Maine

I am sitting here in the Law and Legislative Reference Library on the second floor of the State House.  I might as well bring in pictures of my daughter and a plant or two.  I spend more time here than I do at the office.  So does my friend Hilary (sitting across from me as usual).  She is the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.  We have been here working together to stem the tide of misinformation from the tobacco industry (and their proxies) at the state house.  Luckily, they trot out the same old arguments every time.  Unluckily, there are a dozen of them here today and only two of us.  That is why we need help from YTC advocates.   Your voices drown out the lies with real stories of the devastation from tobacco. 

Tobacco is terrible for the heart. Approximately 128,000 Americans die from cardiovascular diseases caused by tobacco smoke each year.  The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the function of your heart and harm your blood cells.  Tobacco smoke leads to coronary heart disease which in turn can lead to heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke and even death. Smokers have twice the heart attack risk of non-smokers.  

It is also important to note that smokeless tobacco has also been linked to greater incidence of fatal heart attacks and strokes. The bottom line is that no tobacco product is safe to use and all should be taxed equally. Maine’s unfair tax laws allow some tobacco products to cheap and readily accessible to youth.

When I started working in public health just over a decade ago, products like Snus, Orbs, Sticks, and strawberry cigars that mirror lip gloss were not on our radar screen.  However, that was a time when, nationally, there was a big push to raise the excise tax on cigarettes, ban indoor smoking and the agreement between Maine (and 46 other states) and big tobacco banned “Joe Camel” and the more egregious youth marketing.  The tobacco industry had to get creative and more subtle.  They are very bright people with the money to hire the best.  They knew that they needed a shift in strategy.  This led to a mushrooming of new products designed not only to appeal to youth, but also to circumvent cigarette tax and smoke-free laws. 

It is our job to stop them from finding those “replacement smokers” in our middle and high schools.  The best way to do that?  Raise the price of tobacco. 

Let’s get to work. 

Head back to the YTC home page and take action today.

Becky.smith@heart.org  207-523-3007

If you knew that a painless, non-invasive 45 second test that only cost $4.00 could potentially pick up a critical congenital heart disease in a newborn….would you do it?  Yup.  Me too.  Congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect in the US and the number one killer of infants with birth defects. 

In fact 9 states already require this test called pulse oximetry for all newborns.  Tomorrow, the Maine Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hear from us and some survivors and moms of survivors about why this test is critical.  Will Maine become the 10th state?  I hope so. 

We better move fast because there are 18 other states also considering similar legislation.

Did you know that research shows that screening rates are significantly higher in states that have passed test-specific legislation that in states without these laws?  That is why we can’t rely on individual hospitals to do the right thing.  We need to make sure that all newborns—from Berwick to Meddybemps are tested.
If you want to help—let me know!

Becky.smith@heart.org  207-523-3007

Wow—the first half of “Heart Month” has been a whirlwind complete with a blizzard.  Just the way I like it.   Although (with Cecelia’s help) we dug out from the blizzard, we have not even begun to “dig out” from all the exciting work we have this month. 

We started the month with a very successful “Hall of Flags” event at the state house.  Volunteers and staff joined me in Augusta to talk to legislators about what they can do to encourage Mainers to live heart healthy.  Our amazing volunteers found great new co-sponsors for our Pulse Ox and CPR bills and took legislators’ blood pressure.
Then, last week, 27 women legislators (and 30 others) joined us at the Senator Inn for the women’s heart caucus luncheon.  Rep. Helen Rankin and Rep. Linda Sanborn told their amazing story about how their friendship saved Rep. Rankin’s life.  There was not a dry eye in the house.  They really drove home the fact that women need to look out for each other.  Don’t let your friends ignore the warning signs.  Get them to the doctor.

On Friday, my husband and I attended the Brunswick Heart Ball—a fantastic night out.  I came away with a cute girl’s raincoat and a great deal on a massage.  I should be banned from silent auctions.  However, I am going to need that massage, because I also ramped up my exercise regime in honor of Heart Month. 

This week, the American Heart Association will be testifying at public hearings on three bills.  The first seeks to further protect our tobacco settlement funding (support), the second reinstates the critical State Health Plan (support) and the third allows for a tax exemption on tribal members purchasing tobacco products for religious or ceremonial purposes (neither for nor against). 

