FDA-Founders Affiliate - Blog

Please Support Critical Programs for Heart and Stroke in the Commonwealth

T477866 — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:12:00 GMT

The Senate will start debating their budget and we are asking for their support for critical funding for key prevention programs. We knew it was going to be a tough budget year we feel that it is still important for the Legislature to make investments in public health and access to care. We are asking for support for our priorities:

Amendment #699 from Senator Rush to increase the funding Department of Public Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program funding.
Amendment #13 from Senator Chandler to minimum packaging requirement for cheap, kid-friendly cigars
Amendment #595 from Senator Montigny to ensure that stroke patients have access to the highest quality of care
Amendment #714 from Senator Richard Moore to create an AED Trust Fund to ensure that funds are available to schools, senior centers and other high risk places in the community.
Amendment #634 from Senator Joyce to create the FMAP Trust Fund to receive enhanced federal Medicaid matching revenues and its funds dedicated to support Medicaid low-income programs.
Amendment #546 from Senator Jehlen to invest in MassHealth operations and systems improvements to ensure access to care for low-income residents.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Massachusetts -- more than 8,000 of our residents lose their lives to tobacco each year while hundreds of thousands more suffer from its health consequences. Tobacco-related health care expenses annually costs Massachusetts $4.3 billion – 10% of all our health care costs. The DPH tobacco control program is underfunded. Next year the State will receive $1 Billion from tobacco related revenue. We need to fund the prevention and cessation program to help people kick this deadly habit and to prevent kids from starting to smoke. We need to protect our kids and not Big Tobacco. There are many products that look like candy, smell like candy, and are cheaper than candy but they are in fact deadly. According to the Department of Public Health, high school students in Massachusetts are now using these cheap cigars more cigarettes. We need to require minimum packaging for cheap, kid-friendly cigars.

Stroke is the nation's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of long-term disability and every year, about 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke, and 160,000 of them die. On average, every 45 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke and someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes. Today, 5.7 million Americans are stroke survivors, and as many as 30 percent of them are permanently disabled, requiring extensive and costly care. Death and disability from stroke are projected to nearly double by 2032. The development of stroke systems of care, including the establishment of a primary stroke center, can significantly increase the proportion of patients who receive improved stroke care. Quick and attentive care of a stroke victim is the key to determining the quality of the rest of their life.

Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation, with an automated external defibrillator (AED), can more than double a victim’s chance of survival. In fact, early defibrillation, along with CPR, is the only way to restore the SCA victim’s heart rhythm to normal. We need to ensure that our communities have comprehensive AED programs that so that we can achieve high survival rates.

We believe these initiatives will provide for a healthier citizenry in Massachusetts and will save health care dollars and

RI Lobby Day a Great Success!

T210260 — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:22:20 GMT

Rhode Island advocates rocked the State House on May 15th during our annual Lobby Day! The focus of the day was our "CPR in Schools" bill, which would require all high school students to receive hands-on CPR training and an overview of AED use prior to graduation as part of the health education curriculum. The Rhode Island Senate unanimously passed the legislation on May 7 and advocates urged the House to follow suit. The group met with Rep. Joe McNamara, Chairman of the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee and sponsor of the "CPR in Schools" bill in the House. Following the group meeting, advocates visited with their representatives -- and all pledged support for the bill. Advocates also took a minute to thank their senators for voting YES on this lifesaving measure.

Special thanks to our Lobby Day team: Dr. Lloyd Feit, John Potvin, Tracey Kennedy, Miriam Plitt, Laurie Stephenson, Nancy Blasdell, Lisa Deck, Kathy Harrington, Shandra Printer, Annmarie Hanson, Victoria Smith, Sara McMullen and Korrie Chapman.

One Billion Dolllars Collected from Tobacco but less than 1/2% goes to prevention and treatment!

