You're the Cure-Oklahoma

Secretary Aragon comes out in support of shared-use agreement bill

2011-11-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

Oklahoma's Secretary of Veterans Affiars, Gen. Rita Aragon, authored a column in today's Tulsa World in support of clarifying liability laws as they relate to shared-use agreements.

Shared-use schools can help battle obesity

by: RITA ARAGON
Friday, November 11, 2011

As a proud member of our nation's military, enlisting in the Oklahoma Air National Guard in 1979, and as a volunteer for the American Heart Association, I am deeply concerned about the obesity epidemic facing America's young people.

Recently, an organization of retired senior military leaders issued a report warning Congress that obesity had become so severe in the United States that it was hampering military recruiting. At least 9 million 17- to 24-year-olds are too fat to serve in the military.

Otherwise excellent candidates are repeatedly turned away by military recruiters because they are too fat to fight.
Within a 10-year period ending in 2008, the number of states with 40 percent or more of their young adults overweight or obese went from just one state - Kentucky - to 39 states.

You can read the rest of the article here. http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=65&articleid=20111111_65_A19_CUTLIN699086

AHA Statement on passing of Senator Myers

2011-11-11T15:13:00.000-06:00

The AHA joined with members from the Smoke-Free Oklahoma Coalition in releasing a statement about the passing of Senator Myers. Senator David Myers passed away Thursday from a lung infection. He served as our legislative champion in the Senate for smoke-free legislation and will be greatly missed.

Health organizations saddened by loss of Senator David Myers

The State of Oklahoma has lost a great champion with the passing of Sen. David Myers.

The Republican from Ponca City died on Thursday. He was a strong supporter of issues related to tobacco control in Oklahoma.

“It will be hard to fill the gap left by Sen. Myers’ passing,” said Marilyn Davidson, government relations director for the American Heart Association. “He recently stated that passing smoke-free legislation was going to be a main priority for him during his last three years in office. He was a true treasure.”

The coalition of the American Heart Association, American Lung Association and American Cancer Society partnered regularly with Myers on health-related issues, especially those related to fighting tobacco.

“This is a great loss to Oklahoma. He felt a tremendous personal mission to pass legislation to protect all Oklahomans from secondhand smoke,” said Pat Marshall, Legislative and Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society.

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Celebrate Start! Eating Healthy Day

2011-10-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

Please join the American Heart Association for our first ever local celebration of National START EATING HEALTHY DAY! The event is sponsored by Mercy Hospital and hosted by Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech, Rockwell campus.

Wednesday, November 2nd from 1:00-3:00pm
Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech, Rockwell Campus
12777 N. Rockwell Avenue
(Just south of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike in northwest Oklahoma City)

Area hospitals are sending representatives to create a heart healthy dish…the secret ingredient won’t be announced until the challenge begins.

Spread the word- we’d like to see the place packed! Come cheer on the challengers and help us attract attention to the need for improvement in the eating habits of Oklahomans.

Please also consider an office or family activity that celebrates this day, and send us your photos so we can use your stories as inspiration for others!!!

Plan to eat healthy all day next Wednesday…and beyond!

Thank you!

Stroke Advocates Have Nothing to Fear

2011-10-28T15:01:00.001-05:00

Stroke advocates for the American Heart Association want to let lawmakers know that they have nothing to fear this Halloween!!! It’s estimated one out of every six people worldwide will have a stroke. This might scare some people but I know that there are changes we can make in Oklahoma to reverse this trend. We can do this by improving our systems of care, reducing our risk factors and making sure our citizens know the signs of a stroke.

Below are some pictures of advocates telling lawmakers to improve stroke care in Oklahoma.

Telling the Story of Strokes In Oklahoma

2011-10-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

Over the past month through out You're the Cure network you've heard about the signs of strokes, you've heard about stroke care in Oklahoma and you've heard about the financial cost of stroke. Now it's time to hear a personal story about how stroke can change a life. Pam Bedford is a stroke survivor and valued advocate with the American Heart Association. She has graciously agreed to share her story with us.

Above is a picture of Pam visiting with

Rep. Ann Coody at the State Capitol about

stroke care in Oklahoma.

My name is Pam Bedford and I am a stroke survivor of five years. I was 43 years old when my life changed. It happened while getting ready one Saturday morning when I heard a lout buzzing in my ears, numbness on the right side of my body, a horrific headche and an overwhelming urge to fall asleep. My husband of 11 months called 911 and I was rushed to St. Anthony Hospital. I fell unconsious and woke up 5 days later. I spent the next 24 days in the rehabilitation depatment learning how to talk, walk, eat. sit up and try to understand why this has happened. I was like a little baby learning basic skills all over again. The kind of stroke I had is called a hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleed). I have left side muscle weakness and right side nerve damage along with a number of other issues. Being left handed, I had to learn to start using my right hand. My old "normal" was no more and now I have to create a new normal. Today, I still live with the side effects of my stroke. I am leading a fulfilling life. I have learned to listen to my body more and not take life for granted. This has given me an opportunity of helping others that I never would have had.

Strokes Are Scary: Reduce Your Risk today!

2011-10-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke can not only be devastating it can be SCARY. That’s why it’s important to reduce your risks.

Smoking cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke greatly increases your risk of stroke and is one of the biggest risk factors that you CAN control. Consider these facts from the CDC:

• Cigarette smoking approximately doubles a person's risk for stroke.
• The U.S. incidence of stroke is estimated at 600,000 cases per year, and the one-year fatality rate is about 30%. (p. 393)
• The risk of stroke decreases steadily after smoking cessation. Former smokers have the same stroke risk as nonsmokers after 5 to 15 years.
• About 60 percent of American children ages 4-11 are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.
• On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.

One way we can improve our environment in Oklahoma is to ask lawmakers to pass a law allowing cities to go 100% smoke-free. I know Strokes Are Scary but contacting your lawmaker isn’t. Sign up to be a You’re the Cure advocate today! Go to www.yourethecure.org

Strokes Are Scary: But they don’t have to be

2011-10-04T12:03:00.002-05:00

If you look at the statistics they will scare you. Heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death for men and women, are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing our nation today, yet they also are among the most preventable. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for more than one-third (33.6%) of all U.S. deaths.

795,000 strokes occur each year in the United States costing taxpayers $53.9 billion.

Having a stroke can be a life-changing event. Being prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from all types of public health threats requires that states and localities have the right tools and knowledge available to them. Public health strategies and policies that support healthy living, encourage healthy environments, and promote a quality system of care are vital to improving the public's health and saving lives.

Don’t be scared! Become a You’re the Cure advocate and contact your lawmaker today! Find out how here http://www.yourethecure.org/

Strokes Are Scary! AHA advocates speak out

2011-09-29T14:29:00.000-05:00

Recently the AHA was invited to attend Stroke of Courage, an event at St. Anthony Hospital, with special guest speaker Charlie Daniels. At the event we asked stroke survivors to tell lawmakers that Strokes Are Scary and changes need to be made to Oklahoma's system of care.

Above is stroke survivor and AHA volunteer, Gary Bulmer, with his wife.

Governor Fallin Highlights The Importance of Fighting Childhood Obesity

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with you Governor Fallin's monthly column for September. In it she highlights the need to address childhood obesity in our state.

Governor Mary Fallin’s “Oklahoma Now” Column

Headline: “Time to Get Healthy: The Costs of Obesity and Poor Health”

By Governor Mary Fallin

This September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and it’s a good time for all Oklahomans to reflect on the importance of healthy living. As a mother, childhood obesity is an issue that speaks to my heart. No parent wants to see a child as young as seven developing chronic diseases, like type-2 diabetes, once only found in adults. It pains me to think of the health risks and emotional heart ache that these children face and may continue to face if they develop into overweight grownups.

As Oklahoma’s chief executive, however, it concerns me for another reason: the dangerous implications for our economy, our businesses and our state budget.

