Illinois Advocacy Beat

The Personal is Political: Why Preventative Health Policies Matter

2012-01-30T13:22:00.005-06:00

Editor’s Note: Rebecca Portman is interning with the American Heart Association Chicago office this semester. She is a student at Northwestern University who started her internship with us at the beginning of the year. Her responsibilities include contributing weekly to this blog. Please enjoy her latest post.

The Personal is Political: Why Preventative Health Policies Matter

When I left home for Northwestern in the fall of 2009, I saw college as an opportunity to figure out what I really cared about and wanted to devote my time to. I had chosen to major in Social Policy, but I had little idea of what that really meant or what type of policy I was interested in working on.

On a personal level, as freshman year began I struggled to find balance in my life. I felt the need to make friends, establish myself as a future leader in a student group (or two or three), and do well in classes. I had retired from my career as a competitive ice hockey player, and the lure of all-you-can-eat buffet style dining halls and Friday night “hot cookie bar” began to take a toll on my health.

I wish I could say there was a life-changing moment when I realized my mistakes and decided to take control of my health once and for all. But in reality, my fitness awakening happened sporadically. It has taken two and a half years of trying and failing and trying again at making healthy eating and exercise consistent for me to ultimately find a place of balance, moderation, and comfort with my health. I’ve come to realize that my personal wellbeing will always be a work in progress. In the process, however, fitness has become not just a priority, but also a passion.

Here’s where things get complicated: not everyone wants to spend as much time as I do reading about antioxidants or making complex workout plans. Most people don’t want to count calories, can’t afford a personal trainer or expensive gym membership, and couldn’t tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats. As I tried to lead a healthy lifestyle, it became more and more apparent that by doing so, I was actually going against the accepted norm—not just of stereotypical pizza-eating, beer-drinking college students, but of the majority of Americans. Our national holidays celebrate overeating, our supermarkets are filled with processed, sugary food products, and our national pastime is watching television. It is no wonder that 33% of American adults are obese (28% of Illinoisans), when poor health has become so embedded in our culture. Temptation is everywhere -- even here at the AHA!

It struck me: if it is so difficult for me to resist temptation and take good care of myself, how much harder must it be for other people with real responsibilities, financial difficulties or pre-existing health conditions? I struggle to stay healthy despite having the luxuries of abundant free time, access to an upscale gym facility on campus, and did I mention I live next door to a Whole Foods Market? So how can I possibly expect a single mother or father who works two jobs to overcome the monumental obstacles that stand in the way of good health?

Suddenly I had an answer to the looming question of what type of policy I wanted to work on. My seemingly personal problem was part of a greater societal ill, and I could do something about it not just for me but for everyone who has struggled to live a healthy lifestyle, if I worked to implement policies that promote good health and prevent obesity. I’m not suggesting that everyone needs to eat a perfect diet or have six-pack abs. But in order to improve individual health on a grand-scale, we have to implement policies that bring us closer to being a society where fitness and nutrition receive positive and frequent reinforcement.

In the past two weeks, I have been excited to see just how much the Illinois Health Strategies team is doing to bring about the kind of healthy environment I would like to see one day. I helped to prepare a fact sheet to bolster the AHA’s efforts to eliminate waivers exempting schools from the statewide mandate for Physical Education in Illinois. I watched AHA volunteer Sandy Noel share her enthusiasm for health as a newly appointed chair of the Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness. I assisted in the planning of two events that will bring members of Chicagoland Latino and African American communities together to learn about nutrition and get screened for health risks. As I have gotten settled in at the office, I have found it extremely rewarding to be able to do substantive work that I know is going towards a cause I believe in, and to spend time on something that matters to me—both personally and politically.

City of Chicago 2012 Proclamation for Wear Red Day

2012-01-30T09:04:00.003-06:00

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proclaimed February 3, 2012 as National Wear Red in the City of Chicago and is urging all Chicagoans to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by wearing red on that day.

Meijer and AHA Healthy Living Poster Contest

2012-01-26T08:30:00.003-06:00

Leading a Healthier Life Poster Contest to encourage Chicago kids to eat healthier and stay physically active.

Just draw a picture of you and your family making healthy choices.
You may use crayons, markers or pencils, but no computer graphics.

The contest is open to kids age 12 or younger and runs from January 29 - February 11, 2012.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and effectiveness.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a gift basket valued at $100.
Two runners-up will receive a gift basket valued at $50.

Mail your poster (postmarked by Feb. 11) to:
Leading a Healthier Life Contest
c/o American Heart Association
208 S. LaSalle, Ste. 1500, Chicago, IL 60604
with the bottom form filled out by a parent/guardian.

Winners will be notified by Feb. 28.

Questions? Email the American Heart Association at MyLifeContest@heart.org.

SSEEO Teleconference- Pseudo bulbar Affect or Involuntary Emotional Expressive Disorder (IEED)

2012-01-23T11:33:00.002-06:00

Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other (SSEEO) invites you to join a call-in support group for stroke survivors and their caregivers!

The SSEEO Toll-Free Telephone Stroke Support Group builds community, provides support and shares information by connecting survivors, caregivers, health professionals and other stroke stakeholders. The calls last approximately 60 minutes with the last 30 minutes reserved for questions and conversation. Please don’t forget to register by following the instructions below.
Tuesday, February 14th, 12:00-1:00pm central time: Pseudobulbar Affect or Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder (IEED) presented by Dr. Melvin Wichter from Advocate Christ Medical Center. Dr Wichter will discuss a condition in which a person experiences uncontrollable episodes of emotional expression. That is, they have episodes of crying, laughter, or anger that are not in line with their present mood. IEED is seen most often following brain injury or in people with dementia, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. It can appear at any stage of the associated diseases.

Dr. Melvin Wichter, MD is a board certified neurologist who has practiced in the south suburban area since 1977. Dr. Wichter graduated from New York Medical College and completed his residency at New York University. At Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn Illinois, he is the Chief of the Neurology Department and was instrumental in the development of the stroke program. He is a well known educator, lecturer and mentor to his medical students and residents. During the course of his career he has been involved in many clinical studies and authored many articles about neurological conditions. His clinical interests include stroke and use of thrombolytic agents and ethics in medicine. He is a strong advocate for his patients always spending time educating staff, patients and families and offers emotional support.

IMPORTANT CALL-IN INFORMATION: Participation on the calls is absolutely free but advance registration is required due to limited line availability. Please contact us at 1-888-988-8047 or christine@sseeo.org and provide the following information: first and last name(s), mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number. We will get back to you with an 800 call-in number and pass code, which will allow you to access the conference call. Registration deadline is February 13th.

Please join us for Chicago’s first-ever Go Red for Women Community Expo!

2012-01-17T14:41:00.002-06:00

Friday, February 24, 2012

UIC Forum (located at Roosevelt & Halsted)

8:30 am – 1:30 pm

At the expo, you will have the opportunity to take part in heart-health screenings, including tests for blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar. The event will also include town hall-style question and answer sessions in English and in Spanish, featuring physicians and other health care professionals from throughout the Chicagoland area. Throughout the morning, there will also be interactive workshops on heart-healthy living.

To register, log on to http://www.chicagogoredforwomen.org/ or see the attached flyer for more details.

Week 1 as an AHA Intern

2012-01-10T17:54:00.005-06:00

Editor’s Note: We’re pleased to welcome Rebecca Portman to our team! She is a student at Northwestern University who started her internship with us at the beginning of the year. Her responsibilities include contributing weekly to this blog, beginning today with her introduction below. Welcome aboard Becca! We hope this will be a very positive and productive experience for you!

Greetings from the American Heart Association’s Chicago office! My name is Becca Portman, and I am interning with the AHA’s Midwest Affiliate in Illinois for the next ten weeks. To share a little bit about myself, I am currently a junior at Northwestern University majoring in Social Policy. At NU, I have been involved in various civic activities ranging from voter registration to labor organizing to direct political campaign work. On a personal level, I have developed a passion for health and wellness, and I hope to find a career that combines those two interests in some form.

I will be working (almost) full-time at the AHA this quarter in order to fulfill my school’s Practicum requirement, getting hands-on experience with real-world policy issues. I will graduate from college in December of this year, and I frequently get questions about what I want to do when I enter the “real world.” Much to my parents’ chagrin, at this point, I still don’t have a clear answer! That’s why I feel extremely lucky to have found a position here at the AHA. During my stay here, I will be splitting my time between the Advocacy, Quality Initiatives, and Health Equity departments. I have the opportunity to get an inside look at the workings of the AHA, learn about the various arms of a large, non-profit health organization, and understand on an intimate level how they function as one. I am excited to try my hand at lobbying, coalition-building, event planning, and much more. In the past three days I was able to learn and present a PowerPoint slideshow about cardiovascular health for community groups, attend a videoconference about Health Strategies with the leaders of the Midwest Affiliate, meet with some incredible women from the National Association of Health Services Executives, and have lunch at the Berghoff Café (a Chicago institution, I’m told) for the first time. What a week!

Over the next ten weeks, I can expect to learn a ton--both about AHA and about myself. I’m sure there will be some things that I am good at, and plenty of things that I am not, some things that I enjoy, and some that I could certainly do without. I will write here every week to share my experiences and musings on life as an intern, and bring fresh eyes to the many health issues faced by AHA staff members on a daily basis. If I do my job right, I will provide some valuable work and help AHA accomplish its mission while getting a better idea of what I want to do with my life. Stay tuned to see how things go!

AHA Volunteers Attend National Prevention Strategy in Chicago

2012-01-10T09:59:00.003-06:00

Kathleen and the US Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin

On December 8th the first regional meeting of the National Prevention Strategy was held in Chicago. American Heart Association volunteers, Drs. Andy Rauh and Lynne Braun, along with select staff members had the opportunity to learn more about the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. The Advisory Group was required by the Affordable Care Act and individuals were appointed by the President. The Advisory Group’s role includes the following:
- Develop policy and program recommendations
- Advise the National Prevention Council on lifestyle-based chronic disease prevention and management, integrative health care practices and health promotion.

To learn more visit, www.communitycommons.org/nps

Join us at Go Red Connect!

2012-01-09T10:55:00.003-06:00

Ladies! Come to Macy's at Woodfield Mall on Saturday, Feb. 4th, and share your story of how you are connected with heart disease, whether you have experienced it through a loved one or have been a survivor yourself. Connect with others and learn how you can help us save a woman's life today. Be the difference between life and death at Go Red CONNECT.

Participants will be considered for the national Go Red For Women® campaign which features real women.

The facts are clear. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the killer isn't as easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood. Uncover the truth about heart disease and make ending it a reality.

Schaumburg Go Red CONNECT

January 2012 EVP Letter - You're The Cure; Advocacy Efforts

2012-01-05T12:36:00.001-06:00

January 2012

Dear Friend of Heart:

Thirty years ago, the American Heart Association developed a new strategy to amplify the voices and improve the lives of millions of Americans struggling with heart disease and stroke. Harnessing the passion of amazing volunteers from every corner of the country, we took to the steps of the Capitol and began advocating for legislation to improve the lives of heart and stroke patients.

Armed with American Heart Association science, these passionate volunteers used their personal stories to give faces and names to the fight against two of our nation’s leading killers. These coordinated efforts have led to major lifesaving changes, including doubling the NIH budget for biomedical research from 1998 to 2003 and the passage of statewide clean indoor air laws across the country. These kinds of victories save lives and change lives for millions of people, and would not be possible without extraordinary volunteers leading the charge.

Our volunteers have many faces, and many reasons for joining the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Some of them are survivors. Some have lost loved ones to heart disease or stroke. But all of them have shown an unwavering commitment to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

One of these extraordinary individuals is Stevie Nelson, a Minnesota resident whose life changed when he suffered a stroke on April 22, 1998. One year later, Stevie began his quest to improve outcomes for stroke patients through volunteerism. He has lobbied at both the local and federal level for stroke funding and has seen first-hand how his personal testimony can effect change.

“Being a volunteer gave me a new mission, a new purpose in life,” Nelson said. “My goal is to pass my knowledge on so others can lead healthier lives. Some of the things I have fought and advocated for have come into law. Just knowing I played a part in that is a great feeling.”

Because of Stevie, and millions of others like him, we have celebrated many victories in the three decades we’ve been advocating for lifesaving public policies. But our work is not done. Heart disease is still our nation’s No. 1 killer, and stroke is No. 4. I encourage you to join our amazing corps of volunteers by signing up for our You're the Cure network at http://www.yourethecure.org/. You can learn more about our work and meet more of our volunteers by watching our 30th Anniversary celebration video, or by visiting http://www.heart.org/ and clicking on Advocate.

Being a You’re the Cure advocate gives you the opportunity to lend your voice to our legislative efforts. It’s fast, it’s simple and it’s free.

And with this one simple step, you can help the American Heart Association make the next 30 years better than the last.

Warm regards,

Kevin D. Harker
Executive Vice President, Midwest Affiliate

CDC- Family Health- The 12 ways to health holiday song

2011-12-14T12:53:00.002-06:00

The first way to health, said the CDC to me…

To listen and sing along: http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12waysSong.htm

America’s Health Rankings

2011-12-13T11:20:00.002-06:00

Recently, the Partnership for Prevention, of which American Heart Association is an active member, and United Health Foundation released its annual report: America’s Health Rankings. The report, which includes a “one pager” on the health status of each state, calls out an alarming increase in the rate of obesity and also provides important information on tobacco use, high blood pressure prevalence, etc. Follow this link to view the report on Illinois.

Key findings of the report include:

Obesity has increased 137 percent from 11.6 percent of the adult population in the 1990 Edition to 27.5 percent in the 2011 Edition; meaning today, more than one in four Americans are considered obese. Obesity continues to be one of the fastest growing health issues in our nation and America is spending billions in direct health care costs associated with poor diet and physical inactivity.

Smoking has been one of the biggest health battles for decades. In the past year, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 17.9 percent to 17.3 percent of the adult population, the lowest in 22 years (from a high of 29.5 percent in the 1990 Edition). But tobacco use is still estimated to be responsible for one out of five deaths annually (approximately 443,000 deaths per year).

Children living in poverty are challenged by lack of access to health care, limited availability of healthy foods, constrained choices for physical activity, limited access to appropriate educational opportunities and stressful living conditions. The number of children in poverty has increased for the last five years. A steady increase has occurred, from 17.4 percent of children reported in the 2007 Edition to 21.5 percent of children in the 2011 Edition.

Lack of health insurance coverage increased from 16.0 percent in the 2010 Edition to 16.2 percent in the 2011 Edition, and has increased more than two full percentage points since the 2001 Edition (13.9 percent to 16.2 percent).

Diabetes diagnosis is significantly higher than it was five years ago. According to the report, 8.7 percent of American adults have been told by a physician that they have diabetes. A recent report from the CDC estimates that the number of Americans with diabetes will range from 1 in 5 to 1 in 3 by 2050. This means a large number of people are either at risk for diabetes or are unaware they have the disease and are not being medically managed.

Turn the White House Red!

2011-12-08T09:52:00.003-06:00

25,000 signatures. That's what we need in the next 30 days (ends Jan. 4, 2012) for the White House to consider our petition to illuminate the building in red to honor National Wear Red Day® and American Heart Month.

The truth is we need you, our supporters, to show the White House how important it is to remember women who died from heart disease, celebrate women who have survived, and educate everyone on our No. 1 killer of women.

Every signature makes a difference, so sign up and share with colleagues, friends and family today! There are a few steps, but with your help we can get there!

1. Visit our special petition page.
2. Create an account (we know, what a pain!)
3. Watch for a verification email.
4. Sign the petition.
5. Share with family, friends, and colleagues to encourage their support too!

Make a Difference Now.

U.S. Rep. Lois Capps Reintroduces The HEART For Women Act

2011-12-07T09:04:00.000-06:00

November 30, 2011

U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., today reintroduced vital legislation aimed at improving the cardiovascular health of millions of women nationwide.

The HEART for Women Act would require the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on the quality of and access to care for women with cardiovascular disease. It would also ensure that new and experimental drug and medical device safety and efficacy data reported to the federal government is classified by gender, race and ethnicity. Additionally, the legislation would expand eligibility for funding to all 50 states for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN screening program for low-income, underinsured and uninsured women.

“While we have made great progress in the fight against heart disease it remains the number one killer of American women, needlessly claiming the lives of far too many of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters,” Capps said. “Unfortunately not enough people — including health professionals — recognize that heart disease poses such a serious and unique threat to women, and far too many women pay a terrible price for that lack of knowledge. My legislation addresses this critical health issue by ensuring more women have access to screening for heart disease, filling the critical knowledge gaps by ensuring that healthcare professionals are informed about the risks of cardiovascular disease in women, and supporting increased data collection to identify new treatments for women.”

American Heart Association President Gordon Tomaselli, M.D., said the measure would make a major impact. “With nearly 422,000 women’s lives lost each year from heart disease and stroke, we applaud U.S. Representative Lois Capps for introducing legislation that will help improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the number one killer of women. The HEART for Women Act seeks to eliminate cardiovascular inequities and reduce death rates from this largely preventable disease,” Tomaselli said.

“Women have a greater risk of heart disease than men. It is imperative to provide access to proper cardiovascular disease care for all women through passage of the HEART for Women Act. The HEART for Women Act is vital to the health of all women and is must-pass legislation,” said Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W., president and chief executive officer of the Society for Women’s Health Research.

“We need to know how drugs, treatments and devices affect women living with heart disease if we are going to decrease morbidity and mortality caused by heart disease, the number one killer of women. This bill will shine a light on how well the FDA reports research results stratified by sex, race and ethnicity,” said Lisa M. Tate, chief executive officer of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Every minute, someone’s wife, mother, daughter or sister dies from heart disease, stroke or other forms of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. More than one in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease, including nearly half of all African-American women and 34 percent of white women. More than 90 percent of primary care physicians do not know that more women die each year from these diseases than men, according to an American Heart Association survey.

The HEART for Women Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this year by Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and has received strong bipartisan support. In addition to the American Heart Association, Society for Women’s Health Research and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, the bill is also supported by more than 40 other organizations. For more information, visit yourethecure.org .

# # #

Contact:Kanika M. Lewis
Communications Manager, Media Advocacy

http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/u-s-rep-lois-capps-reintroduces-219935.aspx

A MESSAGE FROM THE EVP

2011-12-02T08:48:00.000-06:00

December 2011

Dear Friend of Heart:

Our Scientific Sessions was held last month in Orlando, Fla. This international conference showcases ground-breaking research and clinical trials with 22,000 medical professionals. The news is then fed to the media where it will reach millions more. A huge undertaking, Scientific Sessions is critical to learning more about the causes of cardiovascular diseases and how to better diagnose, treat and prevent them.

The conference will lead to developments in science that will touch every community across the country and abroad. Such outcomes would not be possible without volunteers and partners who share our vision of what an investment in research, science and education can mean to everyone.
Can you imagine a world free of heart disease and stroke? Erica Chapman can. She is a survivor who works in our West Michigan office. As a congenital valve replacement patient, she had her first surgery at four days old. Now in her 30s, she’s had another operation to update her current aortic valve, and will require further surgery in the next 15-20 years. Erica knows from the research we fund today that the next surgery will probably use mainly non-invasive techniques, for which she is grateful. She is amazed at the vision researchers have for her procedures.

With your help, we can make those visions a reality. Consider making a personal gift or including the American Heart Association in your will or estate plan. You will leave a legacy that will fund research and education, benefiting patients like Erica long after you’re gone. To learn more, visit www.heart.org/plannedgiving

I also want to take a moment to reflect on how the gifts and efforts of so many have improved and saved lives in 2011. We were able to fund research that may someday save the life of someone you know. We educated hundreds of thousands of people about their health and risk factors. And we worked hard to teach millions of Midwesterners critical CPR skills, educate legislators in our 11 states on our policy priorities, and improve hospital patient care processes so that a supportive and effective system will be in place when you or your loved one is in need.