T477866 — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:29:00 GMT

Cigarettes, cigars, and the new flavored tobacco that’s recently become the rage among kids, are all addictive products. We were happy with the Legislature’s recent move to increase taxes on tobacco. Raising prices on these dangerous tobacco products is an extremely smart public policy and will improve public health. But as prices go up, it’s only fair that the state provide support for smokers who then try to quit.

Massachusetts will collect over One Billion Dollars in tobacco excise taxes and settlement payment from the industry next year. It’s a truly astounding amount of money. But only a small fraction of that money, less than ½ of one percent, is dedicated to help people quit smoking and prevent kids from getting hooked on tobacco.

We will be working with the legislators as they finalize the state budget, and advocating for increased funding for DPH’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program. It’s a successful, evidence-based approach to protecting kids, saving lives, and driving down our health care costs. And given the amount of money generated from tobacco, it’s also the right thing to do!

Live from Augusta

T503340 — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:26:00 GMT

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

Creating a Generation of Lifesavers in under 30 minutes

T127285 — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:51:00 GMT

In a split second, Bert Carey’s afternoon went from a casual conversation with fellow shoppers in a small men’s shop to a life-and-death scenario—and he was the victim, who was saved, ultimately, by a high school student who recently had learned CPR at school. “One minute we were shooting the breeze, and the next minute, I just dropped, right in the middle of a word,” recalled Bert.

The police officer who arrived first on the scene found Derek Raschke, wearing a tuxedo he was trying on for his prom, calmly proving CPR to this stranger. Derek, whose school district requires CPR training before students graduate, is just one powerful example of the American Heart Association’s work to create a generation of lifesavers by making sure students learn CPR before graduation.

Only a small percentage of the 383,000 people who have sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year survive unless they receive CPR. Given right away, CPR doubles or triples survival rates. In less than the time it takes to watch a 30 minute TV sitcom, we can give students the skills they need to help save someone’s life with CPR. “I don’t feel like a hero,” said Derek. “I just did what anybody would have done.” Correction: He did what anyone who knows CPR would have done.

In less time then it takes to watch a 30 minute sitcom....don't you think it's time our state took this step?

NJ Should Provide Funding for State's #1 Cause of Preventable Death

T372682 — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:48:00 GMT

Smoking remains the number 1 preventable cause of death in New Jersey and throughout the U.S. Yet, the State of New Jersey eliminated funding for it's Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program, which funded tobacco prevention and cessation efforts around the state. The elimination of funding places NJ at 50 out of 50 states for funding tobacco control.

The American Heart Association is advocating for the passage of A2772/S1887, which would create tax parity between cigarettes and other tobacco products, such as cigars. It is a little known fact that tobacco products other than cigarettes are taxed at a much lower rate than cigarettes, making them more attractive, especially to children. This bill is expected to generate about $25 million in revenue which would be dedicated to tobacco control in New Jersey.

$57 million received by NH this year from tobacco settlement funds. How much used for tobacco prevention? $0

T127285 — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:43:00 GMT

Recently, New Hampshire received a windfall of $15 million from tobacco settlement funds – this is in addition to the $42 million the state receives every year from tobacco companies for the healthcare costs caused by their products. Yet, New Hampshire has not been using any of these funds to help keep kids from using tobacco! Just isn't right! Won’t you help us send a message to lawmakers to use tobacco settlement dollars as they were intended? Investing a portion of tobacco settlement funds in prevention and control programs will reduce smoking rates and save lives and money. Click here or visit the action center to send your message today to fund tobacco prevention programs! What do you think?

SPOT A STROKE F.A.S.T. It could save a life, possibly yours.

T477866 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:21:00 GMT

About 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Last year, many of the Americans who suffered a stroke did not get the right lifesaving treatment in time. For Stroke Month, we wanted to pass along information that can help save lives and improve recovery. You just need to think F.A.S.T. These simple letters can help you recognize the signs of a stroke and get help right away.

FACE DROOPING — Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

ARM WEAKNESS — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 9-1-1 — If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

BEYOND F.A.S.T. — OTHER SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD KNOW — Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg, sudden confusion or trouble understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause

Learn more about Stroke Warning Signs by visiting: http://strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp

Creating a Generation of Heroes in RI on May 15th

T210260 — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 GMT

RI Lobby Day May 15 - to focus on "CPR in Schools" Bill!