Most Oklahomans know our state has a problem with obesity. Few are aware, however, of the terrible financial toll that poor health is taking on our economy, workforce productivity and our businesses, not just here but all across the nation. A report recently released by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine offers a sobering look at the United States’ obesity epidemic and the financial bottom line that comes with it. Simply put, if left unchecked, that epidemic will cause enormous financial strain on families, taxpayers, government and businesses alike.

The new report examines the hidden costs of obesity for businesses, and the numbers are staggering. Loss of productivity due to obesity now costs U.S. businesses an estimated $73.1 billion per year. To put that number in perspective, that money could be used to hire 1.8 million new workers in the United States at an annual salary of $42,000. Instead it’s being used to pay medical bills of employees who are overweight and sick, and draining the coffers of the small businesses we count on to create jobs and invest in our communities.

The cost to taxpayers, state government and families is also enormous. In Oklahoma, it’s estimated that up to 11 percent of our total medical expenditures can be directly linked to the obesity epidemic. Oklahoma taxpayers shell out millions of dollars annually to treat the chronic illnesses related to overweight and obese Oklahomans on Medicare and Medicaid – money that could be spent instead on lowering the tax burden for our citizens or funding roads and schools.

Studies show that as many as 70 percent of overweight and obese children become overweight and obese adults. If that statistic does not change, we will have a serious workforce issue on our hands.

Recently, I was in New York City touting Oklahoma’s strong economy and economic development successes, something that few governors can do during this national recession. Oklahoma has made great strides in the past several years in becoming a business friendly state that supports the creation of new jobs. In the 2011 legislative session alone, we passed comprehensive lawsuit reform, a rewrite of the workers’ compensation laws, and worked to strengthen our public schools. All of these changes make Oklahoma a more attractive place to locate or expand a business.

Unfortunately, as a variety of reports continue to show, the health of our citizens continues to decline, with diseases related to obesity being the main culprit. Preventable illnesses cost Oklahoma businesses and taxpayers more than $800 million in health care costs and lost workforce productivity. Just as high taxes and overregulation are an impediment to business recruitment and job growth, so too is poor health.

To continue the Oklahoma economy’s forward momentum, we can and we must do better when it comes to the health of our citizens. To that end, the Oklahoma Health Department will continue its support of public health campaigns like “Shape Our Future” that focus on voluntary partnerships to promote healthy living, exercise and proper nutrition in our businesses, communities and schools.

The reality is, however, that healthy life choices are just what they sound like: choices. To tackle the obesity endemic in Oklahoma and start reversing course, all of us will have to make good choices about our health and our wellness. Just as important, we will have to teach our children about the importance of exercise and good nutrition.

As we begin Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I would ask all our parents to talk to their children about the importance of being healthy. Let’s work together to make Oklahoma a healthier and more prosperous state and to make ourselves healthier people. We owe it to ourselves and to our children.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

2011-09-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

It's September already and like every year we are celebrating Childhood Obesity Awareness month. I wanted to take this time to share an editorial from the Oklahoman that was written by fellow childhood obesity advocate and AHA volunteer Amber England about the importance of taking action this legislative session.

You can find the link below.
http://newsok.com/children-deserve-oklahoma-legislators-best-effort/article/3600216#ixzz1WoSr1EXR

Tobacco Use and Academic Achievement

2011-09-07T15:36:00.001-05:00

Data presented from the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) show a negative association between tobacco use and academic achievement after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and grade level. This means that students with higher grades are less likely to engage in tobacco use behaviors than their classmates with lower grades, and students who do not engage in tobacco use behaviors receive higher grades than their classmates who do engage in tobacco use behaviors.

Please click here to read the full report.

School's daily PE, fresh fruit set kids on a healthy path

2011-08-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

The school board said, "Make health a priority."

With that directive, Cheryl McIntire began the next phase of her career three years ago, as principal of Northeast Elementary Magnet School in Danville, Illinois.

This summer, she flew to New York to receive the first Gold Award given to an elementary school by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which has been working with schools since 2006 to fight childhood obesity.

Certain things at Northeast Elementary really stand out. During class, the teachers lead students through a physical activity break, where they do yoga or some simple stretching. They have PE class every single day, and snack on fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes and blueberries.

The Alliance, founded by the Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, currently partners with about 12,000 of the nation’s 99,000 elementary and secondary schools to offer free guidance on improving school environments.

Of those 12,000 schools, only three have received the Gold Award.

“If we can measure that we have stopped the rise of young children who are obese and chronically overweight and that it’s going back down, and if we can see a reversal in the number of young people who developed type II diabetes,” former President Bill Clinton tells Dr. Sanjay Gupta, “then I think you will see that will have enormous ramifications through the health care system.”

In the halls of Northeast Elementary, a banner announces the school’s Gold Award status, but the real impact, say administrators, is felt well beyond the campus walls.

“One of the things on our parents' survey is how excited they were about the exposure that our children have had to fruits and vegetables that they have never tasted before,” says McIntire, “and how much they’ve encouraged their parents when they’re grocery shopping to buy those things at home.”

Online link to the article http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/16/schools-daily-pe-fresh-fruit-set-kids-on-a-healthy-path/

The ABC'c of PCIPs

2011-08-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

As kids go back to school, families are balancing a lot, from shopping for school supplies to scheduling vaccinations and sports physicals. Fortunately, one thing that families no longer have to worry about is accessing health coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer limit or deny coverage for kids up to age 19 because of a pre-existing condition – a health problem, disease or disability that the child developed before their parents applied for health coverage. And starting in 2014, individuals of all ages cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. In the meantime, Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans are available for those who have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition and who have been uninsured for at least six months. To learn more, read about the ABCs of PCIPs or check out your state page for details.

Study: Boston Public Schools’ Sugary Drink Ban is Working

2011-08-16T10:50:00.001-05:00

A new study indicates that the Boston public schools’ ban on sugary drinks has paid off, with high school students drinking less of such beverages even when they’re not at school.

The study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation tracked 9th through 12th graders for two years after the ban began. It found sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, inside and outside school, fell from 1.71 average servings per day in 2004 to 1.38 servings in 2006, according to results released Tuesday. That’s roughly 45 fewer calories daily.

Please click here for more information.

2011-08-09T15:47:00.003-05:00

Some exercise is better than none. More exercise is even better to reduce heart disease risk! As little as 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week can lower the overall risk of heart disease by 14 percent! http://bit.ly/pdSbvv

New FTC Reports Show Tobacco Companies Still Spend Huge Sums on Marketing

2011-08-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

On Friday, the Federal Trade Commission released its most recent reports on cigarette and smokeless tobacco marketing for the years 2007 and 2008. While spending is down for cigarette marketing since 2006, smokeless marketing is up substantially (although smokeless marketing remains a small fraction of cigarette marketing), and tobacco marketing still dwarfs (by a ratio of 20 to 1), state spending on tobacco prevention and cessation. Current tobacco marketing also still represents a 50 percent increase since the year of the 1998 tobacco settlement.

The cigarette companies continue to spend the bulk of their marketing dollars on price discounting (72%) and other point of sale and price promotions (coupons, etc.).

The CTFK statement on the new reports is below, following by links to the actual FTC reports and FTC press release:

FTC Reports Show Tobacco Companies Still Spend Huge Sums on Marketing – Cigarette Marketing Declined, but Smokeless Tobacco Marketing Doubled in Recent Years

Statement of Matthew L. Myers

President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

WASHINGTON, DC (August 1, 2011) – The Federal Trade Commission on Friday reported that cigarette marketing expenditures in the United States declined from $12.5 billion in 2006 to $10.9 billion in 2007 and $9.9 billion in 2008. The FTC also reported that smokeless tobacco marketing increased from $354.1 million in 2006 to $411.3 million in 2007 and $547.9 million in 2008. When measured from 2005, smokeless tobacco marketing has more than doubled (from $250.8 million to $547.9 million).