None of this vision would be possible without you and your support. In short, you are helping to save lives. At this season of giving, I want to thank you for your involvement from the bottom of my heart.

Warm regards,

Kevin Harker
Executive Vice President, Midwest Affiliate

LTE - Congress and School Lunches

2011-11-23T12:55:00.001-06:00

Congress is ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider pizza as a vegetable for school lunches. Pizza a vegetable? Yes! Pizza contains some tomato paste, and Congress says that a couple of tablespoons of the stuff should count as a serving of vegetables for schoolchildren.

Even if we ignore the technicality that a tomato is a fruit rather than a vegetable, this is a sad example of lawmakers putting the financial interests of the food lobby ahead of the well-being of kids. Currently not one person ages 12-19 in this country meets the American Heart Association's criteria for ideal cardiovascular health. Some experts predict that today's children are not expected to live as long as their parents. At a time when trends show our nation's health getting worse, our government has put special interests ahead of efforts to address the childhood obesity pandemic.

Children receive around 40 percent of their daily calories from school lunches. That means we must ensure healthier options are available in school cafeterias, not practice an ignorance that allows a heap of french fries to be considered a legitimate nutritional element.

The American Heart Association urges Congress to fight for an interest more important than the food industry's profit margins: the wellness of our nation's children. Upgrade federal school lunch programs with proper nutrition, not money, in mind.

Kathleen L. Grady, PhD, APN, FAAN
American Heart Association Illinois Advocacy Committee

Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-111128grady_briefs,0,5925071.story

Celebrating 30 years of AHA advocacy success

2011-11-21T09:17:00.000-06:00

The AHA Advocacy Department celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, which makes it the perfect time to look back on our many accomplishments. Thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers and public officials, the AHA and a dedicated network of You're the Cure advocates has brought about lasting change in local, state and federal policy.

We've accomplished great things in tobacco control, research and public health funding, childhood obesity prevention, nutrition promotion, systems of care, CPR training and AED placement, and quality healthcare access. And we're just getting started!

We invite you to watch our new video below and share it with friends, family, and colleagues and ask them to be a part of the cure! Here's to the next 30 years!

http://youtu.be/s1xYwLSFS0s

P. E. Should Take A Hike

2011-11-11T15:17:00.003-06:00

By M. J. White, November 8, 2011, Living On WELL Street Blog

A couple years ago I contacted a few high profile people with a plan to improve the health and wellbeing of Chicago’s, and the country’s, youth. Very simply, I suggested that kids of all ages do the equivalent of a mile’s worth of aerobic activity every day. Twenty-five different heart-healthy activities were offered as choices - everything from hiking to biking to ping pong. Virtually any form of aerobic exercise qualified.

Letters went to the First Lady, Michelle Obama, Oprah, Mayor Daley and the head of Chicago Schools at the time, Ron Huberman. I received one response. A Chicago Public School Administrator contacted me and asked me for “evidence-based” information that aerobic activity was good for children. I know, you're thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding!” That was my reaction too. However, I decided to thoroughly research the subject and provide a persuasive response.

A review of the literature from leading health organizations showed that aerobic exercise contributes to the following benefits in school-aged children:
- Increases energy level
- Provides a more restful sleep
- Reduces health risks
- Assists in maintaining a healthy weight
- Improves mood
- Lessens stress and anxiety
- Boosts self-acceptance
- Enhances self-esteem
- Provides for a quicker recovery from psychosocial stressors
- Fosters increased attention span
- Strengthens learning potential
- Leads to better behavior

I presented a five-page white paper, "Kids in Motion" to the Chicago Public School’s official and was told that the school district had no funds available for any new programs. The fact that I offered to implement the program for FREE, did not matter.

I am now appealing to educators everywhere to simply get kids moving with a “Mile-Per-Day”. What if schools required students to walk a mile during the lunch period, or at the beginning or end of the school day? Many Illinois schools do not offer physical education. A 20-minute hike would not require funding and would provide kids with all of the benefits described above.
This could this be part of a larger strategy to address the serious obesity epidemic, which is described now as a threat to national security, since the physical condition of so many of our young people disqualifies them for military service (see “Too Fat to Fight”). What if we appeal to people’s sense of “patriotism” to get in shape? Businesses could form walking teams. Communities could promote walking clubs. Families could make a mile hike an after-dinner ritual (the equivalent to a “victory garden”). “Let’s Move!” needs to become the war cry of an “Occupy WELL Street” movement!

Until we, as a nation, grow sick, tired and broke from our declining physical wellbeing, and have a healthy lifestyle forced upon us, let’s at least encourage our children to get a mile’s worth of aerobic exercise every day. Let’s give them the hope that they can live as long as their parent’s generation. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single . . . aerobic mile!

Live WELL!
M. J.
http://www.wellstreetusa.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael White's passion is to help businesses become more successful by helping people in the workplace become happier, healthier and more productive. Michael founded WELL Street in 2008 after implementing and studying successful worksite wellness initiatives. Advanced degrees in Education and Business, experience in launching innovative change strategies, and his creation of over fifty wellness activities make him a valuable resource to employers seeking to implement or improve a wellness program. Michael's blog, "Living on WELL Street" and recently authored book, "Top 40 Ways to Improve Employee Morale, Health and Productivity", provide employers and employees with information and programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and work environments.

High sodium: It's not just a food problem. It's a heart problem.

2011-11-02T12:37:00.001-05:00

High blood pressure? Isn’t that something only old people have to worry about?

Not anymore. Nowadays, high blood pressure affects people of all ages. In fact, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 Americans will develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes, beginning as early as childhood for some.

So what’s contributing to the problem? Sodium levels. While we can control the salt we put on our food, we can’t control the salt that’s already in it. When over 75 percent of the sodium in our diet comes from processed and packaged foods sold in grocery stores and served at restaurants and schools, it’s hard for even the most health-conscious among us to stay within the recommended daily sodium intake.

But you can help do something about it. From now until November 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking the public for feedback on whether it should take measures to reduce sodium levels in our food- and we need you to speak up! Share your thoughts today about the need to address excess sodium in the packaged and prepared foods that we eat.

Of course, it’s not just about healthy food. It’s about healthy hearts. Lowering the sodium we consume can have significant cardiovascular benefits, so it is critical for consumers and health advocates alike to stress the importance of sodium reduction to the FDA. Send your message today!

Thank you for your help,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

PS- Don’t forget to personalize your message! Whether you are a parent, medical professional, survivor, or someone with heart disease or stroke risk factors, your personal concern is important to share with the FDA.

One in Six

2011-10-31T10:04:00.002-05:00

Did you know?

Saturday, Oct. 29, is World Stroke Day. The American Stroke Association has joined other international organizations to urge people globally to “Act Now” to reduce the threat of stroke.

The day’s theme —One in Six: Act Now! — highlights the reality that one of every six people worldwide has a stroke. Stroke is the second-leading cause of death in the world behind heart disease. In the United States, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of one every three to four minutes. Here’s how you can Act Now on World Stroke Day:

Send a message to your legislators to make sure they are supporting policies that reduce the threat of stroke.

Then take the World Stroke Organization’s six challenges to lower stroke risk:

1. Know the risk factors for stroke— high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high blood cholesterol — and keep them in a healthy range.
2. Be physically active.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action.

Explore other ways you can Act Now by using American Heart Association and American Stroke Association tools and resources:

- Learn your stroke risk
- Learn the warning signs of stroke and TIA
- Track and control your No. 1 modifiable stroke risk factor: High Blood Pressure
Online tracker
Printable tracker
High Blood Pressure Risk Calculator
- Take your medicine
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Make a new life resolution
- Join or start a stroke support group

Make sure you share these resources with your legislators on celebration of World Stroke Day!

Thank you for building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Save Lives by Protecting the Smoke Free Illinois Act

2011-10-25T08:42:00.002-05:00

As you may have heard in the news recently, Illinois legislators are in Springfield this week for the start of the Fall Veto Session and one key issue on the legislative agenda is casino and race track gaming. We are concerned that casino interests will use this as an opportunity to weaken the Smoke Free Illinois Act by allowing smoking in casinos and other gambling venues.

Thanks to thousands of advocates like you, we were able to defend this law from credible threats during the last legislative session. Now is a good time to remind your state elected officials that we must keep this important health law in place without exemption, protecting the health of all Illinoisans, including all Illinois workers, from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Take a moment to reminder your legislators to protect the Smoke Free Illinois Act

The Smoke Free Illinois Act is one of the most popular laws ever passed in Illinois, with more than 84% of registered voters supporting a smoke free Illinois in previous polls. It is also one of the most important public health laws in the state. People who are exposed to secondhand smoke have 25 to 35 percent higher coronary death rates and an increased chance of developing lung cancer. After four years, we have come to enjoy and expect smoke-free offices, restaurants, bars, clubs and gaming facilities.

Take a moment to reminder your legislators to continue to protect all Illinois workers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support of a smoke free Illinois!

American Heart Association Letter Regarding Chicago Public Schools PE Waiver

2011-10-24T09:50:00.001-05:00

October 19, 2011

Jean-Claude Brizard
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
125 South Clark St., 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Dear Mr. Brizard,

I am writing on behalf of the American heart Association and the American Stroke Association to respectfully urge you not to apply to the Illinois State Board of Education for a renewal of CPS’ waiver from state physical education requirements. Although you have the unenviable task of prioritizing the allocation of limited resources in the face of limitless needs, we hope that under your leadership, CPS will make a renewed commitment to quality daily PE for all students.

While it would be customary to include reams of pertinent statistics and health information with this type of request, I believe that is unnecessary in this instance. Surely, having been around kids most of your professional life, you have seen the devastating impact childhood obesity and related health problems are having on children and communities everywhere. Likewise, I am certain that you are already aware of the growing body of evidence linking children’s behavior and their ability to learn with their overall fitness and their levels of physical activity.

Simply put, efforts to cut PE in the face of tight budgets may seem penny-wise, but they are most certainly pound-foolish. Clearly there is an inversely proportional relationship between public education and healthcare spending and as our obesity related health care costs go up, fewer resources will be available to fund education. Investing in quality PE is ultimately important not only as a public health strategy, but also as a way to preserve and strengthen our public education system.

We sincerely hope that under new management, the Chicago Public Schools choose to embrace quality daily PE for all students, rather than taking the backward step of applying for further PE waivers. We are ready to stand with you and to help CPS however we can should you decide to lead our schools in this direction.

Please contact me at your convenience should you have any questions or requests. Thank you very much for your consideration in this mater.

Respectfully,

Mark E. Peysakhovich
Senior Director of Government Relations
American Heart Association and American Stroke Association
208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60604
Direct: 312-476-6644
Email: mep@heart.org

Action Alert! Don't Let Congress Cut Research Funding

2011-10-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

Funding for medical research is critical to our fight against heart disease and stroke, yet the budget for research conducted through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could be cut if Members of Congress don’t act soon.

We need you to help by telling lawmakers that funding for research saves lives!

So many of the prevention and treatment techniques you know today are a result of NIH-funded research. The development of cholesterol-lowering drugs that help significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke for many Americans, bypass surgery to assist those suffering from a blocked artery, the use of Aspirin to prevent blood clots that could cause a stroke… all of these were discoveries that resulted from NIH funds, and all of them are currently saving lives!

Tell your legislators that we can’t afford cuts to NIH funding, halting discoveries of new treatments for those affected by heart disease and stroke. We must continue to make progress in the fight against these devastating diseases that threaten the lives of far too many of our loved ones.

Send a message today- let lawmakers know that "Research Saves Lives"!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You’re the Cure.

Go Red Premiere Event, Oct. 20th at James Thompson Center from 11:00 am- 1:00 p.m.

2011-10-17T09:16:00.004-05:00

Please join us for the Go Red For Women Premiere Event featuring, “Just a Little Heart Attack," a short film inspired by the stories of real women whose lives have been forever changed by heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. You’ll have an opportunity to also hear the personal stories of real women impacted by heart disease and stroke. Additional features include:
· Fun giveaways
· A chance to try some new treats from Skinny Cow
· Materials on women and heart disease

A "little" film by Elizabeth Banks

October 20th
James R. Thompson Center, Chicago –
Ground Level
11:00 am until 1:00 p.m.

Take a walk over to the Thompson Center and enjoy a treat!

Illinois Women’s Health Conference

2011-10-12T09:04:00.002-05:00

Illinois Women’s Health Conference

November 2-3, 2011

Springfield Hilton

Early bird registration rate until October 21

www.ipha.com

The conference will be packed with great information, great speakers and lots of CEU’s! Here are a few highlights:

10.5 CEUs for RNs, Social Workers, Counselors and Dieticians. And 10 Universal CEs for CHES and other professionals!

New for 2011! Join other participants and sign up for the “Conference Walk Your Way to Health Challenge.” Participants are encouraged to sign up and receive a pedometer to track their steps while in attendance at the conference. There will be a “one-day challenge” and a “two-day challenge.” Prizes will be awarded at the end of each day! A wonderful grand prize will be awarded at the conclusion of the conference! Please visit the Walking Challenge Registration table to sign-up and receive additional information. You won’t want to miss participating in this healthy opportunity!!

There will be a book signings each day featuring New York Times bestselling author Kris Carr with her book Crazy Sexy Diet and Eliz Greene’s The Busy Women’s Guide to a Healthy Heart.

The first day will come to an end with a networking opportunity that is not to be missed! Conference attendees will be invited to a reception and tour of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum! Make sure and RSVP on your conference registration to be there!

And on Day 2, Dr. Toni Yancey, UCLA School of Public Health, will have, what I’m sure will be an enlightening discussion, on obesity entitled Instant Recess® meets Let's Move: Women Hold the Key to Getting our Communities Moving Again!

Please go to www.ipha.com to check out the full agenda and to register online!

The Big Problem of Little Heart Attacks

2011-09-29T08:28:00.002-05:00

The World Heart Federation announced last month that beginning this year, World Heart Day will be held each year on September 29.

According to the World Health Organization 17.1 million people around the globe die from cardiovascular disease every year – an estimated 1.4 million are Americans and more 32,000 are Illinoisans. More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. This means women - mothers, sisters, spouses, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don't know what you know: heart disease kills.

Send a message to your legislators to make sure they are supporting policies that improve heart health. Then mark World Heart Day by forwarding this eye-opening short video Just a Little Heart Attack to at least 5 women in your life, or even posting it on Facebook. Ask your friends to become part of the Cure by joining our fight against cardiovascular diseases.

Learn the signs and don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see them.

Send your legislator letter now, and feel free to customize it to share why this is so important to you!

Letter to the Editor – City’s Wellness Plan A Must For Police

2011-09-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

Did I read the statement from Fraternal Order of Police president Mark Shields correctly? Did he say he opposes his membership participating in the city’s wellness program because police officers are “not the healthiest?”

If that’s the case, denying officers the opportunity to access resources that would help them get healthier is the wrong way to address that problem.

Shields may think he is standing up for his membership by protecting them from paying higher premiums, but he is doing far worse by putting pocketbooks over potbellies. Being more concerned about financial costs than the subsequent toll that major health risks, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, have on an officer’s health, family well-being and community is doing a disservice to the FOP members.

By failing to endorse the city’s wellness initiative, the union representing Chicago’s police officers is also failing to serve and protect the health of officers who do the same for our citizens.

Kathleen L. Grady, PhD, APN, FAAN
Chair, American Heart Association Illinois Advocacy Committee

Upcoming Training on Oct. 12th focused on Building Healthier Communities

2011-09-22T09:18:00.001-05:00

Organizations serving suburban Cook County that are working to build healthier communities are encouraged to come learn from experts in food policy and community planning on how to take actionable steps to make healthy, sustainable environments a reality at the Greentown Conference!

· Hear keynote speaker, Mark Fenton, host of "America's Walking" on PBS.
· Participate in breakout sessions organized by CPPW as part of Healthy Eating Across the Lifespan:
· Making the Shift to Local Food. Other sessions include Complete Streets and Safe Routes to Schools; Community Water Conservation, Waste Reduction, and Green Business Strategies.
· Share ideas with Pioneering Healthy Communities teams from across Illinois and the Midwest.
· Discover PlanItGreen – Oak Park and River Forest's Community Sustainability Plan.
· Network with over 300 like-minded community members at the reception following the event.

Registration closes Sept 30th and there are only 150 slots available so please make sure to relay the urgency. There is no cost for agencies that serve suburban Cook County! For a full agenda and to register online, visit: http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/events

Congressman Davis doing hands-only CPR

2011-09-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

Rep. Davis learning hands-only CPR from Doug Miller to the Stayin’ Alive beat to promote his health summit back in July 2011.

Promote healthy police

2011-09-19T09:26:00.003-05:00

Chicago Tribune * 5:09 p.m. CDT, September 19, 2011

We care about our police officers. Their courageous service keeps our community safe and protects us from crime. Police officers are key to the health of Chicago. While they are busy looking after us, the stresses of their profession often put their personal health at risk. There is now an opportunity to change that.

That is why we urge the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to support and participate in Mayor Emanuel’s Wellness Plan for city employees.

We understand that police officers perform a stressful job that contributes to a higher than average risk of a health problems, including premature heart disease and stroke. It is this increased risk that makes police participation in a wellness plan so essential.

Mayor Emanuel's Wellness Plan for city employees addresses two problems: the poor health of Chicagoans (evidenced by high rates of heart disease, stroke and obesity) and spiraling health care costs. The Plan would offer city employees and their families health screening and wellness training, the tools needed to lose weight and manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The Wellness Plan also encourages and rewards increasing exercise and smoking cessation. There is no downside to these benefits unless one opts out of the opportunity to improve one's health.

At the American Heart Association, we support the goals outlined in the Wellness Plan. Knowing your risk factors makes a difference!

In a September 15th Sun-Times article, Mark Shields, FOP President, admitted that while his membership is not the healthiest, with officers that are overweight, have high blood pressure and more diabetes than the average citizen, he is reluctant to support the Plan. Apparently, his position is that the plan exposes his members to potential financial burden (possibly because of disease detection or perhaps because of surcharges for nonparticipation).

That logic seems flawed. The health risk of being a police officer should be a reason for the police union to endorse this plan. Mr. Shields is focusing on the "stick" in the Emanuel plan, not the carrot. The carrot is good health and longer life; the stick only applies to non-participating employees, who would be subject to a monthly surcharge ($50-$100/family). Rather than focusing on the hypothetical risk of increased health insurance premiums because diseases have been detected, Mr. Shields should boldly embrace this opportunity to improve the health of Chicago's finest.

-- Stephen L. Archer, President of the Board of the American Heart Association, Chicago

To read article http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-110919archer_briefs,0,3619748.story

CDC New Website About Congenital Heart Defects

2011-09-16T11:34:00.001-05:00

This week, the CDC shared a new website to help educate the public about congenital heart defects (CHD), the most common type of birth defect. Check it out here: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/index.html

Are you a CHD survivor, or a caregiver for a CHD survivor? Share your story with us! (link for the share your story with us text: http://www.yourethecure.org/register.aspx?Page=shareyourstory

New public-private sector initiative aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in five years

2011-09-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

September 13, 2011

Million Hearts focuses on improving aspirin use, blood pressure, cholesterol control and tobacco prevention

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with several key initial partners, today launched Million Hearts, an initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Currently, cardiovascular disease costs $444 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity in Americans. Building on work already underway thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Million Hearts will help improve Americans’ health and increase productivity.

Million Hearts is focused on two goals:

·Empowering Americans to make healthy choices such as preventing tobacco use and reducing sodium and trans fat consumption. This can reduce the number of people who need medical treatment such as blood pressure or cholesterol medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

·Improving care for people who do need treatment by encouraging a targeted focus on the “ABCS” – Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management and Smoking cessation – which address the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

“Heart disease causes 1 of every 3 American deaths and constitutes 17-percent of overall national health spending,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “By enlisting partners from across the health sector, Million Hearts will create a national focus on combating heart disease.”

