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) - The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and pollen counts are soaring ... and that means millions of Americans are dealing with the sneezing and wheezing that comes with seasonal allergies. While allergies are sometimes considered an uncomfortable nuisance, for the 25 million Americans with asthma, seasonal allergies can trigger serious attacks that if not managed properly could lead to a visit to the ER. In fact, asthma is responsible for half a million hospitalizations each year – 60 percent of which are caused by patients not taking their medication as prescribed.

(BPT) - Warm weather is here, bringing barbecues, picnics and more time spent outdoors. Everyone should be able to enjoy these popular pastimes, including the up to six million Americans at risk for a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. For these people, a bee sting, shrimp on the barbecue or a latex balloon may lead to a life-threatening emergency. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place to help avoid allergens and be prepared if accidental contact occurs.

(NewsUSA) - Many of the key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- better known as ObamaCare -- are already coming into effect this year.

(NewsUSA) - Five to 10 percent.

(NAPSI)If youre among the nearly 75 percent of menopausal women who suffer from hot flashes,¹ it can be tough to enjoy the sunny weather worrying about a sudden hot flash in summertime. And since hot weather tends to be a common hot flash trigger,² these sudden feelings of warmth can be exacerbated. But, with just a little planning and preparation you can get on the right track to an enjoyable summer.

(BPT) - Learning that you have a disease or medical condition can be overwhelming. You need to learn more about your condition. You may get advice from all directions – from well-meaning friends and family, the Internet, magazines, newspapers and television. But in the end, you want to understand your treatment options so that you can discuss your choices with your health care provider.

(BPT) - Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Not everyone will sign up, but it’s important to understand the importance of early choices when enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

(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.

Choosing a dentist can be daunting. How do you know if your dentist is up-to-date with the latest technologies? That he or she has been keeping up on the latest in care? That equipment is clean? And that the billing process will be a smooth one? 

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.

(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)—An estimated 72 million Americans are affected by obesity, with nearly one out of three affected by excess weight. Yet, according to some experts, a weight loss of even 5 percent may improve health and reduce risks of some diseases.

(NAPSI)Cancer is one of the most widespread diseases and the leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly one in 24 Americans are living with some form of cancer, so chances are you know someone with the disease.

(StatePoint) Choosing a dentist can be daunting. How do you know if your dentist is up-to-date with the latest technologies? That he or she has been keeping up on the latest in care? That equipment is clean? And that the billing process will be a smooth one? 

(BPT) - April is National Minority Health Month, a time to increase awareness of diseases and health conditions that disproportionately impact minorities. African-Americans are one group of minorities that are more likely to have certain conditions, and hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of them. While anyone can develop hypertension, research shows that African-Americans are 40 percent more likely than Caucasians to have the condition.

Pima County Health Department released a statement today about potential risk of exposure of blood borne infection due to the faulty installation of equipment at a clinic located at 3662 West Ina Road.

The Pima County Health Department is currently contacting 174 dental patients who were seen at the T Dental Clinic at 3662 W. Ina Road in Marana between January and July of 2010 because they may have been exposed to blood borne diseases like Hepatitis or HIV. This is a precautionary measure and at this time no cases of transmission of disease have been identified.

(NewsUSA) - While the season's warmer weather offers great opportunity for games of fetch with Fido, it also brings increased risk from exposure to pests, particularly ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and stinging insects. Safeguarding dogs and cats begins with discussions with your veterinarian, but in addition to prescribed healthcare repellents and preventatives, there are several things that can be done to make your yard inhospitable to the stinging, biting troublemakers.

(BPT) - We feel our best when we do our best. At the top of our game is where we all want to be. This is as true in the workplace as it is on the basketball court. But to stay at the top of your game at work and in life, you need to stay primed – ready for that next big play. It requires staying alert; keeping your skills sharp; and hearing your best. That’s right – hearing your best.

(StatePoint) Cancer. It’s a word no one wants to hear, yet all too many people are diagnosed each year. With a diagnosis comes many questions, most importantly how to get the best medical care possible. For many, the next logical question is how to maintain a normal life with cancer -- including balancing work, life and health demands.