While it is a positive step that cigarette marketing has declined, the tobacco companies continue to spend huge sums to market their deadly and addictive products. Counting both cigarette and smokeless tobacco marketing, the tobacco companies spent $10.5 billion on marketing in 2008 – nearly $29 million each day and 52 percent more than they spent at the time of the 1998 settlement of state lawsuits against the industry, which was supposed to curtail tobacco marketing.

Tobacco companies in 2008 spent 20 times more to market tobacco products than the states currently spend on programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit (the states spent $517.9 million on such programs in fiscal year 2011). This huge mismatch between how much tobacco companies spend to encourage tobacco use and how much states spend to discourage it is a major contributing factor to the slowing of smoking declines in recent years.

It is especially troubling that smokeless tobacco marketing more than doubled from 2005 to 2008 and increased by 277 percent since 1998. This has contributed to a 36 percent increase in smokeless tobacco use among high school boys between 2003 and 2009 (from 11 to 15 percent reporting smokeless tobacco use in the past month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Much of smokeless tobacco marketing in recent years has been aimed at enticing kids to start and at discouraging smokers from quitting, undermining efforts to reduce tobacco use. Tobacco companies continue to aggressively market traditional smokeless tobacco products, often in kid-friendly candy and fruit flavors (such as vanilla, cherry and apple Skoal). They have also introduced an array of new smokeless tobacco products, many like R.J. Reynolds’ Camel Sticks, Strips and Orbs that appeal to kids because they look, taste and are packaged like candy and are easy to conceal. Increasingly, manufacturers have marketed smokeless tobacco as a complement to cigarettes in the growing number of places where smoking is not allowed. Marketing for R.J. Reynolds’ Camel Snus has used the slogan “Pleasure for wherever,” specifically encouraging use of the product in offices, bars, airplanes and concerts. Similarly, advertising for Philip Morris’ Marlboro Snus stated, “So next time smoking isn’t an option, just reach for your Snus.” These products and marketing campaigns clearly discourage smokers from quitting – and truly protecting their health.

The continuing high level of tobacco marketing show why we need aggressive action by all levels of government to stop the tobacco epidemic. The Food and Drug Administration must effectively exercise its new authority over tobacco products and marketing, while the Administration and Congress should fund and implement the federal government’s new Tobacco Control Strategic Action Plan. The states must pick up the pace of their efforts to increase tobacco taxes, enact smoke-free laws and fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

Tobacco use is the nation’s number one cause of preventable death, killing more than 400,000 people and costing $96 billion in health care bills each year. These deaths and costs are entirely preventable if elected officials at all levels fight tobacco use as aggressively as the tobacco companies market their deadly products.

2011 Children's Food Environment State Report

2011-08-09T15:44:00.000-05:00

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Oklahoma can do more to improve access to healthy food – one piece of the puzzle in fighting childhood obesity. The 2011 Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report notes that Oklahoma falls above the national averages in the percentage of schools that offer less healthy competitive foods and that allow advertising of less healthy foods.

To view the full CDC report visit www.cdc.gov/obesity.

In Oklahoma 65.4% of middle and high schools allowed advertising of less healthy foods to students. This is above the national average of 49 percent. In relation, 59.8% of schools offer less healthy competitive foods. This is also above the national average of 51.4%.

The American Heart Association has been working with lawmakers in our state to improve the food environment in our schools. You can help advance our message by forwarding this report to your lawmakers.

Study Shows Link Between State Stroke Program and Number Of Designated Centers

2011-06-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

May 25, 2011 (Washington, DC) —The size of a hospital and the population it serves, as well as being located in a state that has a program for stroke center certification, are among factors that contribute to whether an institution becomes a certified stroke center, a new study shows.

"The study demonstrates that having a state stroke program increases the number or percentage of stroke centers, and that's good thing," said lead study author Ken Uchino, MD, a stroke neurologist and staff physician at Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, and director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Training Program. "One take-home message is that if all the states had such a program, we could probably increase the number of stroke centers across the country."

The study was presented during a poster session at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research 2011 Scientific Sessions in Washington, DC.

For this report, Dr. Uchino and his colleagues searched public databases for primary stroke centers certified by national organizations or state health departments. They calculated the proportion of primary stroke centers within hospitals in each state and analyzed the relationship to geography and state programs for stroke center certification.

Of 4521 acute care general hospitals across the country, 24% (1067) are stroke certified, they found. The percentages range from 0% to 98% among the 50 states and District of Columbia.

The researchers found that geography plays a role in determining the chances of a hospital being a certified stroke center. More stroke centers are located in the North and East and fewer in the South and West.

The size of the hospital in terms of the number of beds and admissions, as well as the population it serves, also positively influenced the rate of stroke centers across the country.

But another important factor is having a state health department program in stroke systems of care, which increases the likelihood of hospitals being a certified stroke center, they report. A median of 63% (range, 20% – 98%) of hospitals in the 8 states that have such a program are designated stroke centers compared with a median of 13% (range, 0% – 80%; P < .001) in states without such a program.

This indicates that even some small hospitals in areas that have a stroke program have designated stroke center status. "It means that this state program gives a little push or some incentive," said Dr. Uchino. "Some hospitals may not want to lose patients, and they go out of their way to get certified. I think it encourages even smaller hospitals to be certified."

Of the 8 states with a stroke program, 4 (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) are located in the Northeast, a region that tends to have more large urban areas than other parts of the country. However, not all of these 8 states are extensively urban; for example, Oklahoma "has a couple of big cities but is not a densely populated state," noted Dr. Uchino.

The other states with stroke programs are Texas, Florida, and Virginia.

Mounting research demonstrates that the mortality rate is lower in stroke centers compared with nonstroke centers. Dr. Uchino cited a recent paper (JAMA. 2011;305:373-380) that found that among patients with acute ischemic stroke, admission to a designated stroke center was associated with modestly lower mortality rates and more frequent use of thrombolytic therapy.

The current study also found that stroke centers that were certified by a state program without Joint Commission certification were smaller in terms of the number of beds compared with those centers certified by the Joint Commission.

Reached for a comment, Ralph Sacco, MD, professor and chairman of neurology, chief of neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, in Florida, and president of the American Heart Association, stressed that stroke centers are the most effective way to help improve outcomes for stroke patients.

"Some states have helped organize stroke systems better than others," he told Medscape Medical News. "In some states, stroke champions have helped push a stroke agenda, and in others, we have more work to do. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is trying to advocate through state legislatures for better organized stroke systems."

The number of stroke centers across the country has increased, but as the population ages, more will be needed to care for the growing number of people who will have a stroke, said Dr. Sacco.

"Too few patients with stroke get treated with acute stroke therapy, and only through improving our stroke systems of care can we improve the treatment of stroke," he said.

Dr. Uchino has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research 2011 Scientific Sessions: Poster 280. Presented May 14, 2011.

It's CPR Awareness Week!

2011-06-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

June 1-7 is National CPR and AED Awareness Week. The American Heart Association believes that everyone should be trained in CPR because simply put CPR + AEDs = Saved Lives.

One strategy that is becoming more popular is to incorporate CPR training with school curriculum. CPR training in Oklahoma schools makes perfect sense if we want to prepare students for health emergencies. They can learn how to recognize cases of sudden cardiac arrest and be prepared to save lives.

Please consider these facts:
-About 5,920 children 18 years old and under suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from all causes -- including trauma, cardiovascular causes and sudden infant death syndrome.
-Less than 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive to make it home from the hospital.
-Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
-Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim's chance of survival.

Please log on to http://www.yourethecure.org/ and contact your lawmaker today to tell them we need CPR training in our schools.

Oklahoma lands at the bottom of the list of healthiest U.S. cities.