By empowering Americans to make healthy choices and improving care, Million Hearts strives to achieve the following specific goals:

Indicator/Baseline/ 2017 goal:

Aspirin use for people at high risk- baseline 47%; 2017 goal 65%
Blood pressure control- baseline 46%; 2017 goal 65%
Effective treatment of high cholesterol (LDL-C)- baseline 33%; 2017 goal 65%
Smoking prevalence- baseline 19%; 2017 goal 17%
Sodium intake (average)- baseline 3.5g/day; 2017 goal 20% reduction
Artificial trans fat consumption (average)- baseline 1% of calories/day; 2017 goal 50% reduction

from our existing health investments,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “If we succeed in achieving our Million Hearts goals, 10 million more Americans with high blood pressure will have it under control, 20 million more Americans with high cholesterol will have it under control, and 4 million fewer Americans will smoke by 2017.”

“The treatment of heart disease and stroke account for about $1 of every $6 spent on health care in this country,” said Donald Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “By shifting our focus from paying for how much care is provided to how to get the best health for Americans and putting more tools into the hands of health care providers and patients, CMS can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and avoidable human suffering.”

Several partners from the private sector will work to achieve the Million Hearts goals by:

·Improving Americans’ diets, reducing tobacco use, and improving medication adherence through community innovations.

Specifically, these private sector initiatives include:

o The American Heart Association will help monitor progress of the initiative’s goals and provide consumers with access to their heart health management tools, including Heart 360, My Life Check, and the Heart Attack Risk Calculator.

o Walgreens will engage its more than 26,000 health care providers to support the Million Hearts initiative’s prevention goal by providing blood pressure testing at no charge in consultation with a Walgreens pharmacist or Take Care Clinic Nurse Practitioner.

o The Y is aiming to expand coverage of the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program as well as the successful National Diabetes Prevention Program and CDC’s Healthy Communities Program to better address risks for diabetes, heart attacks, and stroke.

o America’s Health Insurance Plans and its members will amplify their ongoing commitment to reduce cardiovascular disease, which includes community-based collaborations to reduce the burden of obesity and other risk factors for heart disease (UnitedHealthcare), beneficiary fitness programs (WellPoint), initiatives to reduce ethnic and racial disparities in cardiovascular health (Aetna) and programs to better manage chronic disease (Cigna).

o The American Pharmacists’ Association and the American Pharmacists’ Association Foundation will encourage its more than 62,000 members to engage in the Million Hearts Campaign by raising awareness with their patients and their communities.

o The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety will encourage state pharmacy associations and their members to engage in the Million Hearts Campaign throughout the year with many activities planned for American Pharmacists Month in October and beyond.

o The National Community Pharmacists Association will encourage all 23,000 independent community pharmacies to become involved in the Initiative and continue to raise awareness through their publications and social media outlets.

Participation and commitment from private partners are expected to grow in the coming months; major national associations like the American Medical Association and American Nurses Association have already committed their constituencies to this important work.

In addition, HHS will target more than $200 million in new and refocused investments to achieve the goals of Million Hearts:

o Today, CDC is announcing $40 million for chronic disease prevention programs to health departments across the country.

o The Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and Inspection Service are launching efforts to identify opportunities to reduce sodium in food in order to put more control into consumers’ hands.

o CDC is announcing a $2 million Pharmacy Outreach Project to team up with pharmacists to provide additional advice and support to patients diagnosed with high blood pressure.

o CMS is announcing $85 million in Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases grants awarded to 10 states. These awards support prevention programs for Medicaid beneficiaries of all ages.

o CDC is announcing $4.2 million in funds to seven national networks of community-based organizations to support, disseminate and amplify the reach of the Community Transformation Grant program. Later this month, CDC will announce another $100 million in grants to communities across the country focused on reducing smoking, improving nutrition, and promoting blood pressure control.

o The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will align all available resources to support improved outreach and provision of comprehensive health care to people with mental and substance use disorders.

HHS will also achieve the goals of Million Hearts by:

·Enhancing focus on cardiovascular disease prevention

o Federal agencies and private sector partners will focus and align measurement strategies which will both improve ABCS care and simplifying reporting for providers. For example, the Physician Quality Reporting System, which provides bonus payments, and in the future, payment reductions, based on the reporting of quality information by eligible professionals, CMS plans to enhance its focus on the ABCS.

o Beginning in 2012, HRSA will require all community health centers to report annually on the ABCS measures to track and improve performance, including new measures for 2012 for aspirin use and cholesterol screening. These efforts will help to improve ABCS care for more than 20 million patients.

· Focusing HIT efforts to prevent heart attacks and strokes

o Ongoing HIT improvements will increase focus on cardiovascular prevention and give providers improved tools for their delivery of lifesaving ABCS care. Regional extension centers, which reach nearly 100,000 primary care doctors, and Beacon Communities will reach more than 100 million patients within the next few years.

· Improving the delivery of ABCS care through clinical innovations, including:

o Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). A network of 53 Medicare-funded organizations nationwide to improve healthcare quality at the community level, QIOs will work with physician offices, clinics and other providers to create Learning & Action Networks focused on achieving the elements of ABCS as part of each QIO’s tasks and goals.

o Learning from Local Innovators (Healthcare Innovations Exchange). The HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Healthcare Innovations Exchange supports efforts to identify and disseminate innovative efforts to improve health care led by local communities and leaders.

For further information on the public and private support of the Million Hearts initiative, please visit: http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about-mh.shtml.

For more information about the Million Hearts initiative and to access cardiovascular disease risk assessment tools visit millionhearts.hhs.gov. Million Hearts is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

###

Illinois names to American Heart Association 2011-2012 Affiliate Board of Directors

2011-09-12T12:01:00.003-05:00

One of the greatest assets the American Heart Association has is outstanding volunteer leadership. We are pleased to announce Irene Thompson, resident of Illinois will serve as a new AHA affiliate board member.

Chairperson - Irene Thompson, president and chief executive officer of the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) in Chicago. Irene joined UHC in 2007 after serving as president and CEO of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority for 11 years, where she was instrumental in establishing the hospital as an independent entity. Previously, she served as board chairperson of UHC as well as the Association of American Medical Colleges' Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems. She was president of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and has also participated on numerous other community not-for-profit boards.

Weight-loss programs might save Medicare billions

2011-09-09T11:01:00.002-05:00

By Jeannine Stein, Los Angeles Times / For the Booster Shots blog
4:05 p.m. CDT, September 8, 2011, Appeared in Chicago Tribune

Medicare could save billions of dollars if people who were pre-diabetic or at risk for cardiovascular disease took part in community-based weight-loss programs, a study finds.

Researchers projected cost savings for the government healthcare program if millions of people in the U.S. age 60 to 64 participated in a program that helped them lose weight and gain more healthful lifestyle habits. They based their findings on an existing YMCA diabetes prevention program that is, as of this year, at 50 facilities in 24 states. In a study of a similar program, participants lost an average 7% of their body weight and maintained that over 2.8 years. The prevalence of diabetes went down 71% among people age 60 and older.

Their projection was based on a scenario in which the program would roll out across the country and target adults age 60 to 64--those not eligible for Medicare yet--who are pre-diabetic, with a body mass index greater than 24 (considered overweight or obese), and who show risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Under the proposal, funding would come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Diabetes Prevention Program and the Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund. Both were established by the Affordable Care Act.

The study authors estimated Medicare savings over a 10-year period as well as for a person's lifetime, and based them on two participation rates from results of a pilot study: one in which 70% of people took part, and one in which 55% of people took part.

If 70% of eligible people age 60 to 64 with a BMI of 24 or higher enrolled, the program would cost $590 million. But that would also mean a net savings of $2.3 billion to Medicare over 10 years and a net lifetime savings of $9.3 billion. At the 55% participation rate, the net savings would be $1.8 billion over 10 years and $7.3 billion over participants' lifetime.

Include overweight and obese people who also have the cardiovascular disease markers of high blood pressure and high cholesterol (even if they're not pre-diabetic) and that would add an additional $1.4 billion in savings over 10 years and an extra $5.8 billion in lifetime savings, with 70% enrollment. With 55% participation there would be a net savings of $1.2 billion over 10 years and $4.6 billion in lifetime savings.

"Diabetes is expensive to treat," says Kenneth Thorpe, a professor at Emory University, in a news release. Thorpe, lead author of the study that was released Thursday in the journal Health Affairs, added, "Most of the growth in health care spending is linked to rising rates of diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure--all conditions that weight loss can help reduce. Why not shift the focus to keeping people healthy?"

Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

SSEEO Annual Stroke Conference: Emotional Recovery After a Stroke

2011-09-08T12:09:00.003-05:00

You are cordially invited to attend

Emotional Recovery after a Stroke*

Saturday October 8th, 2011
8:30am - 12:00pm
Advocate Christ Medical Center, Auditorium, Conference Center
4440 West 95th Street - Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708/684-8000

*There is no charge for this event but registration is required

Agenda

8:30 - 9:30am - Registration - Breakfast, Networking and Conversation

9:30 - 10:15am - Life is Tough but People are Tougher - Emotional Resilience; How Survivors and Caregivers Can Gain a Sense of Control in the Face of an Uncertain Future - Dawn Horn, RN, MS, CNS, APRN, CRRN, Clinical Specialist, Advocate Christ Medical Center

10:15 - 10:30am - Break and Stretching

10:30 - 11:15am - It’s a Family Affair - How Children or Grandchildren are Affected by a Loved One’s Stroke - Kathleen Wians, RN, BS, MS Stroke Coordinator and Sandy Hoelzel, RN, MSN, CRRN, Stroke Coordinator, Resurrection Health Care

11:15 - 12:00pm - The Way We Were - Investigating the Importance of Grieving and Acceptance of your “New Normal” - Mickey Clancy, Phyllis Weiss, Frankie Janisch, Cari Biamonte and Bob Biggins, Stroke Survivors and SSEEO Board of Directors

12:00 - 12:30pm - Tour of the Ronald McDonald House (optional)

For more information and registration, please call 1-888-988-8047 or visit our website at www.sseeo.org, giving the number of attendees, names and contact information.

Deadline for registration is September 30, 2011

Top 10 myths about cardiovascular disease

2011-09-07T09:47:00.002-05:00

How much do you know about your heart's health? It's easy to be fooled by misconceptions. After all, heart disease only happens to your elderly neighbor or to your fried food-loving uncle, right? Or do you know the real truth - that heart disease affects people of all ages, even those who eat right? Relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to your heart. Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans each year than any other disease. So let's set the record straight on common myths.

"I'm too young to worry about heart disease." How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries.

"I'd know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs." High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because you don't usually know you have it. You may never experience symptoms, so don't wait for your body to alert you that there's a problem. Check you numbers with a simple blood pressure test.

"I'll know when I'm having a heart attack because I'll have chest pain." Not necessarily. Although it's common to have chest pain or discomfort, a heart attack may cause subtle symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back. Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn your risk of heart attack!

"Diabetes won't threaten my heart as long as I take my medication." Treating diabetes can help reduce your risk for or delay the development of cardiovascular diseases. But even when blood sugar levels are under control, you're still at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That's because the risk factors that contribute to diabetes onset also make you more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

"Heart disease runs in my family, so there's nothing I can do to prevent it." Although people with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, you can take steps to dramatically reduce your risk. Create an action plan to keep your heart healthy by tackling these to-dos: get active; control cholesterol; eat better; manage blood pressure; maintain a healthy weight; control blood sugar; and stop smoking.

"I don't need to have my cholesterol checked until I'm middle-aged." You should start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. Children in these families can have high cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk for developing heart disease as adults.

"Heart failure means the heart stops beating." The heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, not heart failure. With heart failure, the heart keeps working, but it doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles or persistent coughing and wheezing. During cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness and stops normal breathing.

"This pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my heart." Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of peripheral artery disease, which results from blocked arteries in the legs caused by plaque build-up. The risk for heart attack or stroke increases five-fold for people with PAD.

"My heart is beating really fast. I must be having a heart attack." Your heart rate speeds up during exercise or when you get excited, and slows down when you're sleeping. Most of the time, a change in your heartbeat is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of arrhythmia, an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can last long enough to impact how well the heart works and require treatment.

"I should avoid exercise after having a heart attack." No! As soon as possible, get the help you need by joining a cardiac rehabilitation program or consulting your healthcare provider for advice on developing a physical activity plan for you.

'The Last Heart Attack' airs on CNN

2011-09-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

In a new CNN documentary, Sanjay Gupta investigates whether diet and the latest diagnostic tests are enough to prevent every heart attack. In this medical journey of discovery, Dr. Gupta talks to former President Clinton, cutting-edge doctors, AHA CEO Nancy Brown and additional guests. Gupta also puts his own heart under the microscope as he offers practical advice and hard science to show how heart disease and heart attacks could be prevented.

Watch The Last Heart Attack.

AHA Volunteer and Advocate Laura Schwartz is featured on the cover Connect Magazine September/October Issue 2011

2011-08-25T08:19:00.003-05:00

Read all about AHA advocate and volunteer Laura Schwartz!

Laura Schwartz's cover and cover story HERE from Connect Magazine's September/October 2011 issue just released online and on stands today. Laura will be emceeing and keynoting their Connect Marketplace this weekend at Navy Pier.

Laura Schwartz, speaker and author of
Eat, Drink and Succeed! Climb Your Way to the Top Using the Networking Power of Social Events

To read article: http://connectyourmeetings.com/2011/08/23/inside-job/

New provisions will enhance school wellness policies

2011-08-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

This week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced improvements included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that will enhance local wellness policies in schools beginning in the 2011-12 academic year. The American Heart Association was a leader in successfully advocating for the inclusion of this measure to promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity and provide assurance that schools meet the minimum federal school meal standards. The new provisions supersede previous requirements and expand the scope of wellness policies. Schools are now required to inform and update the public (including parents, students and others in the community) about the content and implementation of the local wellness policies. This victory is due in large part to the work and dedication of our advocacy staff, volunteers and You're the Cure advocates who met with their lawmakers and sent nearly 25,000 messages to Congress.

To view the updated local wellness policy materials, visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthy/wellnesspolicy.html.

Illinois Network News, August 2011

2011-08-08T09:12:00.003-05:00

Legislative Updates:

CPR
After months of advocacy aimed at passing a new CPR bill, Governor Pat Quinn has strengthened Illinois’ Good Samaritan Law by signing HB 1549 at a special ceremony designed to bring attention to the importance of hands-only CPR. This new law was written to aid the spread of hands-only CPR training by ensuring that the legal framework protecting folks with the courage and presence of mind to perform CPR keeps pace with recent advances in CPR training.

As you may know, less than 30% of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest receive bystander CPR before the paramedics arrive. Those lucky few who do receive CPR are up to 3 times more likely to survive. You may also know that the American Heart Association updated its CPR guidelines last fall, emphasizing Hands-Only CPR as an easier to learn alternative to conventional CPR. Thanks to these new guidelines and this new law that protects them, yesterday’s 4-hour certification course has given way to today’s 20-minute training video, making CPR easier for individuals to learn and less time-consuming for public institutions and private businesses to teach than ever before.

As a result, the door to quick and affordable CPR training has opened throughout the state. In fact, we are already seeing results thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, partners like CCARES and the Chicago Medical Society, and the enthusiasm for additional training from large organizations such as the Chicago Police Department. With prohibitive time commitment and liability issues behind us, there is no reason why a majority of Illinoisans can’t learn CPR at their job, with a local community organization, or in their living room in the months and years to come. None of this would have been possible without our national medical volunteers who crafted the new guidelines, and our local volunteers who helped pass this important law. Thanks in part to all of your help, more lives will be saved with hands-only CPR in Illinois!

SMOKEFREE ILLINOIS
Working with fellow members of the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco, we scored a huge victory for public health by stopping several bills which would have amended the Smokefree Illinois Act to allow smoking in casinos! Although we won the battle, the fight continues as we expect casino smoking bills to resurface as soon as the Illinois General Assembly comes back into session. We will need your voice and your help again, so please stay tuned! If you would like more information on this issue, please visit: www.smokefreeillinois.org. Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact AHA staff with any questions or feedback.

TOBACCO TAXES
Unfortunately, the General Assembly adjourned without taking action of a cigarette tax increase. Polls show that a tobacco tax remains the most popular revenue option for state government because in addition to reducing smoking rates and saving lives, this policy would benefit our cash-strapped state financially by bringing in roughly $300 million in new state revenues. We will continue to push this option as state officials consider options to address Illinois’ precarious financial condition. We are grateful to State Senate President John Cullerton and to Gov. Pat Quinn for their support of this initiative!

TRANS FATS
Protecting kids’ health by phasing out trans fats in school foods also remains on legislators’ “to do” list. Several legislative proposals to eliminate trans fats in schools and/or restaurants were introduced last legislative session. We supported some of the bills but were less enthusiastic about some other, weaker bills. However, none of the legislation – strong or weak – managed to pass because of strong opposition from school district superintendents and administrators as well some restaurants and most bakeries due to their concerns over the costs associated with replacing trans fats with healthier alternatives. Over the next several months we will be talking with all stakeholders to provide accurate information and to identify solutions everyone can support.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
What a difference a year (and YOUR voices) make! As some of you will recall, during the 2010 Spring Legislative Session we found ourselves fighting repeated attempts to cut PE in Illinois’ schools. Opponents attempted to diminish the importance of quality PE by labeling it an “unfunded mandate” and targeting it for elimination. While we stood our ground and defeated the attacks on PE, we fully expected to see more such activity during the 2011 Spring Legislative Session. And we were delighted to be wrong!!! Apparently our message about protecting, improving and expanding PE as a critically important weapon in our anti-obesity arsenal was received! We did not see any serious attempts to cut PE in 2011. Hopefully the school administrators looking to cut their budgets have realized that cutting PE will not be as easy as they may have expected and have permanently moved on to other “lower hanging” budget solutions. We will continue to educate policy makers on the importance of PE and will continue to “play defense” as needed. However, legislation in Springfield tends to favor the path of least resistance, and we hope that people’s emphatic support for physical education will act as a deterrent for future proposals to cut or eliminate the PE requirement.

STEMI CARE
Our efforts to create more efficient and effective systems of emergency care for the very worst heart attacks (called STEMIs) are starting to pick up some steam. Why is this important? Imagine you or a loved one had a massive STEMI heart attack. You would of course call 911 and expect to be quickly taken to a hospital fully equipped and staffed to handle your case. Unfortunately, the reality is that not every hospital has the in-house resources and expertise to handle STEMI patients, which means that if your closest hospital (which is where the ambulance will take you under current rules) isn’t a STEMI center, you’ll have to wait for a transfer to another hospital before you can be treated. Tragically, time is crucial with STEMIs and many patients do not survive the delay.

To fix this problem and ensure that STEMI patients are taken to the right hospital, right away, we have been working with partners and volunteers throughout the state, and can happily report some real progress. In Illinois’ 11th Emergency Medical Service (EMS) region comprising the city of Chicago, the EMS Medical Directors have recently formed a STEMI Advisory Committee – supported and hosted by the AHA – to bring together all relevant stakeholders in an effort to update the rules for paramedics and hospitals treating a STEMI patient. While the formation of yet another committee isn’t always a proof of progress, in this case AHA has been working closely with the Region 11 EMS Medical Directors and we hope to see an initial draft of new STEMI transportation rules soon. Without getting too far into the technical weeds, the adoption of new transportation rules within Region 11 would be a huge step forward for STEMI care in Illinois’ most populous EMS region. Elsewhere in the state, Region 8 (comprising Chicago’s western suburbs) continues to lead the way after completing its STEMI protocol process this past winter, while the state’s 9 other EMS regions are in various stages of preparation for similar efforts. It will take a lot of time and effort for all 11 of Illinois’ EMS regions to adopt new STEMI transportation rules and procure the equipment they’ll need to put those rules into practice, but things are moving in the right direction, and with your help we can improve STEMI care and survival rates throughout the state.