Please join fellow You’re the Cure advocates at the State House on May 15 for the American Heart Association’s Rhode Island Lobby Day!

This event couldn't be more timely. On May 7 the RI Senate unanimously approved the AHA's "CPR in Schools" bill, which would require all high school students to receive hands-on CPR training and an overview of automated external defibrillator (AED) use prior to graduation as part of the health education curriculum. Our focus for Lobby Day will be thanking the Senate - and urging the House to act on this lifesaving measure. This is a great opportunity for advocates to meet with their senator and representative to promote one of the AHA's top policy priorties for the 2013 Legislative Session.

Rhode Island Lobby Day
May 15, 2013
State House – Providence, RI
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m

It's not too late to register - please contact Megan Tucker at (401) 330-1708 or megan.tucker@heart.org to sign up today!

Please use your voice and help us make a difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders!

RI Senate Approves "CPR in Schools" Bill by Unanimous Vote!

T210260 — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:27:00 GMT

Great news! On Tuesday, May 7, the Rhode Island Senate unanimously approved the “CPR in Schools” bill. This lifesaving measure is one of the AHA’s top policy priorities for the 2013 Legislative Session – and we couldn’t have gotten this far without the passion and continued outreach of our amazing You’re the Cure advocates (like YOU!).

The “CPR in Schools” bill would require all high school students to receive hands-on CPR training and an overview of automated external defibrillator (AED) use prior to graduation as part of the health education curriculum. We’ve cleared one hurdle, but the bill still needs to be approved by the RI House of Representatives and signed by Governor Chafee before it becomes law. Be on the lookout for future action alerts and help us keep the pressure on!

The death toll from sudden cardiac arrest is both staggering and tragic. This bill has the potential to save hundreds of lives by training a new generation of lifesavers who will be prepared to act if they witness a family member, friend or stranger suffer sudden cardiac arrest.

Every Four Minutes Someone Dies of Stroke, But They Don't Have To...

T127285 — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

May is American Stroke Month.

Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies of a stroke. But stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable with your help.

The American Heart Association is working to improve acute stroke care in Vermont. Together with the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Stroke Work Group we’re working to get Vermont hospitals to implement recommendations for a quality stroke system of care.

As a way to be a part of Stroke Month and build momentum please click here to tell legislators about this new stroke project.

And take a minute yourself to learn a F.A.S.T. way to remember stroke warnings signs and the need to act quickly.

F-Face Drooping

A-Arm Weakness

S-Speech Difficulty

T-Time to Call 9-1-1

1900 kids become daily smokers in VT each year. 1,900 kids.

T127285 — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:50:00 GMT

It’s a scary number that leads to even scarier disease and death. But the good news is that we have a proven solution. Kids are particular vulnerable to price increases. By raising the state cigarette tax by just .80 cents we can prevent kids from a lifetime of addiction. And the good news gets even better. If we use the money raised by the increase on proven public health measures like health care access, cessation, prevention and education programs we can save even more lives. It’s a simple and proven solution. Click here to take action today!

Let us know what you think by replying to this blog? Is 80 cents worth it?

Childhood Obesity is not just a national epidemic. It's an epidemic right here in CT.

T127285 — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:54:00 GMT

Check it out! A recent study by the Dept. of Public Health found that nearly:

One of every six Connecticut children in K-3^rd grade is overweight
One in seven Connecticut kindergarteners is overweight
More than one in six third graders is obese

These staggering rates not only have life-long implications for children’s health but will significantly impact their performance in the classroom. Public policy is key to creating healthy kids for a healthy Connecticut. The American Heart Association is working with partners to support a bill establishing a Childhood Obesity Taskforce in Connecticut to study the effects of obesity on children's health. While there is a long way to go and many other priority policy initiatives, this is a sensible first step to addressing the epidemic in CT.