2011-05-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

The annual American Fitness Index, from the American College of Sports Medicine, was released this week and puts Oklahoma at the bottom of the list of healthiest U.S.cities. Reasons for our poor showing include obesity rates, the percentage of people who exercise and availability of parks and walking trails. The American Heart Association is currently working with lawmakers to pass a law that would limit liability for schools that choose to open their recreational facilities to the communities. This will hopefully encourage communities to take advantage of those facilities as a cheap and easy way to get exercise.

"Right now in so many places, there are many barriers to being physically active. We need to make changes across the country that will make physical activity the easy choice, the convenient choice."

You can view an Oklahoma specific report here: http://americanfitnessindex.org/docs/reports/oklahomacity.pdf

For more information, visit americanfitnessindex.org.

Oklahoma's Female Senators Go Red For Women

2011-05-18T14:14:00.001-05:00

Recently on Go Red For Women Day at the Capitol Oklahoma's four female Senators wore red in support of the cause. Below is some of the news coverage on their efforts.

http://www.newson6.com/story/14582763/women-senators-go-red-in-support-of-heart-health-in-state

Push for Healthier School Meals

2011-05-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

U.S. News and World Report recently published an article about the fight to improve nutrition standards in our schools. It gave some great insight into the fight going on at both the national and state levels to fix the problem of childhood obesity. The American Heart Association is also working to address nutrition standards in our schools.

You can read the full article below:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/policy/articles/2011/05/13/us-pushes-school-cafeterias-toward-healthier-offerings?PageNr=1

It's EMS Appreciation Week!

2011-05-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

The American Heart Association values the Emergency Medical Services community as inseparable partners in emergency cardiovascular care management. We are proud to recognize the efforts of all EMS providers and agencies during Emergency Medical Services Week. Our entire organization is grateful for your commitment to patients and saving lives.

The Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and AHA staff acknowledges and shares in the EMS community’s goal of improving patient outcomes through the development and delivery of the highest quality prehospital care available. We appreciate your collaboration, input, and interaction with the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association remains committed to a renewed, strengthened partnership with the EMS community that achieves the mission of saving lives. Further, we are confident that together we can globally improve our relationships and create an even more collaborative environment that fosters synergy and enables a convergence of our common goals.

THANK YOU!

Advocates and Lawmakers Go Red For Women at the State Capitol

2011-05-10T11:25:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, May 5th participants came from all around the state to the AHA’s annual Go Red for Women event at the State Capitol to visit with lawmakers and raise awareness of the effects of Heart Disease and Stroke on women, especially in the state.

Oklahoma Lt. Governor, Todd Lamb, stopped by the visit with the women and show his support for the cause. We were also honored to have General Rita Aragon, the first female Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs in attendance to advocate for our cause.
In 2007, Oklahoma had the 4th highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country. With a family history of heart disease, Sen. Eason McIntyre encouraged Oklahomans, especially those in the black community, to take control of their health. Sen. Johnson, was the 2008 national Ambassador for the Power to End Stroke Awareness Campaign.

The AHA kicks off its nationwide campaign with Wear Red Day each year on the first Friday in February. Being that the state Legislature is not in session then Oklahoma affiliates hold their Capitol event during Mother’s Day week.

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Hails Progress in Smoke-Free Policies (Reposted from National You're the Cure blog)

2011-05-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Over the last decade, we have made steady progress in protecting Americans from the deadly consequences of tobacco use with passage of comprehensive smoke-free policies. But it’s too soon to rest on our laurels. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have enacted smoke-free laws for workplaces, bars and restaurants since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and if current trends continue, the nation could be 100 percent smoke-free by 2020. However, nearly half of the country still lacks comprehensive smoke-free laws, hampering efforts to reduce tobacco use and smoking-related illnesses in the southern region of the country where heart disease and stroke death rates remain high. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the nation’s No. 1 killer. We must zero in on those areas that continue to lag despite studies that show smoke-free policies benefit public health and the local economy with lower health care costs.

The CDC report, State Smoke-free Laws for Worksites, Restaurants, and Bars - United States, 2000-2010, indicates approximately 88 million Americans are still exposed to secondhand smoke and several states have exemptions that put too many nonsmokers at risk. This remains a hurdle that must be addressed with passage of strong legislation to close loopholes. Elected officials, particularly those in the south, must do more to enact comprehensive smoke-free laws and give citizens a greater opportunity to breathe clean air.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Advocate Tip! Take 2 to Save 2

2011-05-03T09:53:00.000-05:00

May is American Stroke Month and you can help raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke- and ways to prevent this devastating disease. The Power to End Stroke campaign encourages you to Take 2 to Save 2. Whether you send an email, make a phone call, tweet, or post to Facebook, you can help deliver an important message to your loved ones this month, that just might save a life. Visit powertoendstroke.org/take2 to send your messages today!

AHA Joins with Nintendo join up to discuss the Power of Play

2011-05-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

In January 2011, the American Heart Association and Nintendo convened “The Power of Play: Innovations in Getting Active” summit, which brought together thought leaders from the worlds of fitness, health care, technology, education and video games to discuss the synergies and potential benefits of active-play video games and physically active lifestyles.

On April 25, 2011, American Heart Association’s journal of Circulation published the proceedings from this summit through its online portal, documenting key dialogue and research considerations. View the Conference Proceedings.

We asked the Institute for the Future, a non-profit research center specialized in long-term forecasting and quantitative futures research methods, to attend the summit and develop a white paper to help broaden the consideration of summit topics and discussions. Download the White Paper.

CDC Report Released on Children's Food Environment in our State

2011-04-28T10:00:00.001-05:00

This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will release a new state indicator report titled, “Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report – United States, 2011.” This report provides state-level data on behavioral, policy and environmental indicators related to access to healthy foods in child-centered settings (i.e., schools, communities and child care centers).

You can read the full report here: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/ChildrensFoodEnvironment.pdf

Below is a statement from AHA CEO Nancy Brown highlighting what states can do to help increase access to healthy food.

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

FDA releases guidance on water and milk in schools

2011-04-15T15:42:00.000-05:00

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released their guidance documents on water availability during School Lunch Meal Service and nutrition guidelines for milk served at schools. Part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed by Congress included requirements relating to milk and water and this is the FDA's recommendation to schools on implimentating that.

Below is a summary of both of those recommendations.

Water availability in school:

• Free water must be made readily available to children during lunch.

• Schools are given flexibility in how to implement this change. The memo reads: “For example, schools can offer water pitchers and cups on lunch tables, a water fountain, or a faucet that allows students to fill their own bottles or cups with drinking water.”

• Water is not considered part of the reimbursable meal. However, reasonable costs from providing water will be considered an allowable cost to the nonprofit food service account.

Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk

• Schools should offer children at least two choices of fluid milk that are either fat-free or low-fat (1 percent).

• Schools may continue to offer plain or flavored milk as long as they are fat-free or low-fat until the new proposed school meals rule goes into effect.

Even though local school districts have until the start of next school year (SY 2011-2012) to comply with the requirements, they are encouraging school officials and food service directors to start making these changes now. Implementing these changes quickly is key to making the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act a success.

How can you as an advocate support your school in this process?
• Workwith school wellness councils to raise awareness of these new requirements and the timetable for making changes

• Collaborate with community stakeholders and the media to build awareness and excitement about these nutritional improvements

• Supporteducation and dialogue for school staff, students, and parents promoting the acceptance and understanding of the health benefits of lower-fat milk and the availability of water

• Connectschools with best practice information on education materials, curriculum, and advice on lessons learned from the implementation of similar requirements

For updates on legislation in Oklahoma dealing with child nutrition please visit http://www.yourethecure.org/ and become an adovcate today!

County Health Rankings are Out

2011-04-04T12:36:00.001-05:00

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently released the 2011 County Health Rankings (www.countyhealthrankings.org). The Rankings rank nearly every county in every state in the nation on their overall health. Counties are ranked on health factors such as adult smoking and adult obesity as well as health outcomes such as premature death and low birthweight.

You can access our state data by clicking on the map at this site: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/

Congratulations to Woods county for being ranked #1!