Upcoming Events:

9/17 McHenry County Heart Walk
9/17 McLean County Heart Walk
9/23 Downtown Chicago Heart Walk
9/24 West/DuPage Chicago Heart Walk
9/25 North/Northwest Chicago Heart Walk
10/1 South Cook County Heart Walk
10/1 Southern Illinois Heart Walk
10/8 East Central Illinois Heart Walk
10/8 Tri-County Peoria Area Heart Walk

Volunteer with us:
Are you looking for more ways to get involved with Illinois Advocacy? Then think about volunteering with us! We are looking for a few volunteers to join us at upcoming heart walks to help get petition cards signed and recruit new members for You're the Cure. Send us a note to let us know you can help at one of the above heart walks this fall.

Advocacy 101
Learn more about your state elected officials and where they stand on important issues! Don't know who your representatives are? Follow this LINK to find out!

Become a Volnteer Leader
Are you passionate about making heart-healthy changes in Illinois and across the country? Consider becoming one of our volunteer leaders! Help us recruit and train new advocates, continue to build relationships with your legislators and be our go-to volunteer for your area of the state.Sound great? Send Anne Simaytis an email today to find out more. Or call her at 414-227-1410.

State’s 'No smoking' law should be obeyed and strictly enforced

2011-08-04T08:22:00.002-05:00

The Southern Illinoisan
Posted: Thursday, July 28, 2011

It's one of the worst-kept secrets in Southern Illinois: In bars across the region, smokers are still lighting up their cigarettes indoors.

It's also one of the most poorly-enforced laws in Southern Illinois, and that needs to change.

In Saturday's issue of The Southern, the issue of smoking in Williamson and Franklin County bars has irked some, and for good reason. No matter how unpopular it may be with some bar owners and patrons, the smoking ban is statewide law, and needs to be enforced as such.

First and foremost, the responsibility falls on those who smoke. This should be simple enough - once you set foot in a public building, which includes bars, the cigarette needs to be put out. Otherwise, smokers are violating the law and unnecessarily exposing other patrons and employees to secondhand smoke. Good citizens abide by the laws.

Next, bar owners need to enforce the law in their facilities. Sure, it may result in a brief downturn in business, but it will be short-lived. You can't smoke in a Chicago nightclub and people stand in line for entry - many enjoying a smoke. Smokers everywhere else in the state find their way outdoors before lighting up. And for those bar owners who are obeying the law and not allowing smoking, it's horribly unfair that they are losing business to other bars that decide they don't need to play by the same rule.

Finally, local health departments need to take it upon themselves to make sure the law gets enforced. With a few weekends of stern enforcement, the message will get out and bars will start cracking down on their own.

Laws are enacted for a reason, and this one is designed to benefit the public's health. They're also enacted with the purpose of being enforced, and some in Southern Illinois are dropping the ball in that regard. It's time to put out those cigarettes and truly go smoke-free.

Read more: http://thesouthern.com/news/opinions/voice_southern/article_00f07258-b8d1-11e0-9ded-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1U4ALefRi

Our Fight for Healthier School Meals Continues…

2011-08-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Last Year: You’re the Cure advocates took as strong stand for healthier school meals for our kids by sending over 25,000 messages to Congress in support of the Child Nutrition Act. Our voices helped ensure the bill, which establishes the framework for the National School Lunch and National School Breakfast programs, was passed and signed into law by the President before the end of the 111th Congress.

This Year: Under the Child Nutrition Act, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed updated national school meal standards for the first time since 1994 and asked for the public to weigh in. You’re the Cure advocates sent over 30,000 comments to the USDA in April in support of the proposed standards, which ensure school meals include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit the sodium and unhealthy fats served to our kids at school.

Today: As the USDA works to review all of the public comments and finalize the standards, some Members of Congress are now trying to stop USDA’s efforts to improve school meals. That’s why we need your help once again. Please send a quick message to your Representative today to ask him/her to support the USDA’s efforts to finalize strong nutrition standards for school meals. With your help, millions of kids will be enjoying nutritious school meals in 2012.

Thank you for your support of the Smoke Free Illinois Act

2011-07-26T12:53:00.003-05:00

Four years ago the Smoke Free Illinois Act was signed into law, protecting all Illinois workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. This outstanding victory for the health of all Illinoisans was made possible because of the hard work and dedication of thousands of advocates and volunteers like you!

On its 4th anniversary, take a moment to reminder you legislators how much you enjoy a smoke free Illinois

The Smoke Free Illinois Act is one of the most popular laws ever passed in Illinois, with 84% of registered voters supporting a smoke free Illinois. It’s also one of the most important public health bills in decades – people who are exposed to secondhand smoke have 25 to 35 percent higher coronary death rates and an increased chance of developing lung cancer. After four years, we have come to enjoy and expect smoke-free offices, restaurants, bars, clubs and gaming facilities.

As you know, despite the law’s popularity there have been several major attempts this year to weaken the Smoke Free Illinois Act and put all of our health at risk again. With your help time and again, we’ve defeated them all!

Please join us once again on the 4th anniversary of the Smoke Free Illinois Act by taking a moment to remind your legislators how much you enjoy a smoke free Illinois!

Thank you for your continued dedication and support!

Braun Named National Healthcare Volunteer of the Year

2011-07-05T11:02:00.002-05:00

Lynne Braun, RN, PhD, received the American Heart Association's National Healthcare Volunteer of the Year award at the Gold Heart Awards Banquet held at the end of June. For the past 25 years, Dr. Braun has been front and center in the planning and execution of practically every professional and public education activity developed by the American Heart Association in Chicago.

“Lynne is incredibly dedicated to increasing heart health, particularly in women at risk, and I’m thrilled for her that she’s receiving well-deserved national recognition for her tireless efforts,” says Annabelle Volgman, MD, medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women, and Midwest Affiliate board member.

Congratulations on your tremendous efforts, Lynne!

Be Part of the Chicago Pedestrian Plan

2011-06-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Chicago's pedestrian experience is one of the reasons that the city is such a great place to live, work, and play. To help ensure that Chicago continues to be a great city for pedestrians, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), in coordination with the Mayor's Pedestrian Advisory Council (MPAC), is currently working on the Chicago Pedestrian Plan. The Pedestrian Plan will identify new opportunities and ongoing initiatives that will strengthen Chicago's already robust pedestrian environment.

Public meetings will be held across Chicago this summer for the Pedestrian Plan. Each meeting will feature a short presentation from CDOT and an open house with representatives from CDOT and other agencies and groups that work on pedestrian issues. The open house will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about much of the pedestrian-related work that is taking place in Chicago and provide input on how the pedestrian experience in Chicago could be improved.

Come share your ideas on how to make Chicago a great city for pedestrians at one of the following meetings:

June 29
Kennedy-King College
The Great Hall, 740 W. 63rd St., Chicago
6 - 8 p.m.

July 13
Austin Town Hall
Auditorium, 5610 W. Lake St., Chicago
6 - 8 p.m.

July 27
Rainbow Beach Field House
Gymnasium, Enter from 75th St. or 79th St., 3111 E. 77th St., Chicago
6 - 8 p.m.

August 10
Truman College
Cafeteria, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
6 - 8 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.chicagopedestrianplan.org/.

FDA Announces Final Cigarette Health Warnings

2011-06-23T09:51:00.003-05:00

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Food and Drug Administration:
This morning, the FDA announced the nine cigarette health warnings required to appear on every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States and in every cigarette advertisement. This bold measure is aimed at making sure that every American understands the dangers of smoking.
The warnings represent the most significant changes to cigarette labels in more than 25 years and will affect everything from packaging to advertisements. Manufacturers are required to place them on all cigarette packs, cartons and ads by no later than September 2012.

Each warning is accompanied by the phone number 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a smoking cessation resource, so it will be seen at the time it is most relevant to smokers, increasing the likelihood that smokers who want to quit will be successful. Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, responsible for 443,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It costs our economy nearly $200 billion every year in medical care and lost productivity.

The introduction of these warnings is expected to have a significant public health impact by decreasing the number of smokers - resulting in lives saved, increased life expectancy and improved health status.

» Watch the event live at 11:30pm CT and 12:30pm CT at WhiteHouse.gov/live
» Tweet at the Twitter Town Hall with Dr. Howard Koh, the Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS, and Dr. Lawrence Deyton, Director of the Center for Tobacco Products @FDATobacco at 2:30 PM
To participate and ask questions, simply follow along at the hashtag
#cigwarnings and make sure to tag your Twitter questions with
#cigwarnings.

For More Information
» Visit FDA's Cigarette Health Warning Webpage
» Read the Press Release
» Read the Frequently Asked Questions
» Read the Consumer Update

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Praises New Graphic Warning Labels

2011-06-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

June 21, 2011

New cigarette warning labels unveiled today by the Food and Drug Administration will help give us the momentum needed to eradicate tobacco use in our nation. For the first time in 25 years, cigarette warning labels have been dramatically altered to graphically demonstrate the specific, serious health risks associated with smoking and these warnings will not only tell smokers how bad tobacco use is, but also direct them to smoking cessation resources that can help them quit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 45 million Americans smoke cigarettes, about 20 percent of the population, and one in five high school students still smoke. The new health warnings represent an aggressive and welcome approach to reducing smoking rates that have leveled off in recent years as tobacco companies continue to launch campaigns to entice new smokers and maintain current customers.

The American Heart Association strongly believes that the graphic depictions of smoking-related diseases on cigarette packages will drive home the message that tobacco use is an equal opportunity killer, affecting smokers and nonsmokers alike. In the U.S., about one-third of smoking-related deaths are linked to heart disease and stroke. Cigarette smoking causes about 443, 000 premature deaths each year and about 49, 000 of these deaths are due to secondhand smoke. Undoubtedly, the new graphic health warnings will heighten awareness about the dangers of smoking and more importantly, encourage smokers to quit and discourage smoking initiation. We’re confident that the new labels will move us closer to our goal of making the nation 100 percent smoke-free.

http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/CigaretteWarningLabels/default.htm.

For more information, visit www.heart.org.

Joint Commission - Smokefree Hospital Toolkit

2011-06-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

The Joint Commission has released a Smokefree Hospital Toolkit which could be a useful resource for hospitals in your area.

Please click here to download the kit or http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/Smoke_Free_Brochure.pdf

All state workplaces must remain smoke free

2011-05-23T00:24:00.002-05:00

The following is a published letter to the editor which appeared in The Southern on May 20 and was written by Illinois advocate and survivor David Melby.

When the Smoke Free Illinois Act went into effect in 2008, Illinois became the 22nd state to protect workers, patrons and visitors in all its businesses and public places from the health risks of secondhand smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois is now one of 25 states and the District of Columbia to have comprehensive, statewide smoking bans which prohibit smoking in public places, establishments such as bars and restaurants, as well as all other workplaces, including casinos. Eighteen more states have implemented statewide smoking restrictions with some exemptions.

The Illinois House of Representatives recently passed HB 1965, which would permit smoking in Illinois casinos if the nearest state allows it. The CDC said that the proposed law would make Illinois first nationwide to weaken a recently enacted, comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law by exempting casinos. Once again, the eyes of the country are watching Illinois government at work. Illinois has received a high level of visibility in recent years. Most of that visibility has not reflected well on our state. If this legislation is enacted into law, Illinois will once again be in the national spotlight for all of the wrong reasons, while polls show that an overwhelming majority of Illinoisans do not want their smoke-free protections weakened.

Maintaining a commitment to a comprehensive, Smoke Free Illinois is good for Illinois and all of its citizens for a variety of reasons, including the following:

Smoke Free Illinois results in tremendous public health benefits. In the first two years after implementation, the Illinois Department of Public Health estimates that over 30,000 hospitalizations for heart disease alone were prevented. When combined with similar statistics for cancer and other lung diseases, the public health benefits are staggering. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America, and even second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart attack by 30 percent.

Smoke Free Illinois makes good financial sense. According to IDPH, because the average cost of heart disease hospital admissions is so high ($39,000), the admissions prevented in the first two years follow-ing implementation of Smoke Free Illinois resulted in a healthcare cost savings of almost $1.2 Billion!

Smoke Free Illinois is good for business. An independent, random sample survey of Illinois casino gamblers, commissioned by the American Lung Association, was conducted between April 27 and May 9. It found that 85 percent of the 401 respondents who had visited an Illinois casino at least once during the last 12 months reported that they either preferred to visit a smoke-free casino or said it did not matter. Survey results indicate that the top six reasons for reducing the number of casino visits in Illinois were all economic, with the top two by a large margin being the increased cost of gasoline and the increased cost of living. Quality of the out-of-state competition and the Illinois tax rate on casino revenue were offered as additional reasons for declining Illinois casino revenues.

Another important business benefit of Smoke Free Illinois is reduced health care costs. The U.S. De-partment of Health and Human Services reports that businesses face additional costs of about $1,300 per year for each employee who smokes, because of higher health insurance claims and costs, plus main-tenance and cleaning costs for carpet, furniture and drapes. This business cost analysis does not appear to even include the additional costs for non-smoking employees as the result of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Smoke Free Illinois is good for Illinois because all workers deserve to be protected from second-hand smoke, including those working in casinos. In a recent open letter to legislators and the media, Buffy McKinney of Cahokia, Illinois wrote about her mother, Cheryl Rose, who worked in a casino for more than 20 years. Although she never smoked and took care of her health, in 2008, she was diagnosed with inoperable Stage 4 Lung Cancer, in all probability the result of years of exposure to secondhand smoke. Buffy asks in her letter, "Have you ever had to hold a parent in your arms as they take their last breath at the young age of 62? - And all of this could have been prevented through a comprehensive clean air law!"

Let's not backtrack on our commitment to provide a smoke-free work environment for everyone in Illinois. Please call your state senator's office to register your sentiments regarding this unpopular and potentially harmful legislation. Urge your Senator to vote No on HB 1965 and any similar legislation that might be sponsored in the foreseeable future.

DAVID J. MELBY of Carterville is a member of the American Heart Association's Illinois Advocacy Committee.

Take Action to Remove Barriers to Helping Smokers Quit

2011-05-18T13:39:00.002-05:00

Tobacco use is a top preventable cause of death in the U.S. Most smokers say they want to quit - yet only 5 percent are successful. Often the high-cost of routine assessment and effective treatments acts as a barrier for a smoker who is serious about quitting for good. Senate Bill 673 lowers this barrier by requiring that up to $500.00 annually in smoking cessation programs be covered by private insurance. The coverage can, in turn, lower the overall smoking-related healthcare costs, which cost Illinois taxpayers billions of dollars. (Here is the link for more information on SB 673)

Please take a moment to contact your representative:
Ask your Representative to Help Smokers Quit by supporting SB 673!

Tobacco cessation programs have proved to be both clinically effective and cost effective. Positive outcomes from tobacco cessation programs can be considered a return on investment for smoking cessation with overall money saved as a result of taking on this prevention intervention.

SB 673 would mandate a health plan to offer a maximum of $500 in coverage annually for a tobacco use cessation program for an enrollee who is 18 years of age or older. The following therapies would be covered:

Behavior modification support such as counseling, support groups, monitoring and education
Over-the-counter and prescription nicotine replacement treatments and other aids approved by the FDA for smoking cessation
Pharmacological medications

Ask your Representative to Remove Barriers to Helping Smokers Quit and support SB 673

Thank you for continuing to support our advocacy efforts!

Eat Well, Live Well, Let’s Move!

2011-05-13T15:17:00.004-05:00

Early Bird Registration Ends May 1st!

Northwestern University, the CDC, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Midwest Business Group on Health have joined forces with Building Healthier Communities in this Eat Well, Live Well, Let’s Move! national conference to make it a powerful educational and networking event. Eat Well, Live Well, Let’s Move! will be one of the first of its kind in terms of a public, private and academic development collaboration. By bringing these partners together, this conference will address our major public health challenges and present solutions in unprecedented ways.

Participants will get out of their seats with activities and interactive sessions, and the fast pace will make it the ultimate networking opportunity. The event will be punctuated with fresh, innovative and tasty meals and lively breaks.

WHEN: June 8- 9, 2011

WHERE: Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL

WHAT: This year’s conference will examine the public health, academic and business research on and implications of:
· Food Psychology
· Sodium
· Media Literacy & Food Marketing
· Social Entrepreneurship & Health

Nationally-Acclaimed Speakers from Business, Public Health, and Academia
Larry Appel, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health
Shahram Heshmat, PhD, Public Health, University of Illinois Springfield, Public Affairs and Administration
Jim Painter, PhD, RD, Chairman, School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Eastern IL University
Margo Wootan, ScD, Director of Nutrition Policy at Center for Science and the Public Interest John Agwunobi, MD, Senior Vice President and President for the Professional Services Division for Wal-Mart

Who should attend?
This conference will bring together representatives from public health, academia, and the business community. A combination of interdisciplinary panels and breakouts will enhance collaboration among public, private and academic organizations at the local, regional and national level.

Please visit http://www.healthierchicago.org/ for more information.

“My mom worked in a smoke-filled casino and paid with her life!”

2011-05-09T13:36:00.001-05:00

Thursday, May 5, 2011
[The following was posted on Capitol Fax.com by an American Heart Association advocate]

To Illinois legislators:

I would like to tell you my mother’s story. My mother, Cheryl Rose, was a mentor to all she came in contact with, always giving of herself. She was a hero to many and even in death she is helping others.

She worked in the Casino industry for over 20 years. She never smoked and worked out regularly. Yet she was diagnosed with inoperable Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2008. We were shocked. The only cause we and the doctors could think of was the secondhand smoke at work. She lost her hair, suffered the indignity of terrible facial sores, the weight loss, the loss of her insurance and eventually the loss of her life.

Have you ever had to hold a parent in your arms as they take their last breath at the young age of 62? What would you do if your own children had to go through this with you? And all this could have been prevented through a comprehensive clean air law!

I am asking you to take a stand with me and my mother and to protect the citizens who elected you and trusted you with their lives.

Sincerely,

Buffy McKinney
Cahokia, IL

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown says CDC Report on Children’s Food Environment Underscores Need for Strong Public Policies

2011-04-26T11:10:00.001-05:00

April 26, 2011

Our nation’s youth face major roadblocks to good health with easy access to calorie-laden snacks, sugary beverages and other unhealthy foods in their schools and communities. With about 1 out of every 6 children in the U.S. considered obese, we are condemning our kids to a bleak future of premature health problems such as type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. The CDC Report: Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report is a painful reminder that many children continue to lack access to fruits, vegetables and nutritious food close to home. We must place a greater emphasis on making healthier food choices more accessible and affordable, particularly for families living in food deserts where the nearest supermarket could be miles away and for those surrounded by fast food restaurants or corner stores with less healthy offerings.

Parents, schools, child-care facilities and communities have the potential to improve the health of young people by providing the tools they need to learn lifelong healthy behaviors. By strengthening nutrition standards in schools, pre-schools and day care settings, we can help limit kids’ exposure to unhealthy options. We must also support measures to reduce sodium and eliminate trans fat in the food supply, increase community and school gardens, reduce children’s exposure to marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods and require calorie information to be displayed on menus and menu boards in all restaurants.

Strong public policies and community programs to increase access to healthy foods will help children develop heart-healthy eating habits that could significantly reduce childhood obesity rates across the country.

A trans-fat-less Illinois in our future?

2011-04-21T16:14:00.001-05:00

From Pioneer Press - A Chicago Sun-Times Publication

April 21, 2011

Every once in a while Illinois legislators come up with a good idea.

This time, the House has passed a bill that would ban the use of trans fats in restaurants, movie theaters, bakeries and cafes, as well as food sold in school vending machines.

If the Senate OKs the bill and Gov. Pat Quinn signs it, the law would take effect in 2013. Illinois would be only the second state (after California) to take such an action.

Whoa, slow down there, pardner, before you start raging about the government sticking its nose into your private business.

Believe me, you don't care a thing about trans fats

It isn't trans fats you love. No, it's french fries, and pizza and chocolate doughnuts.

