The American Academy of Pediatrics - Arizona Chapter

08/12/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! As we head into fall and the new school year, it’s a great time to make sure your child or teen is up to date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect children and teens from serious and potentially preventable diseases. Take a moment to check your child’s immunization record and talk with their pediatrician about any vaccines they may need. Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended immunization schedule here:

Here's what to know about the recommended immunization schedule for children and teens. The schedule is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and based on ongoing review of the most recent scientific data for each of the recommended vaccines and other immunizations. The schedule also recomm...

08/04/2026

Arizona is experiencing extreme heat. It's important to know the signs of heat illness and how to help children stay safe when temperatures rise. Learn more here:

Extreme heat can cause children to become sick in several ways.  Learn how to keep kids safe in extreme heat—signs of heat illness, prevention tips, hydration advice & when to call the pediatrician or seek emergency medical care.​

07/28/2026

Social media can influence young people in a variety of ways. Research shows that social media can both help and harm youth mental health, depending on how they use it. Understanding potential connections between social media and mental health can help you guide your children toward healthier online habits. Click here to learn more:

Roughly 18% of 8- to 12-year-olds and 62% of 13- 18-year-olds reported using social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Discord and Reddit every day in 2021. Among adolescents and young adults, an 90% use one or more social media platforms. You may wonder how social media may impact y...

07/24/2026

Water parks are a summer favorite, but a little preparation goes a long way. Before your next family adventure, take a few minutes to check height and ride restrictions, know your child's swimming ability, encourage healthy water habits, and provide active, undistracted supervision. These simple steps can help prevent injuries so your family can focus on making fun memories together. Learn more:

​As a parent, it's important to know what to look for if you are planning a trip to an indoor or outdoor water park. Here is some information and reminders from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help keep your family safe and healthy.

07/23/2026

Recent cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. Stay informed by following CDC surveillance updates for cases near you, and learn about symptoms, treatment, and prevention to help protect your family. Learn more here:

Learn what parents need to know about cyclosporiasis in children, including symptoms, how the parasite spreads, diagnosis, treatment, foodborne outbreaks and tips to prevent infection.​

07/16/2026

Teen parties can be a fun part of growing up, especially during the summer, but a little planning and communication can make a big difference. Whether your teen is hosting a party or attending one, taking time to set clear expectations, connect with other parents, plan a safe ride home, and talk about the risks of alcohol and drugs can help everyone have a safer experience. Read the full article for practical tips and guidance here:

As a parent, you know the importance of your teen's social life and that parties are a way to socialize and relax.  But an unsupervised or poorly planned party can result in unwanted or even tragic consequences. Learn more here.

07/15/2026

Positive experiences and stable, nurturing relationships help children develop the emotional and social skills they need to manage emotions, solve problems, communicate effectively, and build healthy relationships, a foundation for lifelong mental and emotional well-being. Learn more about supporting healthy mental and emotional development here:

Parents and caregivers have powerful tools to help their children thrive, no matter what life throws their way. Here are 4 key building blocks of healthy mental and emotional development in children, and tips to support them in your family's everyday routines.

07/14/2026

Vacation is fun, but many hotel rooms aren't designed with young children in mind. When you arrive, unpack carefully and do a quick "safety crawl" to spot and remove potential hazards within your child's reach. A little planning can go a long way toward making your family vacation safer and more enjoyable. Learn more about preventing hazards while traveling by reading the full article here:

​​Vacations should be about fun, not about trips to the emergency room. Get tips from here for keeping your baby safe in and around your hotel room.  

06/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the AzAAP’s Poster Session Happy Hour, sponsored by Phoenix Children’s, and the “Life After Residency” Career Fair. Poster presenters shared their research, case presentations, innovative and effective educational programs, and showcased unique community projects. Career Fair attendees had a unique networking opportunity to connect with potential employers and seek new opportunities throughout Arizona.

06/27/2026

At AzAAP’s Annual Luncheon yesterday, attendees heard from the American Academy of Pediatrics Immediate Past President, Dr. Susan Kressly, who spoke on resilience during unprecedented times, a message that perfectly reflected this year's theme, Rooted in Resilience. During the program, AzAAP’s outgoing president, Dr. Carter, also passed the gavel to incoming president, Dr. Park. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to learn more about what AzAAP is doing for our members and for children across Arizona. A special thank you to our luncheon sponsor, Banner Children’s, for their generous support.