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Applauds Benefits of Affordable Care Act for Heart Disease and Stroke Patients One Year Later

2011-03-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

Washington, DC (March 17, 2011) - One year after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, prospects for a healthier future have improved dramatically for millions of heart disease and stroke patients. As a result of reforms implemented over the last year, patients now have more options and protections for attaining quality, affordable health care. For example, preventive services have become a reality for many families and Medicare beneficiaries. Lifetime limits on coverage are now banned. Children with medical conditions can no longer be denied coverage and no American can be dropped from their coverage simply because they become sick. Annual wellness visits are now available for Medicare beneficiaries and prescription drugs are more affordable for many on Medicare. New Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans also allow patients who have been denied coverage due to their medical condition to receive insurance coverage for a wide range of benefits including physician’s services, hospital care and prescription drugs. Although these plans may not be a feasible option for everyone, they are a pathway to insurance coverage for patients who cannot access coverage in the individual insurance market.
For those who need help navigating complex insurance issues, the new Consumer Assistance Programs (CAP) offer help to consumers who have problems with their coverage. Under the law, 30 states have received funding to implement the CAP programs which can be a useful resource for individuals who need insurance assistance. In addition, all young adults including those with congenital heart disease and other chronic conditions can continue to receive necessary treatment under their parents’ plan until age 26. These protections have already improved the health insurance marketplace for many Americans and more options will be made available as other reforms take effect in the coming years. With medical expenses for heart disease and stroke expected to triple by 2020, it’s more important than ever to implement reforms that provide access to affordable care for patients.
The anniversary of the Affordable Care Act should be a reminder of how far we’ve come in overhauling a broken health care system that too often doesn’t meet the needs of patients with heart disease or stroke. Let’s build on these accomplishments and continue to help all Americans gain access to quality, affordable care in their communities.
Visit www.heartsforhealthcare.org and http://www.healthcare.gov/.
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Surgeon General's Report reveals what we already know....tobacco kills!

2010-12-09T10:47:00.001-06:00

The U.S. Surgeon General released a report today on the dangers of tobacco use. You can read the American Heart Association's statement on the report below. For a look at the full report go here: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/tobaccosmoke/index.html

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

Washington, DC (December 9, 2010) - 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.

To view the full report visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/tobaccosmoke/index.html.

Smoke-Free Oklahoma gains positive coverage from the Oklahoman

2010-12-01T10:17:00.001-06:00

The campaign to eliminate smoking in all workplaces has received another positive push this morning from Oklahoma's largest newspaper. The Oklahoman Editorial Board published a positive editorial this morning regarding the most recent push from the Oklahoma Municipal League to pass legislation that would allow cities to make the decisions when it comes to smoking in public.

You can read that editorial below.

Latest anti-smoking push not likely to fail in Legislature

The Oklahoman Editorial

Published: December 1, 2010

The Oklahoma Municipal League asked this week for legislation that would allow cities and towns to set their own smoking bans, and there's little reason to think the effort will get scuttled during the 2011 session. Momentum for this change is strong and has been building for some time.

Health officials citing the dangers of secondhand smoke have long sought to make all restaurants in Oklahoma smoke free, even those that followed the law and invested in ventilation systems allowing for smoking and nonsmoking areas. A poll in March of this year showed 71 percent of Oklahomans favor eliminating all indoor smoking in public places, and more than half favor a statewide smoke-free law. There have at times been efforts to ban smoking in all public places, indoors or out.

Oklahoma is one of two states with pre-emption laws regarding tobacco where state tobacco law supersedes local laws. This means municipalities may not enact anti-smoking laws that are tougher than what's on the books at the state level.

The legislation sought by the Oklahoma Municipal League would change that. It has the backing of House Speaker-designate Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, who has been at the front of other health-related initiatives during his time at the Capitol.

Oklahoma is one of just three states where 25 percent of its residents smoke. This proposed change to state law seeks to reduce that number and leave Tennessee as the lone pre-emption state. Passage would surely do the latter; only time will tell if it would significantly affect the former.

Renewed effort to restore local rights regarding tobacco

2010-11-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

Recently newsok.com published an Op-Ed from Oklahoma's Commissioner of Health, Terry Cline, about the need to restore local rights to communities when passing tobacco policies. You can read it below.
BY TERRY CLINE Oklahoman 3

Published: November 21, 2010

Did you know that because of tobacco industry tactics in Oklahoma, the community where you live does not have the ability to adopt and enforce effective tobacco prevention ordinances?

AdvertisementIn 1987 and 1994, tobacco industry lobbyists at the state Capitol were successful in advocating for special clauses to be placed in state tobacco laws that took away the rights of Oklahoma communities to enact any tobacco-related ordinance stronger than state law.

Oklahoma is one of only two states with these stringent restrictions on tobacco issues. This means your community leaders cannot respond to local needs to develop tobacco prevention ordinances that would improve and protect the health of citizens, compete for new businesses and new residents, and create a healthier work force.

This year, restoring these essential local rights to communities is a legislative priority of the Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan, the State Turning Point Council and the Oklahoma Municipal League. Also in strong support are dozens of other major organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

The measure has been formally endorsed by the State Board of Health, as well as the city-county boards of health for Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Restoring local rights on tobacco prevention policies would allow the opportunity for you and other citizens to engage in a meaningful local dialogue to help determine what's best for your community.

The only organizations that oppose this measure are tobacco companies or those closely affiliated with the tobacco industry. An argument offered by one major convenience store chain is that restoring local rights will place burdens and hardships on their stores. However, this same business, with stores in eight other states, operates almost entirely where there are no restrictions placed on local rights. Their arguments simply do not hold water. Internal industry documents prove that tobacco lobbyists and their partners are only trying to block local action and maintain all control over tobacco issues at the state level.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that improving the health of workers results in better fiscal health for employers. A growing number of Oklahoma communities and local chambers of commerce believe economic development through a healthier work force is vital to their continued growth. Reducing tobacco use among workers generates ongoing financial returns from reduced health care costs, increased on-the-job productivity, reduced health insurance costs and reduced absenteeism.

Oklahomans are known for our independence, yet we've allowed an industry to take away our local rights for their own profit. If you believe control of these issues should be at the local level rather than only at the state level, then now is the time to tell your legislators you want these key local rights restored.

Cline is Oklahoma's health commissioner.

Read more: http://newsok.com/renewed-effort-to-restore-local-rights-regarding-tobacco/article/3516127#ixzz16DzJZk4L

Let's step up to the plate and improve school meals

2010-11-16T09:21:00.000-06:00

By: Dr. Robert DiBianco
Posted: Nov 09, 2010

Excess weight is commonplace in our society, and it's damaging the health of our kids who are eating more and exercising less. They're getting so large, that they're outgrowing age-appropriate clothing and are at times unable to fit comfortably in classroom chairs. With childhood obesity nowranked as one of the most prominent health concerns in the U.S., we have to address the issue promptly or we risk not being able to reverse this dangerous trend.

As a cardiologist, all too often I see the medical consequences of being obese. Increasingly youngsters now require daily medications to reduce the growing risk of vascular disease produced by obesity. Medications and diagnoses that used to be reserved for adults are now being used in children of younger and younger ages. The rampant rise in risk associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and "so-called" adult onset (type-2) diabetes are translating into more heart disease, at younger ages. What's more, the psychological and emotional problems associated with obesity compromise the "joy of life" of many kids and reduce their ability to learn and excel in school.

The statistics are frightening. Childhood obesity rates have more than quadrupled in the last 30 years going from four percent to nearly 20 percent in 2008. And obesity-related diseases cost nearly $168.4 billion a year or 16.5 percent of national spending on medical care —a growing price tag this country simply cannot afford. Fewer children are taking part in simple physical activities such as swimming, bike riding or even walking for short distances. Sedentary behavior coupled with access to high-calorie foods and beverages in school cafeterias and vending machines only exacerbate the problem.