None of these foods -- or any other foods -- depends on trans fats for their taste. Trans fast don't have taste and don't add taste.

Trans fat comes from adding hydrogen to vegetable oil by a process called hydrogenation. There's nothing gourmetical (is that a word?) about it.

Trans fats are created because they are more solid than oil. This makes trans fats less likely to spoil. So, using trans fats in manufacturing food gives food a longer shelf life. This means more profit for food manufacturers.

That would be fine, except that trans fats not only raise bad cholesterol (LDL), they lower good cholesterol (HDL). And this combo increases the risk of coronary heart disease, which is the leading killer of men and women.

The tragedy is that there is no necessity for taking this risk.

As I already said, trans fats add nothing to the taste of food. If it did, you could order a pizza with extra trans fat. Ever hear of that?

In addition, there are all kinds of oils and shortenings and cooking ingredients available that don't contain trans fat.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.
Yet, who knows, perhaps there is a trans fat lobby somewhere fighting the proposed Illinois law. I wouldn't be surprised.

Seems pretty clear, though, that from a consumer perspective: Get rid of trans fats.
Let's hope Illinois legislators continue their enlightened approach and that the bill becomes law.
I could go for a cheese danish right about now.

Couldn't you?

Parents want more phys ed in schools: new national poll

2011-04-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

Apr.19, 2011

Childhood obesity affects 1 of every 6 kids in the United States, in part due to a lack of physical activity. Schools can play a key part in offering elementary-age kids lots of chances to be active—on the playground during recess and when they’re in gym.

But recent increasing expectations about academic achievement, coupled with budget cuts, have prompted many schools to cut back on both recess and gym class.

The U-M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health asked parents of children 6 to 11 years old for their views about physical activity in schools.

“Parents are virtually unanimous that it’s very important for elementary-school kids to get physical activity during every school day,” says Sarah Clark, M.P.H., associate director of the poll and associate director of the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit at the U-M Medical School . “However, one-third of parents think that their kids do not get enough physical activity at school.”

35 percent of parents feel their children’s elementary schools have too little time in gym class, 26 percent think there is not enough playground equipment and 22 percent say there is too little time for recess.

“Academic and budget pressures threaten schools’ ability to provide outlets and opportunities for children’s physical activity. Many parents are noticing that something is missing,” says Clark.
Another key result from this poll is that parents’ own weight is related to perceptions of the need for schools to help children be physically active. With regard to time for gym, playground equipment, time for recess and playground space, overweight and obese parents were more likely than other parents to say their kids did not have enough during the school day.

“This is a new insight at the national level, indicating that parents with their own weight challenges are even more likely to see schools as a key partner in addressing the risks of obesity for their own kids,” says Clark.

“School officials should note the strong support from parents for the importance of physical activity during the school day for children in the elementary grades,” continues Clark. “Parents see many reasons why physical activity is valuable for their children—not just in preventing obesity but also in promoting healthy physical development. For parents of children in elementary school, it is critically important that children get the physical activity they need during the school day.”

For full report, see link below.
http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch/pdf/041811Report.pdf

Urgent Action Needed: Stop Smoking-Expansion Bill in the IL Senate!

2011-04-04T12:35:00.003-05:00

We need your immediate help. The Illinois House recently passed HB 1965, a bill which would chip away at the landmark Smoke-Free Illinois law by allowing smoking in casinos. This bill would create huge costs to the physical health and financial wellbeing of patrons and casino workers alike, as incidents of heart disease and expensive hospitalizations would surely rise. We have previously asked you to contact your Representative, and we thank you for answering our call. Now we need your help again. Please urge your Senator to make sure that this dangerous bill does not make it to the Governor’s desk.

Please tell your Senator to put people’s health ahead of casino and liquor interests by voting NO on House Bills 1965.

HB 1965 would exempt casinos from the law, putting countless Illinois workers and patrons at risk. This proposal is outrageous, and it is dangerous. It is wrong for our state to sanction behavior that would really harm people in order to bring in revenue. (They should consider raising tobacco taxes instead!).

Please ask your Senator to save lives and protect Smoke-free Illinois.

Remind him or her that there is no public support to weaken Smoke-Free Illinois. An April 2010 statewide poll of registered voters showed 84% support for Smoke Free Illinois, including casinos and private clubs. Few other policies enacted in recent memory enjoy such widespread support! Furthermore, 82% of Illinois residents don’t even smoke!

Thank you for your immediate action on this very important issue!

Britt: Big Tobacco's grand plan

2011-03-31T12:23:00.002-05:00

The following cartoon by Chris Britt appeared in the State-Journal Register on March 30, 2011.

Health Organizations Demonstrate Success of Smoke Free Illinois Act and Ask Lawmakers to Preserve It

2011-03-31T12:01:00.005-05:00

Studies show Illinoisans are healthier since Smoke Free Illinois began, saving the state more than a billion dollars in healthcare costs. Springfield, Ill. (March 30, 2011) – Supporters of the Smoke Free Illinois Act gathered at the Illinois State Capitol today to share research with lawmakers that proves that smoke-free laws have improved the health of Illinoisans. People in Illinois aren’t being hospitalized for tobacco-related diseases at the rate they were before the Smoke Free Illinois Act was instituted in 2008, and the state is saving more than $1 billion in health care costs.

Yesterday the House passed HB1965, which would allow smoking in Illinois gaming facilities again. Next they will review two other bills that would deteriorate the purpose of the Smoke Free Illinois Act. These bills include:

House Bill 1310 – Would allow liquor commissions to sell smoking licenses to bars, private clubs, casinos and other establishments.

House Bill 171 – Would allow designated, separated smoking areas in casinos.

“Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in America. About 2,100 people are dying annually in Illinois due to exposure to secondhand smoke,” emphasized Thomas Robbins, M.D., first vice president of the Illinois Division of the American Cancer Society and Director of the Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. “The American Cancer Society believes that Illinoisans deserve to breathe clean air, free of the cancer-causing poisons known to exist in secondhand smoke. Smoke-Free laws reduce health care spending, improve employee productivity and encourage smokers to quit. We must stay focused on saving lives and keeping Smoke Free Illinois strong.”

The summary of the research presented with the reduction of hospitalizations since the Smoke Free Illinois Act is the following:

Smoke-free laws are good for business and good for health. A study performed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that businesses face additional costs of $1,300 per year for each employee who smokes due to higher health insurance claims and costs, plus maintenance and cleaning costs for furniture, drapery and carpeting.

“Make no mistake, if the legislature strips away our protection from secondhand smoke, we’ll see more heart attacks, more cardiovascular disease, and more people racking up hospital bills instead of living healthy, productive lives,” said Edward Winslow,MD, MBA, cardiologist, business consultant, and American Heart Association representative.

It is important to remember that there is more than meets the eye for casino revenue in the state.

“The Illinois casinos that say they are losing money because of the smoking ban are not taking all of the factors into account, including the economy and the fact that our neighboring states have newer, nicer gaming facilities,” said Kathy Drea, Vice President of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Illinois. “Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin have more casinos with amenities such as restaurants, hotels, conference centers and more. These factors strongly affect the revenue numbers that are reported.”

Smoke Free Illinois has received an influx of calls from casino workers who are concerned about these bills getting passed and being forced to breathe in secondhand smoke in the workplace again. Luckily, some legislators are advocating for laws that will protect their health at work.

“Though I was not a legislator at the time Smoke Free Illinois was passed, this law is just as important today as it was a few years ago,” said State Representative Ann Williams. “Casino workers are very fearful that these important protections will be rolled back, returning them to a workplace where they are exposed to hours of heavy secondhand smoke. All workers, whether they work in a casino, restaurant or office, deserve protection from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”

Smoke Free Illinois supporters reiterated that this law is a good law for public health in Illinois. “The smoke-free law will save more lives than seat belts,” said Matt Maloney, Director of Health Policy at the Respiratory Health Association. “This is a matter of public health and absolutely should not be repealed or weakened. We can’t create a second class of workers who are not protected by the law.”

“Nothing has changed since the Smoke Free Illinois Act was implemented 2 years ago,” says Janet Williams, co-chair, Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco who compiled the attached heart disease data. “There is still no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. More than 30,000 heart attacks and other heart related hospitalizations have been prevented as a result of the Act, and we cannot afford to go backwards and put people at risk.”

Jim Nelson, Executive Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health added, “In the field of Public Health, there is no better example of the effectiveness of prevention than the positive impact of our comprehensive ban on secondhand smoke; it must be preserved.” For more information go to www.smokefreeillinois.org.

Learn how to build a case for active living.

2011-03-25T15:43:00.001-05:00

Join us this April for a panel discussion on how to build the case for active living. This free training has been made possible by the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant (CPPW). CPPW is an initiative of the Cook County Department of Public Health and Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, and supported by funds from the Centers for Disease Control.

Panelists include:
Lori Stern, Suburban Cook County School Health Advisor, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Heather Gavras, Sr. Director, Community Health, American Heart Association
Steve Buchtel, Southland Coordinator, Active Transportation Alliance

WHEN: April 21, 10am – Noon
WHERE: Blue Island City Hall East Annex
2434 Vermont St. Blue Island

RSVP by April 15 by clicking here to register.
Free parking in lot across the street from the Annex
Four block walk from Vermont Street Metra stop

Come discuss and learn from experts in the field around:

Healthier Work Sites:
Investing in the health of employees is one of the best decisions a company can make. A critical first step is gaining the support of employees and top management. Learn about strategies and tactics to gain employee buy-in as well as secure leadership support.

Healthier Schools:
When schools do not address student and staff health by design, they deal with it by default. What messages and activities can build support for creating healthier school environments? Who are the key decision makers? How can you become more active in creating health promoting schools?

Healthier Communities:
When businesses are in bike and pedestrian friendly communities they are more likely to thrive economically. Especially when gas prices have soared and driving has declined, businesses need to think about attracting customers in new ways. Learn how to engage the business community in creating physically active and sustainable communities.

Want more information? Email Pamela Brookstein at Pamela.Brookstein@phimc.org or call 312-805-5319. See you there!

Connect with Your Legislators on Twitter and Facebook

2011-03-17T10:51:00.002-05:00

Want to help post or tweet You're the Cure messages to your legislators? Check out this great resource! It provides a listing of lawmakers in Illinois who have social media accounts. "Like" or "Follow" your legislators today!

http://www.dcigroupdigital.com/digital-america/?id=12

Cullerton eyes cigarette tax hike, GOP backs away

2011-03-16T15:23:00.002-05:00

From Illinois Statehouse News, March 15, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Democrats in the Illinois Senate may be on their own as they try again to raise the state's cigarette tax.

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, on Tuesday said he hopes to pass a $1 per-pack tax increase by the end of the week. Cullerton is framing the tax hike as a way to both offset money Illinois has not yet received for statewide construction projects and a path to help people quit smoking.

The original plan to pay for billions in new roads, schools, and bridges is tied-up in a legal challenge now before the Illinois Supreme Court. New taxes on beer and liquor, as well as newly legalized video poker were supposed to pay for all of the work. But video poker has been slow to roll-out, and one of Chicago's largest liquor distributors is challenging the liquor tax.

Cullerton said his cigarette tax would provide $300 million of dollars that the state needs now.

"This is not for the budget of the state of Illinois, it's for the capital bill," Cullerton said. "This money (will) make sure that we can continue to keep people working on the infrastructure projects that have been on-going this year."

Drawing that line, between construction and the state budget may help Cullerton shepherd the tax through the statehouse. The Senate president expects a vote in the upper chamber, perhaps as soon as Wednesday afternoon. He's hoping for cooperation from Republicans, and eventually from the Illinois House.

"We've been working on the capital bill together," said Cullerton. "I don't have an agreement, but I have hope that we have enough votes in the House."

Cullerton's hopes may be dashed. Senate Republican budget expert Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, said he'd be surprised if any GOP lawmakers sign on to another Democratic plan to raise taxes again this year.

The Senate president "wants to raise (the cigarette tax) by a dollar a pack, which is going to kill our border towns in particular," Murphy said.

The plan headed for a vote would phase-in the $1 per-pack tax, in two 50-cent increments. The earliest smokers could see the new tax would be July Illinois' current tax is 98-cents per pack, which is in line with other states.

Lawmakers in border communities say it's one of the few taxes that is not higher than all of our neighbors.

State Rep. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said Missouri has lower taxes on cigarettes, and lot of other things that consumers buy each week.

"They already have less expensive gas over there because of our sales tax on gasoline," she said. "Alcohol likewise is taxed cheaper over there."

Tracy said another tax increase in Illinois would be a competitive advantage for Missouri.

Democrats along the border may also have a tough time voting for Cullerton's plan.
State Rep Pat Verschoore, D-Milan, said the Iowa side of the Quad-Cities draws a lot of folks across the river.

“We already have people going over to Davenport to buy cheaper gas," Verschoore said. "And if they put the cigarette tax, that’ll make our cigarettes more expensive than they are at Iowa. So they’ll pick up their cigarettes also. So I think it’ll harm our businesses, and I would probably vote ‘no’ on that.”

To the north, Wisconsin has been trying to poach Illinois businesses. State Rep Dave Winters, R-Rockford, said no doubt they'll go after Illinois smokers next.

"If you raise cigarette taxes substantially in Illinois, you'll see quite a change in consumer behavior. The hardcore cigarette smokers will not only go to pick -up smokes in Beloit, Wis., but they'd also typically get their groceries, and they may fill-up their gas tank when they're there."

Culleton has pushed for a cigarette tax increase in the past. He's suggested the same $1 per pack increase a number of times. The Illinois House has been reluctant to follow suit. Cullerton said Gov. Pat Quinn is on board with the plan, but isn't saying if the governor's support will bring any votes to the table.

Simon poll: Support grows for tax on smokes

2011-03-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

By Rob Crow, The Southern thesouthern.com Posted: Friday, March 11, 2011 4:00 am

CARBONDALE - Southern Illinoisans want state spending cuts made and don't want their sales and income taxes raised, according to results from the latest Southern Illinois Poll. But there is one area where they are willing to see a tax increase.

More than 60 percent of respondents said they would approve of the cigarette tax being raised by $1 per pack. Such an idea was rejected earlier in the year by the General Assembly.

The poll was conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and it surveyed 400 registered voters in the state's 18 southernmost counties. Charles Leonard, visiting professor and polling director at the institute, said legislators may want to pay attention to the results when it comes to a cigarette tax.

"The state is desperately trying to fill gaps, and you're not going to find 60 percent support for anything else that will raise more than $300 million," Leonard said.

Only 26 percent of respondents were in favor of raising the state sales tax, and 64 percent disapproved of the recent income tax hike. Nearly 60 percent said the state can solve its budget woes by cutting waste, with no extra revenue increases - a scenario Leonard considered highly unlikely.

"I'm always a little surprised when an area as dependent on state spending as Southern Illinois is calls for cuts in state spending," Leonard said. "But, of course, we're always calling for cuts in other areas."

Related: Full Results of Simon Poll

Go Red For Women

2011-03-04T13:30:00.003-06:00

The following letter to the editor appeared in today's Chicago Tribune.

If you were near the Illinois Capitol building on Feb. 9, you would have seen a slew of women legislators wearing red to spread awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease -- which includes heart disease and stroke -- claims the lives of nearly 34,000 people in Illinois every year. As co-chairs of Illinois' Conference of Women Legislators, we are proud to join with AHA's national Go Red For Women movement to deliver this important message about women's heart health. Women are at the "heart" of most families, and if they don't take care of their heart health, the whole family suffers.

Usually women are so busy taking care of others that they pay little attention to their own wellness. That's why it is so important for all of us to make it our mission to remind the women we love to pay attention to their health and to make healthy lifestyle changes at home and in their communities. Starting with ourselves, we must become more engaged in the fight to stop our number one killer heart disease.

We Go Red for all of the women in Illinois because we don't want another woman to become a statistic. Who do you Go Red for?

-- Sen. Carole Pankau (R-23rd)
--Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-103rd)

Working on Eliminating Trans Fats in IL School Lunch

2011-02-28T11:03:00.003-06:00

Follow the link to watch American Heart Association volunteer and advocate Dr. Kemia Sarraf talk about eliminating trans fats in Illinois school lunches.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/connect_kids&id=7985074

February 28, 2011 (WLS) -- There's a new initiative to eliminate trans-fats from school lunches in Illinois.

It's been done in other states. Trans-fat is considered a health risk. Now, the American Heart Association is launching a campaign to get rid of them completely from school lunches and vending machines.

Heart attack warning signs: Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, jaw or back pain

Stroke warning signs: Numbness of face, arm or leg, trouble speaking/understanding, trouble seeing, dizziness, severe headache

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Path For Heart Starters: A Q&A about Defibrillators

2011-02-22T09:16:00.006-06:00

The American Heart Association was proud to work with the O’Sullivan family to pass legislation requiring AEDs in physical fitness facilities. The article below, which appeared in the Orland Park Patch today, demonstrates that even one person or a small group of people can make a huge difference in making Illinois heart-healthy.

Path For Heart Starters: A Q&A about Defibrillators

By Ben Feldheim

Lynne Donegan talks with Patch about losing her niece Colleen O'Sullivan to a heart attack, the legislation that followed and what has changed over the years in the effort to make Automated External Defibrillators more common.

Lynne Donegan and her family didn’t want anyone else to have the same experience.

In 2002, Donegan’s niece Colleen O’Sullivan, a health care lawyer, was working out with a trainer in Chicago to train for the city’s marathon. O’Sullivan collapsed from cardiac arrest while training and died about two weeks later. She was 30 years old, in great physical condition and heart disease doesn’t run in her family. Gyms and other places where people exercise in Illinois did not have Automated External Defibrillators on premises that can be used to start someone’s heart before paramedics arrive.

About two years later, a law was passed in Illinois that placed at least one AED in physical fitness facilities across the state, called the Colleen O’Sullivan law. Donegan, O’Sullivan’s aunt, and other family members worked to get the legislation through the Illinois General Assembly. The Orland School District 135 Board of Education secretary recently brought her thoughts on defibrillators to an assembly about life-saving methods at Jerling Junior High.

Donegan spoke with Patch about the winding road toward getting the law passed, what has changed since and how people react to the two sides of a life-saving, yet unfunded mandate.

What’s new with respect to the law? Are their any new initiatives to get AEDs in other places?
Certain places need to have them and some are exempt. Our big challenge now is to keep them from cutting in schools. In light of the economy, some legislators are finding a way to make them optional. The Chicago Park District may be exempt from having them for all sorts of financial reasons. We were working to get them on public transit like the Metra trains. When the law came out it covered such a wide variety, and over the years we try to tweak it and make it more common-sense based. Defibrillators out near outdoor ball fields may not be practical. But keeping them inside buildings instead of at ball fields makes sense. It’s the first law of its kind in the country, and we’re the first state with the law, so it’s a learning process.

What have you learned since the law passed?
After Colleen passed away, a Northwestern football player named Rashidi Wheeler collapsed on the field. So there was an add-on to the law to apply to outdoor facilities, running tracks, practice fields and so on. Anything that was outdoors. We were more focused on schools and other places that were enclosed. I hear a lot that it’s harder to implement at an outdoor facility. The goal is to make it as practical as possible, and not impossible.

It’s been a trial and error period of the years. We’ve learned is what’s practical and what isn’t. Especially since it’s an unfunded mandate. Our original goal was to have AEDs at health clubs. That made sense. In order for people to vote for it they wanted their piece of the pie too. That was a learning process for us as a family. We simply didn’t want other people to go through what we went through. And over the years tweaks have been made. The Governor’s office implemented a grant called the Heartsaver Fund, which will help defray the costs for purchasing AEDs.

Getting this law implemented wasn’t an easy process at all. There were a lot of tears and arguments just to get people to see your way. We just wanted to get people to understand that you don’t want to get a phone call in the middle of the night that what happened to Colleen just happened to someone you love.