If you have any questions on these or other bills, please feel free to call or email me. 
Becky.smith@heart.org  207-523-3007

When I made it to my kitchen this morning, my handy L.L. Bean thermometer registered “-0.”  Yup.   It actually said “-0” which I did not know was an actual temperature—but apparently it was so cold this morning that just saying “0” was not enough.

Of course, this is Maine in January, so I should not be surprised.  My cubicle in Scarborough is a bit warmer, although not much.  I am really wearing that hat at my desk.  A good reminder to walk around the office to get the blood flowing.  The good news is that it is after 4:30 and still light out!  A little ray of hope on this brutally cold day.

I spent part of yesterday at the state house introducing myself to the Health and Human Services Committee.  I do the same in Taxation on Friday. Don’t worry—I won’t wear the hat… The introductions are my time to make sure the members of some of the most important committees in the legislature know what we are about and that they can trust us to give them reliable and factual information.  They also need to know that our advocacy network is almost 1,000 strong and paying attention to what they do.

 I end my introduction with this quote from AHA’s very first journal: 
“Observe also our emblem, the symbol of the fanciful St. Valentine, carrying with it the torch of knowledge.  Knowledge of the heart the world had has a-plenty, but not so much of the common sense, scientific variety that we seek to propagate.”

I thought it was a perfect summary of what we strive to do each and every day. 

Thank you for your help—by participating in our You’re the Cure advocacy network, you are propagating common sense and scientific information to the people making decisions every day that affect the health of the entire state.

As always, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. Becky.smith@heart.org  207-523-3007

Louise Beaulieu Maine

"People say to me if I had a heart attack, anyone could. This was a wake-up call to everyone."

Louise feels it is imperative that she share her story with other Maine women, so that they take care of themselves so that they can be around for their families.　 This is why she is speaking at the Go Red for Women event in October.　 This is why she supports the American Heart Association.

Louise had a family history of heart disease. Her father had a heart attack at 45, as did her aunt but neither one took good care of their health. Louise was determined not to follow in their footsteps and to lead a heart healthy lifestyle full of exercise and healthy foods. After returning from a business trip at 55, Louise felt an odd cold feeling whenever she breathed in. There was no pain, tightness or any indication her heart was in distress so she thought she had caught a cold.　

A few days, later while getting ready for bed, the same cold feeling in her chest came back.　 She then became anxious when she felt tightness around her neck.　 As a nurse, she thought, ‘what would I tell my patient if they had these symptoms?’　 She turned to her husband and asked him to call 911, and as he picked up the phone, he saw her skin start turn grey. He silently panicked realizing he didn’t know CPR. She was having a heart attack.

Loiuse needed open heart surgery. The good news:　 due to Louise’s lifestyle, the procedure was less invasive and her recovery time minimal.　 The doctors also believe that, because of her healthy habits, she avoided having a heart attack in her forties like her father and aunt.

She is now dedicated to helping others by working with the American Heart Association to educate and inform Maine women.

Mindy Beyer Scarborough, Maine

I was born with a complex congenital heart condition. My parents were told that if I made it to the age of three I would be lucky. I am now 34 years old and a cardiac nurse. Recently, (much to the amazement of my cardiologist), I became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Not bad for someone not expected to live to see kindergarten! At a very young age I knew that I wanted to give back to others with heart conditions. Volunteering with the American Heart Association on fundraising, advocacy and awareness allows me to do just that.

For me having a heart condition is a part of my life, but it is a part that has given me strength and purpose. I have endured two open-heart surgeries and am able to use that experience to help my patients get through very tough times. I know that much of my accomplishments can be attributed to the technology that has been made possible by research, education and advocacy provided by the American Heart Association. Every time I take action on the You’re the Cure network, I know that I am part of the cure and it feels great.

Jennifer Damon Maine

In January of 2006, I was working the overnight shift at a rehab for women when I started feeling the “classic” symptoms of a heart attack.  I was 31 years old and thought that I was too young to be having a heart attack, so I ignored those first symptoms.  I noticed I was having difficulty breathing, nausea, pain in one of my shoulders, and my mouth was watering excessively.  The first symptoms began at around 3 AM, my shift ended at 8 AM and I went straight to the hospital.

