(March 29, 2012 -- Phoenix, AZ)   Nearly 80 years ago, a doctor's wife decided the country needed a day set aside to honor physicians. Decades later, President George H. W. Bush, with overwhelming approval by the U.S. Congress, signed a resolution commemorating March 30 as National Doctor's Day. This year, to honor those medical professionals who serve children, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) and Raising Arizona Kids magazine are excited to announce a partnership that taps the expertise of physicians and enhances both organizations' efforts to provide quality information to families.

The need for medically-based, accurate information getting into the hands of parents is a growing concern. Health and medical information trends as one of the top topics searched and shared on the web, and bloggers are informally sharing advice. In response, Raising Arizona Kids is accessing the expertise of AzAAP's statewide membership of more than 900 pediatricians and allied health professionals to provide timely comment on topics and issues that are most important to today's parents and families.

"We are thrilled to be a medical resource to a well-respected publication in our state that is focused on the health and well-being of our children," said Dr. Arturo Gonzalez, AzAAP board chairman and a Scottsdale-based pediatrician. "By working together, we can support the magazine's efforts to continue providing quality information on an even broader basis, connecting them with specialists and committed physicians who can provide accurate and timely information - whether it's for their weekly electronic messages or for their monthly publication. It helps us get our information out beyond the walls of the doctor's office."

Raising Arizona Kids is a monthly magazine for parents with children from birth through high school. The print magazine's circulation of 30,000 is enhanced with providing parents with access to daily online content, including a medical blog.

"Our two organizations share a common goal: raising healthy kids," said Karen Barr, publisher and editor of Raising Arizona Kids. "By working together we will deliver the most up-to-date information right into the hands of parents across Arizona every single month. In fact, we've already tapped the Chapter's members for expert comment on a variety of important topics, from breastfeeding support for new moms to the dangers of synthetic marijuana use by teens."

The subscription-based magazine is available in many doctors' offices and at all Valley hospitals. Sample copies are also available at popular family venues including the Arizona Science Center, the Arizona Museum for Youth, the Children's Museum of Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo and numerous libraries, recreation centers and retail outlets.

The Arizona Chapter will also be sharing relevant magazine articles on its redesigned website. Click here to see a sampling of articles the partnership has already produced.

About AzAAP

The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) is the state's leading professional pediatric organization dedicated to promoting the physical, mental and social health and well-being of every Arizona child. Representing more than 900 health care professionals - including pediatricians, nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, hospital administrators and other allied health practitioners - AzAAP aspires to the highest standards in providing the latest evidence-based and current recommended guidelines to its members. The Chapter also works year-round to educate and engage lawmakers, parents, school professionals, community caregivers and all who impact the lives of children with the goal of fostering a statewide focus on promoting child health preventive care and wellness. For more information, call 602.532.0137 or visit www.azaap.org.

About RAK

Raising Arizona Kids magazine is the Valley's only multimedia resource for families with children from birth through high school. It began 23 years ago as a publication "by moms for moms" with a commitment to journalistic standards and methods that have earned the magazine numerous awards from the Arizona Press Club. The monthly print edition is enhanced by daily online content, podcasts, video and a strong social media presence-all focused on connecting families with local resources and providing parents with the most accurate and insightful local information available.

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