Describe the path this took from Colleen’s death to the law being voted in.
She was training for the Chicago marathon in downtown Chicago when she collapsed. People panicked. No one could find a defibrillator and no one started CPR. All that could be done was to hold her hand and wait for the paramedics. By the time (paramedics) got there, well, the brain can only go without oxygen for so long, and she was well beyond that time. Colleen remained in a coma for about two weeks, and she essentially passed away. There were no signs of any kind of heart disease, nothing runs in family and she was in the greatest shape of her life.

Because of her connection to law, and friends who worked in Springfield, they felt the need and capacity to do something. Inadvertently at same time, Representative Dan Burke had been trying since 1996 to get such a law passed. They ended up calling it Colleen’s Bill.

Not long after her death, they contacted us, but we were in no shape to talk to anyone. About 3 months later, in August 2002, they got us interested, but it was hard for my sister. I was the mouthpiece for the family and it just snowballed from there. It gained great momentum, and we had several people on its side.

But the governor at the time (Rod Blagojevich) vetoed it and we went back to work. I was angry and frustrated. Just because you think something is a fundamental right doesn’t mean all of Springfield will fall behind you. I wondered how they sleep at night.

We called village governments in Orland and Tinley, which is where she was from, Frankfort, Downers Grove. We also were in touch with the Blackhawks, the Bulls, United Airlines, police departments, and they all made phone calls in support. That got people’s attention. Soon after that colleges and universities got behind it. Athletes collapsing during practices aren’t new. Who hasn’t heard that before on the news? We used Facebook, and first responders got involved. We went with that momentum, got it passed and it was signed by the governor in 2004.

What was the feeling among the family once the law passed?
It was kind of bittersweet. For all the hard work, tears and arguments there was this “ah ha” moment when we realized it won’t bring Colleen back. But it will save many lives, and it already has. Medical personnel have said it increases a person’s survival rate if they go into cardiac arrest two to three times over if nothing was there. The American Heart Association has also stood behind the effort. We’ve had great legislators on our side.

AEDs were already in place in District 135. The previous superintendent, Dennis Soustek, implemented a policy of teaching first aid, CPR and the AEDs in 7th grade health class. He said he did it because it was right thing to do.

I was amazed at this last assembly, just blown away by how big it was and how well it was put together. February is a big month for heart issues, so it’s the time to get up and bang the drum.

What reactions do you commonly get to the idea of mandated AEDs?
The fact that it is an unfunded mandate usually leads to the biggest push back. People say, ‘We’re forced to pay for something again, and we don’t know if we want to but we’re told we have to comply.’ But I always say this unfunded mandate can save a life. It’s not a tax. AEDs should be schools, airports, government buildings like the assessor’s office, wherever people are stressed the most.

Usually people who are the biggest detractors say they are forced to buy this. But often a couple of months later, (an AED) just saved someone’s life. Then they realize it saved a life. And someone comes back and says just that. What blows me away, what means more than anything to me, is when we are done with press conferences, or in D.C. talking to officials, and someone comes up and thanks us for saving a life. The first time that happened, it really took me back. My husband said for the first time I was speechless.

Illinois schools may cancel trans fats from cafeteria

2011-02-09T14:43:00.001-06:00

Appeared February 8, 2011 in Illinois Statehouse News

By Diane S.W. Lee SPRINGFIELD — Hold the french fries. Cancel the pizza. Skip the corn dog.
New legislation introduced in the state House proposes to ban vegetable oils and foods with trans fat from being served in public schools beginning in July 2016-17.

House Bill 137 sponsored by state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, would require the Illinois State Board of Education to adopt rules requiring public schools to “provide healthy menu options.”

“Childhood obesity is always an issue in Illinois and across the country,” Ford said. “And if we can just look at ways to eliminate some of the reasons that childhood obesity is out of control — we should, and this is one of the ways.”

Trans fat is found in vegetable shortenings, some margarine, fried foods, snacks and baked goods, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Trans fat raises bad cholesterol, increasing risks of coronary heart disease, according to FDA.

The legislation would require public schools statewide to eliminate trans fat from foods sold at cafeterias and vending machines. Similar legislation was introduced in the past, but failed to garner enough support from lawmakers. Ford said support from the American Heart Association gives the legislation a better chance at passing.

But the switch might mean higher costs for school districts.“It is just another regulation, potentially, (that) can be put in place without regard to costs,” said Virgil Moore, superintendent of East Alton School District.

At East Alton Middle School on Wednesday, lunch included spaghetti and meat sauce, cheese sticks, wise fries, green beans and spice cake. Menu planning is already tough for the district, Moore said.

“All of our food choices are run through computer programs, so that we try to get a good healthy balance,” Moore said. “And when you have to limit a food just because it has trans fats, you also limit the other benefits that come with it.”

Danville School District’s lunch menu on Wednesday included corn dog, hash browns, western baked beans, vegetable and apple slices. The school has tried to offer healthier options, like turkey hot dogs and reduced fat cheese pizza, officials said.“We have a buffet line, and we have a home-cooked meal once a week, and on the other days we have the favorite foods that we know children like,” said Brenda Demos, the district’s food service director. “But we also try to write specifications for our vendors to get healthier foods.”

But schools are at the “mercy of food manufacturers,” which should offer items at a reasonable cost, Demos said.

“The bottom line is we do want to do what is best for children, and we just want to make sure that we can afford to do what‘s best for children,” Demos said.

Schools shouldn’t feed children trans fats, according to Ford, who described the fats as “chemicals that are poisonous.”“I think that they should have a choice of good foods,” the delegate said. “And McDonald’s has eliminated trans fats. And so if McDonald’s can do it, and you heard no complaints from parents, then I think that the state can do it also in our schools.”

Susan Harkin, chief financial officer of Crystal Lake Elementary School District, said that lawmakers’ intentions are usually good. However, Harkin said she has an issue with “unfunded mandates.”“Everybody expects school districts to do more, and yet, don’t want to fund what that more is,” Harkin said.

Don't Miss our Go Red Connect! Events on Saturday

2011-02-02T15:47:00.004-06:00

Hopefully, by this weekend, the shoveling will be done and we’ll be anxiously waiting for the big melt! To make the time go a little bit faster, get out and attend one of our Go Red Connect! events happening Saturday, February 5th.

At the event, you can share your story for a chance to become a Go Red For Women® spokesperson. Connect with your heart, with the hearts of those you love, and with the hearts of your community. Make It Your Mission at Go Red Connect!

Go Red Connect! in the Chicago area at Macy’s Orland Square from 1 to 4 p.m.

Go Red Connect! in Springfield at Macy’s White Oaks Mall from 1 to 3 p.m.

And remember to Wear Red on Friday for National Wear Red Day!

Ask Your Legislators to Wear Red on Friday and celebrate American Heart Month!

2011-02-01T16:41:00.003-06:00

It's February 1, marking the start of American Heart Month! There are exciting things happening across Illinois and our nation this month as we work to raise awareness about America's number one killer - heart disease.

Join us in wearing red this Friday, February 4, for National Wear Red Day.

Ask Your Legislators to Wear Red on Friday in celebration of National Wear Red Day!

A recent report from the American Heart Association stated that the cost of treating cardiovascular disease will TRIPLE over the next 20 years unless we are focused on education, prevention and advancing positive public policy changes. That is why it's important that you Ask Your Legislators to Wear Red on Friday in celebration of National Wear Red Day and work on public policies that will make Illinois - and our nation - healthier for all of us!

Make sure to check out our Go Red Connect Events happening in your area this week.

Thank you for your continued support!

Your IL Advocacy Team,

Alex Meixner, Anne Simaytis, Mark Peysakhovich

Nancy Brown: CVD cost will triple in next 20 years

2011-01-28T10:08:00.000-06:00

The cost to treat heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030, according to an American Heart Association policy statement presented by Nancy Brown on Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C. The statement calls for effective prevention strategies to limit the growing cost burden, which accounts for 17 percent of national health expenditures.

The projected $545 billion increase is due in part to an aging population, according to the report. Cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in people older than 65. Another cost factor is an increase in risk factors such as obesity.

"If there's a silver lining in these figures, it is that they are projections," Brown said. "Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans. Early intervention and evidence-based public policies are absolute musts to significantly reduce alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, tobacco use and cholesterol levels."
According to the statement, 36.9 percent of Americans already have some form of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. By 2030 this is expected to reach 40.5 percent.

Paul Heidenreich, M.D., chair of the AHA expert panel issuing the statement, said the study didn't double count costs for patients with multiple cardiovascular conditions. Heidenreich added that the study "didn't assume that we will continue to make new discoveries to reduce heart disease." If our ability to prevent and treat heart disease stays where we are right now, he said, the projected cost increase will occur just through demographic changes in the population.

Watch video clips from Nancy Brown's Natl. Press Club presentation.

American Heart Association Welcomes Sen. Richard Durbin as Co-Chair of Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition

2011-01-21T10:16:00.001-06:00

(Washington, January 20, 2011) — Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, Assistant Majority Leader in the Senate, has been named Senate Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition. The American Heart Association congratulates him for taking on this important role and driving efforts to fight heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases—the nation’s leading health threats.

Sen. Durbin will fill the vacancy left by retired Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and join Senator Michael Crapo (R-ID) and Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Todd Platts (R-PA) as leaders of the coalition.

The Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition works to raise awareness of the seriousness of cardiovascular diseases and acts as a resource center for issues including biomedical research, quality and availability of care and health promotion and disease prevention. The coalition and its more than 150 members also help advance public policies aimed at fighting cardiovascular diseases.

“I am honored to join my colleagues as co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition. I look forward to working with them and the American Heart Association to raise awareness and secure resources in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said Durbin.

“Sen. Durbin has been a staunch supporter of the association’s goals to reduce American death and disability rates from heart disease and stroke,” said Ralph Sacco, MD, American Heart Association President. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Senator to educate congressional Members and staff, improve research, treatment and awareness and advance lifesaving policies.”

Sen. Durbin’s record as a heart and stroke champion in Congress includes his leadership role in ensuring passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and as the lead sponsor of the Congenital Heart Futures Act, both of which were enacted into law in the last Congress. He also was the lead author of the law that banned smoking on airplanes more than 20 years ago. He has been a strong advocate for increased heart and stroke research funding for the National Institutes for Health and has co-sponsored numerous bills supported by the association, including the HEART for Women Act and the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act.

Secondary students should be required to receive CPR training

2011-01-13T11:31:00.001-06:00

DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2011 — All secondary school students should be required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive an overview of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), according to an American Heart Association science advisory.

The advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, calls for state legislatures to mandate that CPR and AED training be required for graduation, and to provide funding and other support to ensure the educational standard is met.

Last school year, 36 states had a law or curriculum standard encouraging CPR training in schools, according to the advisory. School districts have developed various models for providing and paying for the training and equipment, including using volunteer instructors or video-based programs, and drawing support from businesses, foundations, civic organizations and public agencies.

Challenges include finding time in the curriculum to teach the courses and providing and maintaining CPR manikins, which are vital for training. Schools can keep reusable manikins, replacing key parts for sanitary reasons, or can work with a local agency that provides manikins and training. Some schools provide personal training kits that include DVD-based instructions and an inflatable, reusable manikin.

The statement authors report that the benefits far outweigh the costs. “Training of all secondary education students will add a million trained rescuers to the population every few years,” said Mary Fran Hazinski, R.N., M.S.N., co-author of the advisory and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn. “Those students will be ready, willing and able to act for many years to come, whenever they witness an emergency within the community.”

Students trained as rescuers might help save lives at home, where most sudden cardiac arrests occur. Trained students could also respond to cardiac arrests at school and at public places such as malls, health clubs, or swimming pools, or at events such as family reunions.

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association reports that emergency medical personnel respond to nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States annually, so CPR can help save many of these victims’ lives, the authors said.

Effective CPR circulates a small but vital amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain, which can help keep a victim alive until an AED is available. The AED can give an electric shock to the heart to stop the abnormal heart rhythm and allow a normal heart rhythm to return. AEDs are portable medical devices that can be used with minimal training and are often available in public places.

“Bystander CPR can double or triple survival from cardiac arrest. Currently, only about 30 percent of victims of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest receive any type of CPR,” Hazinski said.

According to the statement, most untrained bystanders hesitate to help a cardiac arrest victim. Research has shown that when bystanders have CPR training, they are much more likely to take action.

Bystanders who phone 911 and begin CPR provide the first essential links in a strong, interdependent “chain of survival,” Hazinski said. “With activation of 911, early bystander CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support and integrated post-resuscitation care, survival rates following sudden cardiac arrest can exceed 50 percent. That’s dramatically higher than the 7 percent to 9 percent average survival rate in the U.S. However, nothing is going to happen unless there’s a bystander who recognizes the arrest, phones 911 and begins CPR to start that chain of survival. Research has shown that any attempt at CPR can improve the odds of survival for someone who has a cardiac arrest,” she said.

CPR training in schools should cover several key areas, including how to recognize an emergency, an emphasis on high-quality chest compressions and skills practice, according to the advisory. At a minimum, AED training should cover the purpose, simplicity and safety of the devices.

“Many schools have overcome barriers to training and begun teaching CPR,” Hazinski said. “But I think a legislative mandate and support for training in schools would go a long way.”

Co-authors are: Diana Cave, R.N., M.S.N.; Tom P. Aufderheide, M.D.; Jeff Beeson, M.D.; Alison Ellison, B.S.N.; Andrew Gregory, M.D.; Loren F. Hiratzka, M.D.; Keith Lurie, M.D.; Laurie J. Morrison, M.D., M.Sc.; Vincent N. Mosesso, Jr., M.D.; Vinay Nadkarni, M.D.; Jerry Potts, Ph.D.; Ricardo A. Samson, M.D.; Michael Sayre, M.D.; and Stephen M. Schexnayder, M.D. Author disclosures and sources of funding are on the manuscript.

You're Invited! Save the Date

2011-01-12T15:04:00.009-06:00

Please save the date for this upcoming Heart Month event. Click here for more information on this event.

Watch the Tobacco Tax Debate LIVE

2011-01-11T18:06:00.002-06:00

You can watch live video of the State House of Representatives debate on the tobacco tax NOW!

Click here to access: http://www.ilga.gov/house/audvid.asp

Please help us save lives, save health care tax dollars and help education! A win-win-win for Illinois!

2011-01-10T12:30:00.003-06:00

The legislative leaders in Illinois are currently working on a revenue enhancement proposal to address the state’s budget crisis. Smoking is a leading risk factor for heart disease, and the American Heart Association urges Illinois lawmakers to increase the state's cigarette tax by $1 per pack as part of any revenue enhancement package. Not only will this increase bring in $377 million per year in much needed revenue for Illinois’ schools, it will also help save lives by preventing kids from ever starting to smoke and help encourage adult smokers to quit. And every smoker who quits, has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of YOUR tax dollars in Medicaid expenses.

Tell your legislators to support the $1 cigarette tax increase

Increasing the cigarette tax by $1 a pack would:

Prevent more than 75,000 kids from becoming addicted smokers and help more than 59,000 current smokers quit. Experience has shown young smokers are the most sensitive to price increases resulting from a cigarette tax increase.
Generate an estimated $377 million for elementary and secondary education. (This is a double bonus because smoking rates in the population fall as education and income levels rise!)
Save an estimated $2 billion in long term health care costs associated with the lower smoking rates.

Tell your legislators to support the $1 cigarette tax increase

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the single most effective measure to prevent kids from starting to smoke is to significantly increase the cost of a pack of cigarettes. Higher costs are often the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” compelling current smokers to quit. This action will save more than 50,000 Illinois residents from premature smoking-related death and ultimately reduce our state's health care costs.

While no one likes taxes in general, this option is popular with the people of Illinois. An April 2010 statewide poll showed that 74% of Illinois voters support a $1 per pack tobacco tax increase. Currently, Illinois' state cigarette tax of $.98 ranks No. 32 in the US, behind Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana.

Please urge your state legislators to vote “YES” for the only revenue option which will save lives and heath care dollars and will generate money for education. It’s a win-win-win for all of us!

Thank you for your continued support!

Resolve to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

2011-01-06T12:12:00.001-06:00

Love them or hate them, most of us make resolutions during this time of year. We resolve to eat better, to get more exercise and/or to stop smoking to name a few; all of which are wonderful for our hearts. During this time of resolutions, will you make one more promise for a heart-healthy 2011? Resolve to make your voice heard in the fight against heart disease and stroke:

Tell Your Legislators to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

Healthy hearts is not just about eating well and exercising. It is also important that the residents of Illinois have access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise, clean air to breathe and resources to help smokers quit and that all residents have access to medical care when they need it most. That is why our elected officials need to make heart health a priority this year!

Tell Your Legislators to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

We can’t spell CURE without “U”!

New push starts for cigarette tax increase

2011-01-04T12:04:00.002-06:00

From sj-r.com

Anti-smoking groups renewed their push for a $1-a-pack increase in the state’s cigarette tax on Monday, pointing to research showing that the state would see $377 million in new revenue the first year of the tax increase.

Senate Bill 44, which would increase the state’s cigarette tax from 98 cents to $1.98 a pack in two 50-cent stages, passed the Senate in 2009, but has been stalled in the House ever since.
In a statement, Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, threw his support behind the tax and pledged to introduce it again in the Senate if it fails to pass the House before the 96th General Assembly completes its work on Jan. 12.

“A cigarette tax increase is one of the most important agenda items for the coming year,” Cullerton said. “It will generate new revenue, reduce Medicaid costs attributed to smoking-related health concerns, and most importantly, it will dramatically reduce people’s desire to smoke.”

Kevin O’Flaherty, director of advocacy for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said a cigarette tax increase would offset the costs to the state of tobacco-related disease.

“When you look at the amount of revenue that comes in from tobacco, it is a drop in the bucket compared to what the state spends on tobacco-related health care costs across the board,” he said.

The state could double the money it would receive if it used the revenue for its health care provider relief fund and access matching funds from the federal government, O’Flaherty said.

“That’s money on the table that’s being left behind,” he said.

Illinois spends $5 billion to treat diseases caused by tobacco use, according to a study by Frank Chaloupka, an economist at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The state received roughly $560 million in cigarette tax revenue in fiscal year 2010.

Since 2002, the last time Illinois raised its cigarette tax, most states have raised their cigarette taxes at least once, Chaloupka said. Illinois is now 32nd in the nation in taxing cigarettes. If the state increased its tax to $1.98, it would rank 15th.

Raising the tax would increase revenue to the state, cause adults to quit smoking and children to never start, Chaloupka said.

“Every time that states raise their cigarette tax, we see significant increases in the revenues that are generated from those taxes,” he said.

Asked why his group and other anti-smoking organizations don’t just seek to ban cigarettes, O’Flaherty said, “I don’t think any of our organizations want to see that tobacco just doesn’t exist. But what is very important to all of us … is that tobacco is no longer the serious public health problem that it is today.

“In order to get to that point, we have to go quite a bit further … that the price for the product comes close to reflecting the true cost of the use of the product in our country.”

State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, opposed the cigarette tax increase when it passed the Senate.

“Although I’ve never been a smoker, it seems like we’re taking advantage of a group we’ve taken too much advantage of in the past,” Bomke said. “I think at some point, enough is enough.

“I realize it’s by choice to smoke cigarettes, but some people have an addiction and a difficult time getting off them.”

Cigarette taxes in border states
Iowa $1.36 per pack
Wisconsin $2.52
Missouri 17 cents
Indiana 99.5 cents
Kentucky 60 cents

Copyright 2011 The State Journal-Register. Some rights reserved

Thanks from the Bottom of Our Hearts!

2010-12-16T11:01:00.012-06:00

Thanks for all YOU Give

Hello! I'm Anne Simaytis, your new Regional Grassroots Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Thank you for your continued involvement in the You're the Cure Network! It's my job to make it easy for you to communicate with your legislators and keep you up to speed on our heart-healthy legislative priorities. Together we can make Illinois a healthier place to live!