A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois found that calorie-rich beverages, particularly high fat milk, are still widely available in schools. This is in contrast to the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine which urges elementary schools to offer only water, 100 percent juice in 4 ounce servings, and one percent skim milk products outside the school meal program. The bottom line is that students have easy access to high-calorie beverages in environments where they spend most of their day. More emphasis must be placed on initiatives to remove sugar-sweetened beverages from schools and teach youngsters how to eat sensibly and stay active.

Thanks to a landmark agreement between the beverage industry and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a non-profit organization founded by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, we're making progress. There has been an 88 percent decrease in total beverage calories shipped to schools between the first half of the 2004-05 and 2009-10 school years. This is a step in the right direction, but it's only one step. Now there's an opportunity for Congress to strengthen standards for most schools in the country.

Comprehensive nutrition education and increased opportunities for physical activity in schools have proven successful in preventing and reducing obesity. But in order to build a healthy and productive future for kids, our nation's leaders must step up to the plate and pass the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This legislation, which has already been approved by the U.S. Senate, is currently awaiting a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The measure would help strike out childhood obesity by improving the nutritional quality of school meals, removing junk food and calorie-rich drinks from vending machines and strengthening school wellness policies. Not only will these provisions help boost children's health, but research shows that kids who are introduced to healthy foods and physical activity early in life have a greater chance of adopting healthy behaviors into adulthood. Healthy, active kids also learn more effectively and achieve more academically.

The promise of today's youth is in our hands and we must band together to ensure swift passage of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. The U.S. Senate has already passed the measure, so the U.S. House of Representatives has the opportunity to send the bill to the President when Congress reconvenes this month. As children continue to weigh in at alarming levels, let's tip the scales in favor of initiatives that will get them back in shape and make the school environment a place that promotes healthy lifestyles with physical as well as academic rewards.

To learn more, visit www.heart.org/obesitypolicyor follow us on Twitter @AmHeartAdvocacy.

About the Author

Robert DiBianco, MD

American Heart Association spokesperson and practicing cardiologist. Dr. DiBianco is in a cardiology group practice in suburban Washington DC.

www.heart.org

AHA/ASA Voluntter Talks About Her Stroke on Channel 4

2010-11-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

Pam Bedford, an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association volunteer and stroke survivor recently spoke with Linda Cavanaugh of Channel 4 in Oklahoma City about life after her stroke and the Stroke Peer Visitation Program that she participates in.

The American Stroke Association is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. We fund scientific research, help people better understand and avoid stroke, encourage government support, guide healthcare professionals and provide information to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors. We were created in 1997 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org.

Here is the Link: http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/09fb0547-ecfd-41a5-84a6-fdbf0f95e0d6/News/Healthcheck-Life-After-Stroke

Help The AHA Win $200,000 By Clicking TODAY

2010-10-26T10:24:00.002-05:00

Help us receive $200,000 in funding! If you haven’t already, all you have to do is join Members Project®, and cast a vote for us each week. After November 30th, Members Project will tally the votes and announce the winners for the voting round. We want to be a part of that list. Vote today and every week for the American Heart Association!

To join Members Project and/or cast your votes, go to: http://www.takepart.com/membersproject

NBA champion Lakers plant AHA teaching garden

2010-10-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

Derek Fisher and several Los Angeles Lakers teammates showed that their talents go far beyond hoops when they helped the AHA plant a new teaching garden last week at Figueroa Street Elementary School in Los Angeles.

After demonstrating their horticultural skills, Fisher, Shannon Brown, Devin Ebanks, Trey Johnson, Drew Naymick and the Laker Girls spoke to students about the importance of eating healthy and staying active. Volleyball pro Gabrielle Reece led a physical activity session while chef Cat Cora and restaurateur/TV host Liza Utter-Pernice offered culinary tips.

See more photos at ceo.heart.org/volunteers.

AHA Releases New CPR Guidelines

2010-10-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

A new order for CPR, spelled C-A-B

Please find an electronic press kit that includes a stats/fact sheet, chart of key changes, steps of CPR, CPR graphic and survivor stories at this link: http://www.pimsmultimedia.com/AHA_CPR/.

Statement Highlights:

When administering CPR, immediate chest compressions should be done first.

Untrained lay people are urged to administer Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions only).

DALLAS, Oct. 18, 2010 — The American Heart Association is re-arranging the ABCs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in its 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Recommending that chest compressions be the first step for lay and professional rescuers to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest, the association said the A-B-Cs (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) of CPR should now be changed to C-A-B (Compressions-Airway-Breathing).

“For more than 40 years, CPR training has emphasized the ABCs of CPR, which instructed people to open a victim’s airway by tilting their head back, pinching the nose and breathing into the victim’s mouth, and only then giving chest compressions,” said Michael Sayre, M.D., co-author of the guidelines and chairman of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Committee. “This approach was causing significant delays in starting chest compressions, which are essential for keeping oxygen-rich blood circulating through the body. Changing the sequence from A-B-C to C-A-B for adults and children allows all rescuers to begin chest compressions right away.”

In previous guidelines, the association recommended looking, listening and feeling for normal breathing before starting CPR. Now, compressions should be started immediately on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

All victims in cardiac arrest need chest compressions. In the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, victims will have oxygen remaining in their lungs and bloodstream, so starting CPR with chest compressions can pump that blood to the victim’s brain and heart sooner. Research shows that rescuers who started CPR with opening the airway took 30 critical seconds longer to begin chest compressions than rescuers who began CPR with chest compressions.

The change in the CPR sequence applies to adults, children and infants, but excludes newborns.

Other recommendations, based mainly on research published since the last AHA resuscitation guidelines in 2005:

During CPR, rescuers should give chest compressions a little faster, at a rate of at least 100 times a minute.

Rescuers should push deeper on the chest, compressing at least two inches in adults and children and 1.5 inches in infants.

Between each compression, rescuers should avoid leaning on the chest to allow it to return to its starting position.

Rescuers should avoid stopping chest compressions and avoid excessive ventilation.

All 9-1-1 centers should assertively provide instructions over the telephone to get chest compressions started when cardiac arrest is suspected.

“Sudden cardiac arrest claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year in the United States, and the American Heart Association’s guidelines have been used to train millions of people in lifesaving techniques,” said Ralph Sacco, M.D., president of the American Heart Association. “Despite our success, the research behind the guidelines is telling us that more people need to do CPR to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest, and that the quality of CPR matters, whether it’s given by a professional or non-professional rescuer.”

Since 2008, the American Heart Association has recommended that untrained bystanders use Hands-Only CPR — CPR without breaths — for an adult victim who suddenly collapses. The steps to Hands-Only CPR are simple: call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast on the center of the chest until professional help or an AED arrives.

Key guidelines recommendations for healthcare professionals:

Effective teamwork techniques should be learned and practiced regularly.

Professional rescuers should use quantitative waveform capnography — the monitoring and measuring of carbon dioxide output — to confirm intubation and monitor CPR quality.

Therapeutic hypothermia, or cooling, should be part of an overall interdisciplinary system of care after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

Atropine is no longer recommended for routine use in managing and treating pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or asystole.

Pediatric advanced life support (PALS) guidelines provide new information about resuscitating infants and children with certain congenital heart diseases and pulmonary hypertension, and emphasize organizing care around two-minute periods of uninterrupted CPR.

The CPR and ECC guidelines are science-based recommendations for treating cardiovascular emergencies — particularly sudden cardiac arrest in adults, children, infants and newborns. The American Heart Association established the first resuscitation guidelines in 1966.

The year 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of Kouwenhoven, Jude, and Knickerbocker’s landmark study documenting cardiac arrest survival after chest compressions.

A complete list of authors is on the manuscript.

Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy most manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.americanheart.org/corporatefunding.