When I arrived, I reported to the nurses in the emergency department that I was having a heart attack and told them my symptoms.  They said to have a seat and they’d be with me.  When the triage nurse called me in, she asked two questions:  Why did I think I was having a heart attack and what had I done for drugs the previous night?  I grabbed her arm and said, “I worked in a drug rehab all night and you’re going to let me die if you don’t’ do something now!”  I was then rushed out back and treated.  Later, I was seen by a cardiologist who explained that my cardiac enzymes were off and that I would be transported to another hospital that specialized in the care I needed.  I was released two days later, after being pumped with potassium.  My diagnosis was a cold in my heart muscle.  I was advised to lose weight and change my diet, but nothing was mentioned about smoking.

A year later, I had a stent placed in my LAD after suffering another heart attack.  The second time my symptoms presented so differently that I never suspected it.  I had been having a pain in my right shoulder for several months.  After receiving the stent, the cardiologist told me and my husband, in front of my 10-year old twin daughters, “You know, if you would have quit smoking, you wouldn’t have come back.”

I did quit smoking, it was tough, but I did it.  I became an American Heart Association You’re the Cure advocate because I have made it my mission to educate all women in Maine about what they can do to make sure they have healthy hearts and long lives.  Part of this is telling my story to policymakers so they make sure they do their part to help women like me get the care they need.  Please join me to make a difference.

Richard Veilleux Maine

In March 1980 I was expecting a visit from my Mom and Dad.  Instead, I got a phone call from my brother telling me that my Dad had suffered a heart attack.  That was the first of several cardiac problems my father has lived through.  Now, 32 years later, he is still going strong, still able to do the gardening and woodworking that he enjoys.  I know the work of the American Heart Association has contributed to his survival and his excellent quality of life.  That’s one reason I volunteer for the AHA and am proud to be a You’re the Cure advocate.

I have witnessed the outstanding work the AHA has done to make Maine a healthier place to live.  The AHA has helped create smoke-free environments, reduce smoking among our children and helped smokers become tobacco-free.  Through education programs and changes in school policy the AHA is helping our kids grow up healthier, be more physically active and make better food choices.

The AHA is helping to improve the health of our communities, our family, friends, our colleagues … and many of us.

That’s why I volunteer my resources, my time and my energy to support the AHA here in Maine. 

Richard Veilleux

Don’t worry.  Things are not going to the dogs here at the Scarborough office. 

This is just what you might find when you stay late to update your blog.  Gary, our Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart Coordinator is busy creating his “recess-in-a- bag” incentives.  His daughter and puppy Tokie are here to help.  Ok.  His daughter is helping; Tokie is just running around like any good 9-month old mutt should. 

I have spent most of the week in Augusta which means my office, even with a puppy, is actually a quieter, calmer place right now.  I am getting really excited about our Hall of Flags event at the state house on February 5th.  This is the American Heart Association’s “dog and pony” show for the Legislature.   This is our way to make sure Maine’ s policymakers understand why funding prevention programs and increasing access to health care is so crucial to the health of Maine people and our economy. 

Won’t you join us?  If you can come, please RSVP on the Maine page of the You’re the Cure website!  As always, you can email me directly at becky.smith@heart.org
Thanks,
Becky (and Tokie)

Things are really picking up around here!  After missing some work due to a heart-related death in my family, I am back and doubly motivated to fight heart disease.  My calendar is a mish-mash of driving around the state to meet with legislators about bills, introducing myself to volunteers in northern Maine and having meetings with coalition partners such as MAHPERD, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society—Cancer Action Network and the Maine Public Health Association.

On top of that I have to find Huntslub the Elf and do some Christmas shopping.  Oh boy!  That is ok.  I like being busy. 

I hope you too like being busy because we have a lot of work to do this winter.   With the ever-expanding budget gap and all new leadership, it will be more important than ever for the American Heart Association’s active volunteers to get our issues in front of the legislators.

If you need any advice on how to talk to your legislators, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. Becky.smith@heart.org  207-523-3007