This holiday season, I'd like to thank YOU on behalf of all of us who work here at the American Heart Association, for all you do as a You're the Cure advocate to support policies to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. We can't spell CURE, without "U"!

This year we've fought together to keep all Illinois workers protected from secondhand smoke. We worked with partners throughout the state to improve emergency medical response and treatment of deadly heart attacks and strokes. We advocated for quality physical education in Illinois' schools and we supported innovative proposals enabling recipients to use their food stamp cards to purchase food at farmers markets and other non-traditional retailers of fresh produce. We worked with the Illinois Department of Public Health to enact a law which will allow them to participate in research studies by sharing data they collect with researchers, while at the same time protecting individuals' private health information. And we led an effort to clarify a previously enacted law requiring AEDs in athletic facilities.

We know that we could not have accomplished this without you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your hard work to let policymakers know that you care about making Illinois a Heart-Healthy state.

I look forward to meeting and working with some of you during the upcoming 2011 legislative session. We'll have many opportunities for you to make healthy hearts a priority by taking action. Stay tuned for upcoming action alerts from the You're the Cure network!

Thank you for your continued support of the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association! You do make a difference. You're The Cure!

AHA Statement on Surgeon General's tobacco report

2010-12-10T09:51:00.001-06:00

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown says U.S. Surgeon General Report Stresses Importance of Cessation Strategies to Reduce Tobacco’s Deadly Toll

The U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease,” sheds new light on the damaging effects of tobacco use on the health of all Americans. This comprehensive scientific report shows that even brief exposure to tobacco smoke can trigger acute cardiac events and potential sudden death. The evidence clearly states that tobacco products are lethal weapons capable of shortening the lifespan of smokers and nonsmokers alike. However, tobacco companies will stop at nothing to addict a new generation of smokers. They are ramping up efforts to fight regulations that restrict marketing campaigns and the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products and designing new cigarettes to make them more addictive. This report provides more ammunition to fight their deceptive and deadly campaign.

We strongly believe the findings will support implementation of new federal tobacco regulations, including the development of graphic warning labels for cigarette packages. We also urge state officials to fund smoking prevention and cessation programs at CDC recommended levels, enact strong smoke-free policies and boost tobacco excise taxes. Policymakers must not allow complacency to rule in the fight against tobacco. Bold, aggressive measures are needed to save lives, reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life.

For more information, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/tobaccosmoke/index.html.

29 and holding: Illinois' health ranking no better, no worse

2010-12-08T14:45:00.003-06:00

This article appeared in The News-Gazette on 12/8/2010 reported by Deb Pressey.

In a new report evaluating each state’s healthiness, Illinois lands right about in the middle as the 29th healthiest state in the union.

That’s the same ranking the state held last year, so we didn't get any worse but we didn't improve, either.

The report, entitled America’s Health Rankings, is done annually by United Health Foundation. It identifies national trends and also some state-specific strengths and challenges.

For 2010, Vermont was ranked the healthiest state, followed by Massachusetts, and Mississippi came in last.

Among the encouraging notes in this year's report: America’s violent crime, infectious disease, cardiovascular deaths and preventable hospitalizations all declined.

Some alarming national trends pointing to not enough people getting the message about quitting smoking, eating healthier and exercising:

— Obesity has risen 132 percent from 11.6 percent of the population in 1990 to 26.9 percent this year.
— Tobacco use is at a 21-year low, but it’s still unacceptably high.
— The number of adults with diabetes is up 19 percent over 2005.
— Last year’s one percent improvement in health nationally is better than the previous decade, but it’s still falling short of the gains in better health that were occurring in the 1990s.
— There has been a steady increase in the number of children living in poverty since 2007, to 20.7 percent this year, hindering the ability to maintain a healthy population.

Here is some information from the Illinois state report:
Illinois’ health strengths include a low occupational fatalities rate at 3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers, ready access to early prenatal care with 86.0 percent of pregnant women receiving prenatal care during the first trimester, ready availability of primary care physicians with 129.5 primary care physicians per 100,000 population and a high rate of high school graduation with 79.5 percent of incoming ninth graders who graduate within four years.

Illinois’ challenges include a high prevalence of binge drinking at 18.5 percent of the population, a high rate of preventable hospitalizations with 81.1 discharges per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, high levels of air pollution at 12.5 micrograms of fine particulate per cubic meter and a high violent crime rate at 497 offenses per 100,000 population.

Illinois' significant changes in the past year:
— In the past year, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 21.3 percent to 18.5 percent of the population.
— In the past year, public health funding increased from $55 to $62 per person.
— In the past 10 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 20.9 percent to 27.3 percent of the population.
— Since 1990, the rate of deaths from cardiovascular disease decreased from 431.7 to 284.7 deaths per 100,000 population.

To read the complete report for Illinois, click here.

Child Nutrition Act Passes

2010-12-02T17:42:00.002-06:00

Great news! The House of Representatives just passed the Child Nutrition Act, by a vote of 264 to 157! This action by the House completes Congress' work on the bill and sends it to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The American Heart Association owes you a big THANK YOU. Thanks to the support of you and your fellow advocates, over 25,000 emails, phone calls, and petitions, were sent to Members of Congress to push for action on the Child Nutrition Act. We can all be proud that the final bill contains provisions that will help ensure a healthier school environment for our kids, including removing junk foods from schools, strengthening school wellness policies and increasing funding for more nutritious school lunches.

Together, we will build on this progress as we continue our fight for healthy hearts for our kids.

To see how your Representative voted, click here.

Take Immediate Action to Protect Illinois Smoke-Free Air

2010-11-29T15:05:00.001-06:00

URGENT

Its getting hot in Springfield! The casino industry is at it again! House Bill 1850 passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives Executive Committee earlier today over the opposition of public health advocates. This is yet another attempt by the casino industry to ram through legislation allowing smoking in Illinois casinos.

Please tell your Representative to vote "NO" on House Bill 1850!

With your help, we managed to slow down their earlier attempt to pass House Bill 1846. Now, they're trying to push through House Bill 1850, another proposal which would be harmful to the health of Illinois casino workers and casino patrons alike. We fear that if a bill to exempt casinos passes the Illinois legislature, it could open the floodgates to other exemptions, such as bars, private clubs, restaurants, leading to the unraveling of our Smoke-Free law.

Please tell your Representative to vote "NO" on House Bill 1850!

We need your help today. This bill could be called for a vote as early as Tuesday, November 30.

Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do to support our policy and advocacy efforts!

See it, Print it, Send it. Protect Smoke-Free Illinois

2010-11-22T11:25:00.003-06:00

Dear Advocates,

As you may know, the Illinois General Assembly convened for their fall Veto Session last week. Usually veto session in Springfield is uneventful. But last week we saw the casino gaming industry flex its muscles at the Capitol, ramming House Bill 1846 through the House Executive Committee. This cynical proposal would allow casinos to ignore smoke-free protections that apply to every other public and work place in our state.

Clearly, allowing smoking in casinos would harm the health of workers and patrons alike and would make casinos all but off limits to customers with cardiovascular problems. But by opening up the law to exemptions, House Bill 1846 could also lead to an unraveling of the overwhelmingly popular and effective Smokefree Illinois Act.

With the help of advocates who took action on our alert last week, we managed to win a small battle by keeping the legislation from a final vote by the full House of Representatives! There is no question that having time to debate this measure in the light of day clearly benefits public health over casino avarice. But the war continues, and the bill could be voted on by the full House as soon as the legislature returns after Thanksgiving. We hope we can continue to count on your help!

Please follow the steps below to ask your legislators to keep Illinois smoke-free.

See it! Here is a link to a recent letter to the editor from one of our volunteers: View AHA Letter to the Editor

Print it! And please write a personal note to your Illinois State Representative suggesting they read the letter from the paper. Don't forget to tell your state representative:"Vote NO on House Bill 1846 to keep Illinois 100% Smoke-Free to protect ALL workers and patrons!"

Mail it! Please fax or mail your note and a copy of the letter to the editor to your state representative. Follow the link below to find your State Representative's contact information :http://tinyurl.com/FindMyLegislator

BE COUNTED! Click Here if You Completed This Activity.

Any potential weakening of the smoke-free law would once again put Illinois citizens at a higher-risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions. If you haven't already, remember to contact your representative by following the link below.

Tell your Representative to vote "NO" on House Bill 1846!

Letters: No exemptions from smoke-free law

2010-11-19T14:40:00.002-06:00

This letter appeared in The State-Journal Register on Nov. 19.

Illinois is a smoke-free state, meaning smoking is not allowed in public places, including casinos. Unfortunately, earlier this week an Illinois House of Representatives committee quietly rushed through House Bill 1846, allowing smoking in casinos by exempting them from our smoke-free law.

If Illinois begins to exempt some public places from the smoke-free law, where do we draw the line? Doesn’t every Illinois worker deserve to work in a safe and healthy environment, free of toxins such as secondhand smoke? What about the nonsmokers who would like to enjoy a night at the casino?

The American Heart Association strongly opposes this cynical attack by the gaming industry on a popular and effective public health measure. The casinos are pleading poverty, but while it has yet to be proven that the smoke-free laws have any significant impact on a casino’s bottom line, there is no question that secondhand smoke is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In fact, even a few minutes in a smoky environment can cause a heart attack.

Please ask your state representative to “double down” on your health by voting “no” on House Bill 1846. It is time for the casino industry to consider the health of their workers and patrons and to fold their hand. Illinois’ casino workers and patrons are best served if we keep our smoke-free law intact!

Kathleen L. Grady, PhD, APN,FAAN
Associate professorFeinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University Evanston

Your Immediate Action Needed to Protect Illinois' Smoke-Free Law!

2010-11-17T10:16:00.003-06:00

URGENT

In a surprising turn of events, House Bill 1846 passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives Executive Committee yesterday. This bill would allow smoking in Illinois casinos until surrounding states pass smoke free laws.

Tell your Representative to vote "NO" on House Bill 1846!

This move is a devastating blow to Illinois casino workers who would be forced to breathe smoke-filled air within their workplace and to casino patrons who would also be subjected to secondhand smoke. We fear that if a bill to exempt casinos passes the Illinois legislature, it could open the floodgates to other exemptions, such as bars, private clubs, restaurants, leading to the unraveling of our Smoke-Free law.

Tell your Representative to vote "NO" on House Bill 1846!

This bill could be called for a vote as early as TODAY - November 17.

Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do to support advocacy efforts in Illinois and nationwide.

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-12T08:10:00.006-06:00

The American Heart Association would like to thank all our military service men and women this Veterans Day. And to all heart attack and stroke survivors and families who've fought their own battles and persevered, we salute you as well!

*Remember to tell your friends and family to join our army of advocates at www.yourethecure.org this Veteran's day and urge them to take action in the fight to find a cure and build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

We can't spell CURE, without "U"! Join You're the Cure today! This group of volunteers contacts their elected officials to help pass important heart-healthy policies in their state and across the nation. Once you’re a part of You’re the Cure, you’ll receive e-mails that guide you on how to take action – from clicking on an alert that you can personalize and send to your lawmakers to talking points on what to say when making a call to a district office or visiting a lawmaker on legislation affecting heart or stroke issues. It’s a great resource to keep you up to speed with state and federal health legislation and the best part is, we offer it as a free service to the public.

Find us on Facebook: Join our page “You’re the Cure: Midwest Clicks for Hearts” at www.facebook.com/heartofthemidwest and make sure all your friends and family know you care about advocating for heart issues on Facebook! Our page has posts from all the states in our affiliate and highlights successes and opportunities in advocacy for heart and stroke issues. (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI)

What Did You Eat for Lunch Today? START! Eating Healthy Day - November 3, 2010

2010-11-03T13:08:00.004-05:00

Heart disease directly or indirectly affects everyone in this country — your neighbors, your loved ones, you. Beating the No. 1 killer of Americans — heart disease — doesn’t have to mean radical fad diets and crazy exercise trends that are only temporary fixes. A long life of heart health is about taking small steps each day to change how you eat and live. As those small steps add up, one day you will realize you’ve changed your life — and perhaps the lives of those you love — for the better.

The American Heart Association has started a new campaign to encourage good health called Start! Eating Healthy Day on November 3, 2010. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to choose a variety of healthy foods (in the right amounts of course) in order to cut down on heart disease. There's also tips for businesses who want to help their employees to improve their heart health.

Learn more about Eating Right here and follow the link below for some great resources to share with friends and family:

Resources for National START! Eating Healthy Day

In My View: Milk change only part of obesity fight

2010-10-29T13:23:00.004-05:00

By JEFF GOLDSTEIN
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted Oct 09, 2010 @ 12:04 AM

It is amazing, this furor over a little spilt (chocolate) milk!
Hazel Dell Elementary School, its principal, Mike Grossen, and its staff are to be applauded for the many, many steps they are taking to improve the health, and ultimately the lives, of their students. The CATCH program (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) is, with the help of the genH (generation Healthy!) Coalition, well implemented at this school. Hazel Dell Elementary has instituted a number of measures designed to improve the nourishment their students receive during school hours, increase the quantity and quality of physical activity in which students participate, and to educate and empower students to make their own best, lifelong choices regarding their health.

These measures are to be commended. We are in the midst of a health crisis — a “national catastrophe,” former Surgeon General Steven Galson proclaimed. Our children are consuming massive quantities of empty, unnecessary calories. The American Dietetic Association, just this week, released its findings: Almost 40 percent of a typical child’s calorie consumption comes from solid fat and added sugars. These added sugars are particularly damaging, accelerating atherosclerosis and early cardiovascular disease. Reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is one critical step in reducing cardiovascular risk, decreasing the incidence of childhood obesity, and improving the overall health of this nation’s children.

Although removal of chocolate milk from the daily menu is a small piece of the overall “solution puzzle,” it is an important piece, as is Hazel Dell’s change to whole-grain breads and pastas, and the increase in daily physical activity the school has implemented. And these changes are good not only for the children’s health, but also for the school’s academic bottom line. Numerous studies show that students who are physically active and well-nourished with a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and lean protein perform better in school, both socially and academically.

Unfortunately, despite the massive media attention the topic of childhood obesity has received in the last year, most Americans do not yet fully grasp or appreciate the gravity of the situation. Obesity is the gateway to a host of health problems — diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, to name a few — and adds hundreds of billions of dollars annually to America’s health care bill. Additionally, this generation will be the first to live less long than their parents. They will face the crippling consequences of their obesity in their 20s, 30s and 40s — what should otherwise be the most productive years of their lives. The potential impact on our labor force alone should prompt immediate action on the part of our communities and businesses.

It is incumbent upon us all — physicians, educators, parents, business and government — to take immediate and definitive steps, no matter how small, to curb this epidemic. Removal of chocolate milk, a source of non-nutritive and unnecessary calories (four to five teaspoons of added sugar, generally) from a school’s breakfast and lunch menu is one such small, definitive step. Add this to the other small, definitive steps Hazel Dell Elementary has made, we will find that the children suddenly are making great strides in the right direction.

Dr. Jeff Goldstein is a cardiologist at Prairie Heart Institute and a volunteer with the American Heart Association.

Vote for Heart Health in Illinois

2010-10-26T13:46:00.009-05:00

In less than two weeks, Americans will go to the polls and make important decisions for the future of Illinois and our country. Follow the link below to take action and tell legislators to vote for heart health year round: Vote for Heart Health in Illinois

As a You're the Cure advocate, you already know the power of your voice when it comes to communicating with decision-makers about important policy issues that help us build healthier lives free from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Be sure to turn out to the polls this November and remember to mark your own ballot for heart health by taking the My Life Check assessment at http://mylifecheck.heart.org/.

Vote for Heart Health in Illinois

The fact is that heart disease is the top killer in our state and nation...it doesn't matter your gender, race, or what party you vote for. That's why we continue to promote healthy eating and exercise in our schools and communities, reduce tobacco use and youth access, and improve healthcare services so they are accessible and affordable. Thank you again for all you continue to do to advocate for a heart healthy policies in Illinois.

All hands - - only hands - - on deck

2010-10-14T08:21:00.001-05:00

Chicago Sun-Times: October 13, 2010

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/mindbody/2794946,FIT-News-FAid13a.article

All hands -- only hands -- on deck
AHA recommends chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth

By Carol Slezak

Imagine that you have watched someone collapse, and you want to administer CPR. Should you perform chest compression alone, or chest compression plus mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?

This topic has generated a fair amount of debate in recent years. The American Heart Association, which will release new CPR guidelines Monday, addressed it in a 2008 advisory statement, indicating that chest compression, also called hands-only CPR, was on par with chest compression plus mouth-to-mouth. The new guidelines will reinforce this position.

"Hands-only CPR is basically what the AHA teaches now," said Dr. Stephen Archer, chief of cardiology at the University of Chicago Medical Center and president of the AHA's Metro Chicago board of directors.

The AHA sums up its position on its website (americanheart.org):
When an adult suddenly collapses, trained or untrained bystanders should:
1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

There are two primary reasons for the change: First, the AHA believes that CPR is more likely to be performed if hands-only is an option, because people don't like performing mouth-to-mouth on strangers. Second, multiple studies, including one published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have shown hands-only CPR to be equally or more effective than compression plus mouth-to-mouth.

"Why is hands-only more effective?" Archer said. "It could be because when you stop pressing on the chest to give mouth-to-mouth, you actually stop pressing a lot longer than you would expect. And chest compression is more important [than getting oxygen into the lungs]. You have to keep the blood flowing to the brain. It's the relative value of oxygen to the lungs versus the relative value of keeping the blood moving."
Archer noted that the hands-only guidelines are meant for adults.

"When children need resuscitation, it often is respiratory -- drowning or swallowing," he said. "For children, rescue breathing [mouth-to-mouth] can have some value."

Not everyone has completely embraced the hands-only guidelines. The American Red Cross, for instance, believes that oxygen is an important component of CPR. But the Red Cross recognizes that hands-only CPR has its place.

"We lean toward the fact that you need to put oxygen into your system to help keep your body and organs alive," said Theresa Rees, manager of instruction and development for the Red Cross of Greater Chicago. "However, if you have never been trained to do this, hands-only CPR is better than nothing."

The AHA cautions that CPR is not intended to take the place of professional medical care.

"It's an important breakthrough," Archer said. "But it's important to note that this does not mean that paramedics, etc., would stop delivering advanced cardiac life support. This is for when you come across someone who is down on the ground. This is what we teach. If you see a person fall, call 911 and push hard and fast in the middle of the chest."

A little heart makes a big impact

2010-10-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

A story on a Heart Walk family from Medill Reports:

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=170006

by Anna Lempereur
Oct 07, 2010

Colton Sullivan is a typical 6 year old who enjoys splashing through puddles, rolling in mud and digging for worms. As he ran around the field and wrestled with his brothers, Sam, 7, and Max, 3, you would never guess he had five heart surgeries and has his very own pacemaker.

Because of other birth defects, he has had four lung surgeries, two brain surgeries and two stomach surgeries. He has been admitted to the hospital more than 100 times and spent a total of two years of his life in the hospital.

Colton, of Shorewood, a small town just west of Joliet, was born seven weeks early with three different congenital heart defects: ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and transposition of the great arteries, according to his mother Andrea Sullivan, 31.

Cardiac pediatric nurse practitioner Patricia Stapleton at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago said ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus are among the most common congenital heart defects.

She said a child has a less than one percent chance of being born with congenital heart disease.

Stapleton said the cause of the disease is unknown, but it could sometimes be associated with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Di George syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

“Children with some genetic defects have a higher incidence of congenital heart disease than the general population,” she said.

Stapleton said screening could sometimes be done before the baby is born to detect congenital heart disease, allowing time to know that surgery and intensive care may be needed.

Sullivan said there was no determination in the cause of Colton’s heart disease. She said he had no risk factors, no family history and no exposures.

“Advances in medicine and support from the heart association has really gotten Colton to where he is today. He’s a thriving, active, very healthy 6-year-old,” Sullivan said.