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Study: Obese Workers Cost Employers $73 Billion Per Year

2010-10-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

By Meredith Melnick Monday, October 11, 2010

PrintObesity is expensive — for the person living with it, for the health-care system and now, according to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, for employers. The U.S. economy suffers a $73.1 billion hit as a result of an obese work force.

Researchers from Duke University followed normal-weight, overweight and obese full-time workers, measuring the financial consequences of medical expenditures, lost productivity on the job because of health problems (referred to as presenteeism) and missed work due to health problems (absenteeism). Across the board, obese workers had the most expensive health care, the most interruption to their productivity when on the job and the most days absent.

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/11/study-obese-workers-cost-employers-73-billion-per-year/print/#ixzz130lhqQw6

Dr. Spradlin talks about life with a stroke on Channel 4

2010-09-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

Dr. Janet Spradlin, immediate past president of the AHA SouthCentral Affiiliate Board, was recently interviewed on News Channel 4 in Oklahoma City about living life after a stroke. Dr. Spradlin did a great job so please take a few minutes to watch.

Link to story: http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/f706a2c2-3021-4e66-9d73-347c502a3b5f/News/Healthcheck

Oklahoma Heart Institute Recognized as a Top Get With The GuidelinesSM Participant

2010-09-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Heart Institute – Hospital, on the campus of Hillcrest Medical Center, has been recognized for its demonstrated commitment to using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best possible care to patients through the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With the GuidelinesSM (GWTG) program.
Introduced in 2000, GWTG helps hospitals close the gap between recommended treatment and actual treatment of heart patients. Hospitals implementing the quality improvement program generally see measurable results.
Each year, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize hospitals for their success in using GWTG to improve quality of care for heart disease and stroke patients.

Read MORE.

2010-09-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

If you’re like most Americans, you have questions about how the new health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, will affect you and your family. The American Heart Association has produced a series of brief videos with questions from real consumers and responses from experts about how the new law will impact patients with heart disease or stroke. Learn more by visiting: http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/.

Here are some videos that you may find helpful:

"Will health care reform make coverage more affordable for families like mine? How will it work?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr1-92P-Uxs&feature=player_embedded

“How will healthcare reform address the needs of patients like me, who have lost their jobs and employer insurance?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sh-rbM1P3g&feature=player_embedded

"Will the new health reform law make prevention and preventive coverage an integral part of health care and place more emphasis on preventing disease, rather than treating it?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sh-rbM1P3g&feature=player_embedded

Tulsa County says "No Smoking" in county buildings and vehicles

2010-09-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

Tulsa County followed Oklahoma County by making their buildings and vehicles smoke free yesterday. You can read more about the vote here http://tinyurl.com/2bv7dc2

Oklahoma already has a statewide law that prohibits smoking in most workplaces. This policy would prohibit all tobacco not only inside buildings but outside and in the county owned vehicles opperated by their employees.

San Antonio vote puts Oklahoma further behind

2010-09-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

Newsok.com posted an editorial today from a Smoke-Free Oklahoma supporter regarding the vote by San Antonio to become the final large city in Texas to be smoke-free. Read more below.

Move by San Antonio places Oklahoma further behind competition

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/move-by-san-antonio-places-oklahoma-further-behind-competition/article/3492662?custom_click=headlines_widget#ixzz0yxAnK7ae

Lee Corso makes first public speaking appearence since stroke

2010-08-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

ESPN Analyst, Lee Corso, visited Oklahoma yesterday to speak to a group about life after his stroke. Corso suffered a stroke in May 2009 and this was his first public speaking event since that day.

Consider these statistics from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association:

Each year about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. About 600,000 of these are first attacks, and 185,000 are recurrent attacks.
On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.
When considered separately from other cardiovascular diseases, stroke ranks No. 3 among all causes of death, behind diseases of the heart and cancer.
On average, every three to four minutes someone dies of a stroke.

You can see an interview with Corso on the Newsok.com website here.

White Paper Lays Out the Benefit of Registries

2010-08-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Patient registries—databases of clinical information critical to evaluating care processes and outcomes—can play a critical role in measuring quality and cost of health care, yet they are often limited by shortcomings in design and function. Using registries to advance performance measurement and ultimately improve care will involve finding solutions to what are currently common registry limitations.

The Robert Wood Johnson recently released a white paper that describes solutions for leveraging both administrative and registry data to make additional performance results available, as well as further increase registry use for performance measurement and other purposes.

Read the full report here.

At the beginning of this year a new rule took effect from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS Final FY 2010 Rule) which focuses on improving stroke patient care in hospitals. It requires hospitals submitting Medicare claims for stroke to let CMS know if they participate in a database registry for stroke care, such as that maintained by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) quality improvement initiative.
Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke puts the expertise of the American Stroke Association to work for hospital teams, helping to ensure that the care they provide to stroke patients is aligned with the latest scientific guidelines.
Most hospitals that implement the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality improvement program realize measurable results. It’s a difference that shows in the lives of patients and their families, in the satisfaction felt by caregivers empowered to do their best and in the financial health of participating hospitals.

Good News for Child Nutrition Both at Home and in D.C.

2010-08-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

Last week the Edmond Sun and Oklahoman published a story about Edmond Public Schools taking a significant step towards improving the health of their school children by providing healthier lunch options. This comes on the heels of the U.S. Senate passing the $4.5 billion "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act" this past Thursday, which expands children's access to federal nutrition programs and will improve the nutritional quality of school lunches. The legislation marks the largest investment in child nutrition programs since their inception.

Oklahoma is facing a serious health crisis affecting our most important assets – our children. Every year the children in our state are becoming increasingly overweight because of decreased physical activity and poor nutrition. And, sadly, as troubling as this is for our children’s current health, this is just the beginning of a possible lifetime of poor health and complications from being overweight and obese.

Overweight and Obesity are leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and every year more children are diagnosed with Type II or “adult onset” diabetes, something relatively unheard of just a few years ago. Cardiovascular diseases will cost Americans nearly $352 billion this year, and almost $100 billion of that is the result of obesity.

We must make the choice to invest in the future of our children and their health, rather than let them slip into a life of lethargy and poor health. My hope is that all schools follow the example of Edmond and takes steps to provide healthier food for their children.

Research + Prevention = Lives Saved. Tell Congress Today!

2010-06-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

Senator Bob Casey (PA) is circulating a letter that asks for $35 billion for the National Institutes of Health. This is the same amount requested by the American Heart Association to ensure continued progress in medical research, and Senator Casey’s office has requested our help in getting his fellow Senators to sign onto the letter. You can help by visiting Research Saves Lives to send a quick email to yourSenators.

Ask Senator Coburn and Senator Inhofe to support $35 billion for the National Institutes for Health. These funds could support medical research leading to new treatments and even cures for heart disease and stroke. Act Today. Link: = http://bit.ly/aDNlI8

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN program screens low-income women for heart disease and stroke risk and provides follow up for those who need it. Right now, WISEWOMAN only has enough funding to operate in 20 states while millions of women across the country are forced to wait. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, and we know that this program has been effective in giving at-risk women the tools they need to prevent heart disease and stroke. The program, sadly, remains woefully underfunded.

More than 432,000 women die each year from CVD, but so many of those deaths could be prevented. Ask Members of Congress to fund WISEWOMAN, a program that helps women prevent heart disease and stroke. Take Action Today. Link= http://bit.ly/bX5AKh

May is American Stroke Month

2010-05-04T21:53:00.000-05:00

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has name May as American Stroke Month. Here in Oklahoma we brought two survivors of stroke to visited with lawmakers about the need for quality stroke care in Oklahoma.

Pam, stroke survivor and AHA/ASA volunteer, visited with

Rep. Thompson about stroke care in Oklahoma

Cassandra Rigsby, AHA Intern, Gary and Pam visiting

with Senator Crain about their experiences with stroke.

Pam and Gary speaking with Rep. Coody

Gary shares his experience with having a stroke at

the age of 20 with Senator Todd Lamb.

