.2 million Americans living with chronic hepatitis C, talking to a physician about treatment options for the disease now is an important first step. Untreated chronic hepatitis C may lead to serious health consequences, including cirrhosis - or permanent scarring of the liver - liver failure and liver cancer.

(NAPSI)—Superfruits—fruits that are exceptionally rich in vitamins and antioxidants—are popular ingredients in a variety of healthy foods.

(NAPSI)—The next time you consider expanding your family to include a hamster, Guinea pig, bunny or other small pet, you won’t be alone. Some 16 million U.S. families currently co-habitate with small pets, according to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey.

(BPT) - As the population continues to age at an unprecedented rate, the concern about age-related eye disease comes more into focus.

(NewsUSA) - Mental illness affects one in four Americans, yet it's often absent from public conversations about health care. Now is the time to raise awareness and build support for the 57 million Americans struggling with mental health issues.

Pima Community College’s Center for Training and Development invites all alumni, employees and current students, staff and stakeholders to attend the CTD Reunion Picnic on Saturday, May 4.

(BPT) - If you’ve ever felt sick or battled a bug, you may have asked your doctor for an antibiotic. Ever since the advent of these wonder drugs, these medications have one common goal: fight bacteria in the body to help maintain a healthy immune system. As new medical breakthroughs emerge, the role of antibiotics has also evolved and helped patients dealing with anything from ear infections to serious lung infections like pneumonia.

For the first time in more than 40 years, graduating University of Arizona Wildcats will gather at Arizona Stadium to celebrate their transition from hardworking students to proud alumni.

(BPT) - For baby boomers and beyond, a lot has changed since they first received their drivers’ license, from car technology and traffic rules, to even road conditions. Many older drivers are taking a proactive approach to staying safe on the road. Most wear a seat belt – 77 percent of drivers age 65 and older according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – and most obey the speed limit and avoid the road when conditions are bad. But a few surprising steps can help older drivers stay even safer.

During the annual State of the Town Address on April 26, Marana Mayor Ed Honea said Marana will continue to stay true to its core mission, which is devoted to strong public infrastructure, public safety and public services.

After a March election that demonstrated overwhelming support for a town-owned wastewater treatment facility, members of the Marana Citizen’s Forum are looking at the next logical step forward for this session’s topic – the development of North Marana.

(BPT) - For millions of Americans, the battle against heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions goes on year round. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women.

(BPT) - Is your backyard ready for bliss this summer? You probably look forward to spending as much time outdoors as possible during warmer months. But do you really have everything you need to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor living space from dawn to dusk – and beyond?

As we observe National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), the Pima County Health Department would like to recognize local child care providers who have scored between 95-100 percent on their first immunization data report, which is a record of children immunized within their centers.

(BPT) - More than 1 million Americans have a lifelong, or chronic, infection of hepatitis B. This includes one out of every 12 Asian Americans. If you or your parents were born in Asia or the Pacific Islands, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get tested for hepatitis B.

The largest graduating class in Pima Community College history will receive degrees and certificates on May 16.

(NewsUSA) - Thanks to the new healthcare law, starting October 1st there'll be a whole new way to shop for health insurance for yourself, your family or your small business: the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whether you're uninsured or buy your own coverage, the Marketplace will help you find insurance that fits your needs and your budget, with less hassle.

(NAPSI)--A recent survey by the American Sexual Health Association revealed a troubling lack of information about a potentially serious--but readily curable--condition.