Colton and his family are members of Mended Little Hearts, an organization that unites families who have been impacted by congenital heart defects.

Mended Little Hearts Group Coordinator Jaime Olsen said she started the Chicago group in 2007 after her son, Tyler, was born with congenital heart defects and had open-heart surgery at 2 months old.

“The fear that you have as a mother, that your child has to have open-heart surgery to fix his heart is devastating…the emotions of just giving birth to a child and being just completely blind-sided by this,” Olsen said.

She said the Sullivans have been very active in the congenital hearts defects world.

“If you know Colton, you are a blessed person. He’s an amazing little boy and his family has such great strength. Colton is lucky to have the parents that he has,” Olsen said.

Sullivan said Colton’s most recent surgery was 11 weeks ago.

She said her son has been walking around showing everyone his scar from his recent surgery and his new pacemaker.“He’s as proud of it as can be. He’s not afraid to tell everybody, ‘This is my battle wound!’ One of these days I’m waiting to hear him telling his friends it’s a shark bite or something like that.”

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Says House Passage of the HEART for Women Act is an Important Stand in Support of Women's Health

2010-09-30T13:31:00.006-05:00

Washington, DC (September 30, 2010) - The U. S. House of Representatives has taken an important stand in support of women’s health with the passage of the Heart Disease Education, Analysis and Research and Treatment (HEART) for Women Act. This legislative win will help make meaningful advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD)—the leading killer of American women. Provisions include greater oversight of Food and Drug Administration requirements for reporting sex and race-based data about new medicines and devices and the expansion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN screening program for low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.

Although we still have more work to do to achieve equity in health care and health status for women, this effort sets the stage to better identify and address women’s unique cardiovascular health needs. With more than one in three deaths among American women caused by CVD, we must continue to make strong efforts to ensure this measure is passed into law.

We commend the House for addressing women’s health needs and Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) for their leadership and efforts to move the HEART for Women Act forward.

FYI: Cook Co.'s Alliance for Healthy and Active Communities!

2010-09-16T10:49:00.004-05:00

Information from the Cook County Department of Public Health:

Many of the places we live, work and play promote increased food intake, unhealthy foods or physical inactivity. Here’s how you can change that and get involved.

Join the Alliance for Healthy and Active Communities to receive up-to-date information. As an Alliance member, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with a vast array of organizations, including healthcare, community-based, governmental, school and faith groups to ‘make the healthy choice the easy choice.’ Visit www.cookcountypublichealth.org and click Join the Network.

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23rd from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Oak Park Library (834 Lake St., Oak Park). Linda Shak of the Prevention Institute is the guest speaker and will present on how community health can be transformed through environmental and policy change. Click here to register.

Attend a regional forum and help shape a healthier future for Illinois. Express your ideas for what should be included in a state-wide plan for tackling obesity. Also, learn more about available funding. Regional meetings will be held October 1, 8 and 15 (9 a.m. –12:30 p.m.) in the West, North and South suburban Cook County regions, respectively. Click here to register.

Begin preparing now to apply for the Model Communities Grant. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released in early November. Up to $4 million will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate readiness to make changes in their communities that support residents in efforts to live healthy, active lives. To learn more about trainings and other actions you can take now, contact the CPPW office and ask for a regional manager at 708-524-5156 or via e-mail at cppw@phimc.org.

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

2010-09-16T10:01:00.002-05:00

This week, by a vote or 46 to 52, an amendment that proposed cutting billions of dollars in critical disease prevention and public health funding was defeated in the U.S. Senate!

Please send a quick note of thanks to your Senator(s) by following the link below:

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

By defeating the amendment and preserving this funding, the Prevention and Public Health Fund will continue to be used for meaningful public health efforts in communities across the country. Currently, the Fund supports efforts to increase tobacco control, implement tobacco cessation services, combat obesity, and promote better nutrition and physical activity. Prevention is paramount in our fight against heart disease and stroke- and we should be proud of our Senators who stood up to protect this vital funding.

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

Thank you for joining us in thanking your U.S. Senators for their efforts. We can't spell CURE, without "U".

No tobacco product is safe to consume

2010-09-15T09:53:00.005-05:00

From the Chicago Sun Times:http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/2711700,CST-NWS-smoke15.article

September 15, 2010
Smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, are not safe or effective alternatives for people who want to quit smoking, says a new policy statement issued by the American Heart Association.

"No tobacco product is safe to consume," said Mariann Piano, a professor in the biobehavioral health science department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and lead writer of the statement.

Smokeless tobacco products are addictive and may also increase the risk of fatal heart attack, fatal stroke and certain cancers, according to the statement published online in the journal Circulation.

Gannett News Service

Social media account holders –The American Heart Association just released a policy statement on smokeless tobacco.

Read policy statement here.

Learn more about AHA resources to help you quit: http://www.heart.org/quitsmoking

Here are some social media messages you can use on your accounts online to help us spread the word about these products as well as links to learn more about resources to help you quit:

TWITTER:·

Smokeless tobacco products not a safe option, won’t help smokers quit http://bit.ly/ajYHGm·

An est. 7% of adults uses smokeless tobacco. AHA advises against smokeless tobacco products to quit smoking. www.heart.org/quitsmoking·

To help Americans quit smoking, AHA supports tobacco excise taxes to fund prevention & cessation programs http://bit.ly/bYQS94

FACEBOOK:

1. AHA Policy Statement: Smokeless tobacco products should not be used as an alternative to cigarettes or for smoking cessation due to the risk of addiction and return to smoking.LINK: http://bit.ly/ajYHGm

2. Smokeless tobacco products such as dry and moist snuff as well as chewing tobacco may also increase the risk of fatal heart attack, fatal stroke and certain cancers, according to a new study.LINK: http://bit.ly/ajYHGm

3. An estimated 7 percent of adults use smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco should not be used for smoking cessation because long-term use moderately increases the risk of a fatal heart attack, fatal stroke and certain cancers. Check out the American Heart Associations’ resources to help you kick the habit!LINK: www.heart.org/quitsmoking

4. To help Americans quit smoking, AHA supports substantially increasing excise taxes on all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco to help fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs.LINK: http://bit.ly/bYQS94

Youth heart screenings offer reassurance for parents

2010-09-14T12:25:00.003-05:00

This article is from Chicago Tribune: September 10, 2010: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northnorthwest/ct-x-n-heart-monitoring-20100910,0,3315955.story

Youth heart screenings offer reassurance for parents
By Karen Ann Cullotta, Special to the Tribune

Clutching her security blanket and whimpering softly, 5-year-old Erika Roemisch was clearly skeptical of the doctor's promises that the heart screening she was about to get would be perfectly painless.

Within seconds, fuzzy, monochromatic images from an ultrasound of Erika's healthy heart were beamed up to the echocardiogram monitor, and the cardiologist had good news for Erika's pediatrician father, Dr. Frank Roemisch.

"Screenings make sense when they're done by someone like a cardiologist, who knows how to interpret the results," said Roemisch, a Gurnee resident.

Roemisch was among dozens of parents who brought their children to the Advocate Condell Centre Club in Libertyville recently for a pair of noninvasive tests aimed at detecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

As the leading cause of sudden cardiac death, HCM captured the nation's attention in January when the condition was linked to the deaths of both Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams, 26, and University of Southern Indiana basketball player Jeron Lewis, 21.

Dr. Joel Okner, a Vernon Hills-based cardiologist who conducted the Condell screening with his colleague, psychologist Jeremy Clorfene, said many such deaths can be prevented by providing cardiac screenings for all children — athletes, and nonathletes alike — aimed at detecting what he calls a "ticking time bomb."

A genetic condition in which the heart muscle becomes severely thickened, HCM can cause a rapid rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which, if the heart is not defibrillated within minutes, can be fatal.

Despite some critics' claims that rising health care costs and the potential for false-positive tests make universal cardiac screenings an unrealistic goal, Okner remains undeterred in his mission.

While the recent screening of 150 children in Libertyville did not detect any potential cases of HCM, Okner said out of every 500 screenings his team performs, they typically find one person who needs further evaluation for HCM.

"But if in two years we can save the lives of two children, it's worth it," Okner said. "It makes you ask, 'How do you not test children for this?'"

Dr. Robert Bonow, past president of the American Heart Association and the chief of cardiology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said the universal cardiac screenings conducted in European nations like France and Italy would be nearly impossible to replicate in the U.S., however.

"We have to consider the implications of these screenings, when we already have a health care system overburdened by costs," Bonow said. "There's nothing wrong with voluntary efforts like this. If you're the family that experiences the tragedy, it's worth it. But I think we need to ask ourselves, 'Can our system afford this right now?'"

A study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, whose results were released this year, found that giving young athletes electrocardiogram tests could be a cost-effective way to identify those who are at-risk. Okner said his method, of using both an EKG and an ultrasound test, is more effective in detecting HCM — but also more expensive.

Though the screenings using both methods were offered the Libertyville event for a discounted $55, such tests can cost hundreds of dollars and are not typically covered by insurance. And, as Roemisch, the Gurnee pediatrician, noted: "The problem is, there are still a lot of parents out there who can't afford to pay even $55."

Kurt Gibson, associate executive director of the Illinois High School Association, said officials recommend that all student athletes have a record of a pre-participation sports physical exam on file at their school. But the association has no specific policy regarding heart screenings.

"We would never discourage any parent from getting their student athlete an EKG or echocardiogram, but it is clearly not a requirement," Gibson said.

At John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, head athletic trainer Hal Hilmer said that while he is aware of other school districts across the U.S. offering athletes free cardiac screenings, he has not heard concerns about the issue from any local parents.

"There are booster clubs in the U.S. raising money for these screenings, but I've also heard that sometimes the tests are problematic, with false-positives that cause a lot of worry," Hilmer said. "Heart conditions in athletes are something you don't want to miss. But, right now, the funding is not out there, and the onus is back on the parents."

Waukegan parent Judy Holmes said she did not hesitate to bring her son Andrew, 15, a football and basketball player at Mundelein's Carmel Catholic High School, to the recent screenings at Condell.

"His athletic trainer told us about the screenings, and he highly recommended it," Holmes said. "Andrew just had a sports physical, but I still felt like, 'What if I don't do it, and something happens?' It was the safe thing to do, but I am surprised and disappointed to know this is not covered by insurance like other preventive tests, like my annual mammogram."

Okner and Clorfene will conduct cardiac screenings 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Gurnee Centre Club, 1405 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. For details, call 847-775-0015.

Online report highlights 2009-10 advocacy victories

2010-08-31T16:06:00.003-05:00

The AHA Office of Advocacy’s first-ever online annual report highlights federal, state and local policy victories from the 2009-10 fiscal year. The report, “Progress in Policy,” summarizes the association’s work to advance legislative and regulatory issues including access to care, health reform, research and prevention funding, tobacco control, emergency cardiovascular care and stroke systems of care.

The articles, videos and photos in this interactive report offer just a snapshot of the remarkable work of our You’re the Cure advocates, volunteers and staff. We owe each of these successes to their tireless dedication and efforts.

See the report at www.heart.org/advocacyannualreport

Live Better with Life's Simple 7

2010-08-16T12:38:00.008-05:00

Did you know that the American Heart Association has developed a way to help you take control of your heart health?

All you need is a goal, a plan and a desire to live better. The American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 tool has seven steps you can take to improve your health. Visit http://mylifecheck.heart.org/ and follow the link below to let your legislators know about this important tool:

Tell Your Legislators about Life's Simple 7

Learn about the seven factors that can lead to a healthy heart and how you can:

-Get Active
-Eat Better
-Lose Weight
-Stop Smoking
-Control Cholesterol
-Manage Blood Pressure

Tell Your Legislators about Life's Simple 7

These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life.

Check out http://t.democracydirect.com/?ti_dn__=63289877-051b-4648-87ac-c342a94fce84&__u_idz=&__turl=http%3a%2f%2fmylifecheck.heart.org today!

6-year-old's life saved by an angel among us

2010-08-12T10:00:00.004-05:00

Article from Lincoln Daily News at http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2010/Aug/07/News/today080710_v.shtml
(Pictured Ethan and EMT Brenda McCallister)

[August 07, 2010] ATLANTA -- July 8 was anything but a typical summer evening at the Atlanta Ballpark. Ethan Vose, 6 years old, son of Brad and Heather Melton Vose of Atlanta, was playing with local children when he was struck in the chest with a baseball bat. He immediately fell to the ground.

Brenda McCallister, an EMT who was watching a baseball game, went up to Ethan and found that he was in full cardiac arrest. As 911 was called, McCallister had to perform CPR on Ethan.
Ethan and EMT Brenda McCallister

He was transported by ambulance to BroMenn Trauma Center in Normal, then life-flighted to Children's Hospital at St. Francis in Peoria. He was diagnosed with commotio cordis.
Commotio cordis typically involves young, predominantly male athletes, in which a sudden, blunt, non-penetrating and innocuous-appearing trauma to the anterior chest results in immediate cardiac arrest and can lead to sudden death from ventricular fibrillation.
The most important information the Voses would like to share with others is that Ethan's life was saved by the immediate start of CPR.

Survival after a commotion cordis event is still the exception. So often bystanders or emergency personnel delay CPR and immediate transport to the hospital because they underestimate the severity of the trauma or believe "the person got the wind knocked out of them." It is imperative to understand that survival is associated with effective CPR efforts that occur within one to three minutes of the collapse of the individual, which was done in Ethan's case.

The survival rate with commotio cordis is only 3 percent in cases when resuscitative efforts were delayed longer than three minutes. The survival rate is only 24 percent after effective CPR. McCallister saved Ethan's life in two minutes.

The Voses would like to publicly thank Brenda McCallister for saving their son's life, as well as thanking the pediatric cardiologists, nurses and staff on the intermediate care wing at Children's Hospital at St. Francis for the exceptional care Ethan received. They also thank friends and family for their continued prayers and support.

The family hopes that by sharing their story it will save another child's life.
[From Heather Vose]

Doctors study bypass of ER

2010-07-23T13:59:00.003-05:00

From the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sc-nw-heart-attack-0723-20100723,0,6976536.story

For heart attacks, quick care at lab may save lives

By Maura Lerner and Josephine Marcotty, McClatchy/Tribune news

July 23, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS —

If you're having a heart attack, you may not need an emergency room at all, according to a new study.

Researchers found that patients receive faster care, and are more likely to survive, if an ambulance crew takes them straight to a specialized hospital "cath lab," where doctors can act quickly to open their blocked arteries.

So far, only a fraction of hospitals use this system, which relies on specially trained paramedics to diagnose heart attacks without emergency room staff.

But the study, led by Dr. Kenneth Baran, a heart specialist at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., suggests that the process can cut the time needed to treat the most dangerous heart attacks from an average of 81 minutes to 36 minutes, and vastly improve the chances of recovery.

"Our times were phenomenal," Baran said. In some cases, "we had patients in with their artery open in 20 minutes."

In the study, published in the July issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Baran's team also found that patients who went directly to the catheter lab were less likely to die in the hospital (3.9 percent) than those who came through the emergency room (7.5 percent).

Experts say that the minutes after a heart attack are crucial because muscle starts to die when oxygen is cut off. If the blockage can be cleared within 60 minutes or so, the heart attack may cause little permanent damage, they say.

Despite the study results, some experts warn that certain patients might need extra testing to rule out pulmonary embolism or other conditions.

"You have to be careful if it's not straightforward," said Dr. Alice Jacobs, a cardiologist with the Boston Medical Center and an adviser to the American Heart Association.

At first, some cardiologists who perform the catheter procedures were skeptical, Baran said, worried that they would face more false alarms and have to act as both emergency-room doctor and heart specialist. But when the results were so positive, he said, they became more accepting.

Timing: Hospitals strive to treat a heart attack patient within 90 minutes of arrival — frequently with an inflatable catheter to open blockages. By taking patients directly to a "cath lab," many have cut that time in half.

Timely, Quality Care with AHA There

2010-07-22T12:41:00.004-05:00

We hear all the time that elected leaders value the American Heart Association's efforts to pass heart healthy policies in our state and nation - a result of decades of service from committed volunteers, the solid-science supporting the AHA's policy positions and the critical work the AHA performs in diverse communities every day. Through the Get With The Guidelines® program, the AHA works closely with hospital professionals to improve heart disease and stroke patient care utilizing the most recent scientific guidelines. In fact, over 2.2 million Heart and Stroke patients have benefitted from Get With The Guidelines®!

Legislators need to become aware of this important work so they may fully understand the impact of the association's mission and appreciate the expertise the AHA may bring to important issues associated with delivering timely, quality healthcare.

Follow the link below to contact your legislator about the American Heart Association's efforts to improve care in your community:

Timely, Quality Care in Illinois

Lawmakers are confronted with making very tough decisions these days and they are looking for solid partners to craft smart solutions. The more leaders learn about the ground-breaking work the AHA is performing to improve patient outcomes, the more they will go to the AHA as a partner in identifying solutions to today's challenges. Sending your message today can make a real difference:

Timely, Quality Care in Illinois

We encourage you to learn more about the Get With The Guidelines® program of the American Heart Association.

Check-out which hospitals in your area are successfully using this program.

As always, we thank you for your active voice as a member of the You're the Cure grassroots network. We can't spell CURE, without "U".

Reading Food Nutrition Labels

2010-07-15T11:44:00.012-05:00

Learning how to read and understand food labels can help you make healthier choices. Here are some tips for making the most of the information on the Nutrition Facts label:

Start here. Note the size of a single serving and how many servings are in the package.

Check total calories per serving. Look at the serving size and how many servings you’re really consuming. If you double the servings you eat, you double the calories and nutrients, including the Percent Daily Value (% DV).

Limit these nutrients. Remember, you need to limit your total fat to no more than 56–78 grams a day — including no more than 16 grams of saturated fat, less than two grams of trans fat, and less than 300 mg cholesterol (for a 2,000 calorie diet).

Get enough of these nutrients. Make sure you get 100 percent of the fiber, vitamins and other nutrients you need every day.

Quick guide to % DV. The % DV section tells you the percent of each nutrient in a single serving, in terms of the daily recommended amount. As a guide, if you want to consume less of a nutrient (such as saturated fat, cholesterol or sodium), choose foods with a lower % DV — 5 percent or less is low. If you want to consume more of a nutrient (such as fiber), seek foods with a higher % DV — 20 percent or more is high.

Here are more tips for getting as much health information as possible from the Nutrition Facts label:

-Remember that the information shown in these panels is based on 2,000 calories a day. You may need to consume less or more than 2,000 calories depending upon your age, gender, activity level, and whether you’re trying to lose, gain or maintain your weight. Find out your personal daily limits on My Fats Translator.

-In general, as you think about the amount of calories in a food per serving, remember that for a 2,000-calorie diet:
40 calories per serving is considered low;
100 calories per serving is considered moderate; and
400 calories or more per serving is considered high.

-There is no % DV shown for trans fat on the panel because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have enough scientific information to set this value. We recommend eating less than 20 calories or (less than two grams of trans fat) a day – that’s less than 1 percent of your total daily calories (for a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet).

-When the Nutrition Facts panel says the food contains “0 g” of trans fat, it means the food contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.

-When the Nutrition Facts label says a food contains “0 g” of trans fat, but includes “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredient list, it means the food contains trans fat, but less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. So, if you eat more than one serving, you could quickly reach your daily limit of trans fat.

In addition to the Nutrition Facts label, a lot of foods today also come with nutrient content claims provided by the manufacturer. These claims are typically featured in ads for the foods or in the promotional copy on the food packages themselves. They are strictly defined by the FDA.

The chart below provides some of the most commonly used nutrient content claims, along with a detailed description of what the claim means.

If you can’t remember the definitions of all of the terms, don’t worry. You can use these general guidelines instead:

“Free” means a food has the least possible amount of the specified nutrient.
“Very Low” and “Low” means the food has a little more than foods labeled “Free.”
“Reduced” or “Less” mean the food has 25 percent less of a specific nutrient than the regular version of the food.