The task force will:

Maintain current information on childhood obesity
Examine nutrition standards for all foods procured by the state
Study the value of recess before lunch in K-12 grade
Advise the governor and General Assembly on how to coordinate and administer state programs to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.

What do you think are some of the solutions to the Childhood Obesity crisis in CT?

4300 kids become daily smokers in CT each year. 4,300 kids.

T127285 — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:47:00 GMT

It’s a scary number that leads to even scarier disease and death. But the good news is that we have a proven solution. Kids are particular vulnerable to price increases. By raising the state cigarette tax by just 95 cents, bringing us in line with neighboring states like New York, we can prevent kids from a lifetime of addiction. And the good news gets even better. If we use the money raised by the increase on proven public health measures like cessation, prevention and education programs we can save even more lives. It’s a simple and proven solution. But we need your help. They are making decisions in Hartford now and we need them to hear from you. Click here to take action today!

Let us know what you think by replying to this blog? Is 95 cents worth it?

Need more proof. Check out these stats:

Smoking-caused health care cost in CT per pack of cigarettes sold = $14.30. Current state cigarette tax = $3.40 per pack. Wow. That puts .95 cents in perspective.

Annual health care expenditures in Connecticut directly caused by tobacco use: $1.63 billion

Smoking-caused state Medicaid program spending each year: $430 million

New Annual Revenue from Increasing the Cigarette Tax Rate by 95 Cents Per Pack: $50.68 million. It's a step in the rigth direction.

FEATURED ACTION: Support pulse ox by submitting a letter to the editor

T127285 — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:53:00 GMT

We’re all working hard to make pulse ox a requirement in New York, and we know that the more people help out, the better. But how do we reach people in our community who are not yet advocates? Meet them at a common medium, like a newspaper, used by most of the community. Letters to the editor can be effective in reaching groups outside You’re the Cure and validates the message because it comes from a real person in the community: their neighbor.

We’ve provided an outline to help you get started on your LTE. The best part of an LTE is that it reflects the tone of its author, which is why we’ve only provided an outline, not a template. We want your voice to shine through! Before you start writing, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Visit your local newspaper’s website to learn how to submit your LTE. If necessary, give your editor a call and ask the preferred method of submission.
Make sure you leave your name and contact information (including phone number) when you submit. The newspaper will need to contact you to verify you truly submitted the letter before they can publish it.
LTEs should be short. Try to keep your message around 100 words.

LTE Outline

Share your story: If you have a pulse ox story, consider sharing it here so you can make a personal connection from the start. Make sure you explain what pulse ox is upon your first mention of it (feel free to use fact 3a. below for this explanation).
State your intent: Right after you share your story, state your intent: to get decision-makers to make pulse oximetry a requirement in New York.
Back up your intent with facts:Here are some facts you can include in your LTE to give credibility to your appeal:

Pulse oximetry is a screening that checks a baby’s blood oxygen level through sensors placed on their toe and finger. The results can indicate whether a child has a congenital heart defect (CHD) or not. It’s fast, painless and affordable, costing approximately five dollars, and most importantly, it can save lives.
It’s quick and painless, but more importantly, it can save lives. Before a baby leaves the hospital, the test helps identify heart defects, potentially saving its life.
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect in the U.S. and the leading killer of infants with birth defects. And they cost money: in 2004, hospital costs for all individuals with CHD totaled $2.6 billion.
Wider use of pulse ox screening could help identify more than 90 percent of heart defects.
In New Jersey, just hours after their law took effect, a newborn’s life was saved.

Restate your intent: Urge lawmakers one more time to pass pulse ox legislation and then end with a charge for other people in your community to do the same. Caring for children truly is a community effort, and we need help from all our neighbors and friends. Make sure to direct them to YouretheCure.org so they can learn how they can get involved.

Let us know if you plan to submit or if you have submitted a LTE! You can let us know by replying to this post! We want to hear from you! And if you need any help at all let us know by replying to this post and we are happy to reach out!