Consider some facts about stroke from the CDC:

• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Around 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year.

• Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every three to four minutes, someone dies of stroke.

• Stroke is a leading cause of death for both men and women. In 2006, 6 out of every 10 deaths due to stroke were in women.

• Every year, about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 people who survive a stroke eventually have another.

• In 2010, stroke will cost the United States $73.7 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

Poll shows support for smoke-free law in Oklahoma

2010-03-24T16:14:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the American Heart Association joined the Smoke Free Oklahoma coalition in annoucing the results of a promising new poll that shows that voters want Oklahoma to go 100% smoke free.

Read the story in today's Oklahoman by clicking on the link below.

Poll shows support for smoke-free law in Oklahoma

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT
The Oklahoman
March 24, 2010

Oklahoma You're the Cure Advocate Travels to DC to visit with Congressman Cole

2010-03-24T15:47:00.001-05:00

Above is American Heart Association volunteer Shelley Overholt visiting with Congressman Tom Cole in Washington D.C. about why increasing the National Institute of Health (NIH) Research funding is so important. (Included with Shelley in the picture are; incoming AHA National President Ralph Sacco, AHA Volunteer Management Director Brian Bowser, and Congressman Cole's Legislative Assistant Joshua Grogis.)

Menu Labeling is Included in the Federal Health Care Bill

2010-03-24T14:52:00.001-05:00

The number of meals eaten outside the home has reached an all-time high, making it all the more important for consumers to have the information they need to make healthy food choices.

Provisions in the Federal Health Care bill mandates that chain restaurants with 20 or more locations will have to display nutritional and calorie information.

Read about it in the Wall Street Journal article below.
Menu Labeling to Go National, Thanks to Health Bill’s Passage

Oklahomans want major changes to smoking laws

2010-03-23T12:49:00.002-05:00

Oklahoma City, OK (March 23, 2010)-Oklahomans say they want tougher smoke free laws that protect them from the dangers of secondhand smoke, says a new poll that was released today. The poll was commissioned by a coalition of Oklahoma’s leading health advocates and conducted by Bill Shapard of SoonerPoll.com.

The poll was completed in late February and surveyed 1,000 likely voters registered in Oklahoma. It found that an overwhelming majority, 94% of Oklahoma voters believe secondhand smoke is a health hazard, with 62.4% believing it is a serious health hazard.

71% of Oklahomans favor eliminating all indoor smoking in public places, with 56% of respondents saying that they strongly favor a statewide smoke free law.

When it comes to the business aspect of eliminating secondhand smoke hazards, 70.1 % of Oklahoma voters strongly believe the rights of customers and employees to breathe clean air in restaurants and bars is more important than the rights of smokers to smoke inside and owners to allow smoking inside restaurants and bars.

73.6% of Oklahomans will still go out as often if smoke free legislation is passed, and even 71.6% of smokers will still go out to bars and restaurants as often, if Oklahoma goes smoke free.

Nearly 20% of respondents said they would go out more often if a smoke free law were passed.

“We’re here today to tell lawmakers that voters are sending them a clear message, we want a Smoke Free Oklahoma,” said Marilyn Davidson, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, at a press conference held at the State Capitol.

Secondhand smoke has proven to increase risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and many respiratory illnesses. 29 other states have adopted comprehensive smoking laws and taken steps to protect their workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Smoke Free Oklahoma is working with lawmakers to make Oklahoma the 30th state to adopt a similar law.

“As you can see from the polling, Oklahomans know the dangers of second hand smoke and are ready to make Oklahoma a healthier state by making it the 30th state to go smoke free,” said Davidson.

Tobacco-free bill lights up Senate debate

2010-03-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

The plan would allow fines on college campuses.

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 3/5/2010

OKLAHOMA CITY — Consideration of a bill to enforce tobacco-free polices on college campuses led to a debate Thursday on the Senate floor about personal freedoms, health care and abortion.

Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater, urged the Senate to pass Senate Bill 1674, which would allow colleges and universities to levy fines of up to $100 for those found in violation of tobacco-free policies.

The measure ultimately was approved by a 29-11 vote and sent on to the House after discussions turned to curtailing personal liberties and casting consistent votes when it came to issues such as abortion regulations.

Sen. Steven Russell, R-Oklahoma City, said SB 1674 curtailed what is currently a legal activity, noting that government continues to nibble away at personal freedoms.

Halligan called tobacco a "scourge on society."

Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, said the bill represented the hypocrisy brought to the Senate floor on a regular basis. "This is a bad bill," said Brogdon, who is running for governor. "Let's quit picking around the edges. If you want to ban tobacco, let's get rid of it."

Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, said each generation will have fewer and fewer rights than their elders.

Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, pointed out that a number of measures regulating abortion, a legal activity, will be heard. Those measures would require women seeking abortions to have ultrasounds and require information about a woman's abortion to be put on a public Web site, Rice said. The measure would not identify the woman.

"Let's be consistent about the invasion of privacy into the lives of Oklahomans," Rice said.

Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, said although alcohol is legal, it is illegal to drink and drive. Innocent bystanders have no choice but to breathe secondhand smoke, he said.

"Smoke them if you've got them, but I don't want to breathe it," Adelson said.

Secondhand smoke is dangerous, said Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City.

"We need to do something about the health of Oklahomans," Myers said, referring to low marks the state gets in several areas regarding health.

Sen. Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, said her husband died of lung cancer, but never smoked. Former Sen. Keith Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, died in 2003. His wife was elected to his seat.

"I am for getting rid of smoking anywhere and everywhere," she said.

Halligan said no one should have the right to say "I want to smoke and you have to inhale it."

"When your rights impact my rights, when your rights impact my life," he said. "That is what secondhand smoke does.

Meanwhile, the House passed legislation that would allow educational institutions to designate their buildings and campuses tobacco-free. House Bill 2748 by Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, also would allow institutions to enforce penalties for violations. It passed 81-11 and now heads to the Senate.

Support is growing for smoke free restaurants in Oklahoma

2010-02-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

The Oklahoma Alliance on Health or Tobacco held a press conference Monday, February 22nd along with a volunteer from the OU Cancer Research Center and Ken Selby, owner of Mazzio's Pizza to speak about the importance of Oklahoma restaurants going smoke free.

You can read the news covereage below:
Mazzio’s owner brings support for smoke-free restaurants bill in Oklahoma

New Research on Secondhand Smoke Finds Significant Hazards

2010-02-13T09:43:00.002-06:00

Media Contact: Diane Clay For Immediate Release
Email: diane-clay@ouhsc.edu Feb. 12, 2010
Phone: (405) 271-2323

New Research on Secondhand Smoke Finds Significant Hazards
Report focuses on Oklahomans in the workplace

OKLAHOMA CITY – New research by the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center (OTRC) shows that concentrations of secondhand tobacco smoke inhaled in smoking rooms of restaurants and bars are exceptionally high and hazardous to health.

According to the study, which appears in the center’s new report “Tobacco Smoke Pollution in Oklahoma Workplaces,” the average particulate level measured in restaurant smoking rooms was beyond the hazardous extreme based on levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The level found in bars was even worse.

“These levels are exceptionally high and not healthy for the employees and patrons exposed to particles found in secondhand smoke,” said Heather Basara, M.D., an industrial hygienist and lead investigator on the research.

Tobacco smoke levels were evaluated based on measurements of very fine suspended particulates in the air, particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which come primarily from tobacco smoke.

Levels averaged 380 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air) in the restaurant smoking rooms tested, and 655 µg/m3 in the bars. Restaurants with no smoking averaged just 26 µg/m3.

The EPA scale ranks outdoor levels of particulate pollution as “unhealthy” at 66-150, “very unhealthy”’ at 151-250, and “hazardous” at higher concentrations such as the levels found in the Oklahoma restaurant smoking rooms and bars tested for this report.

Robert McCaffree, M.D., Co-Director of OTRC, said, “Secondhand smoke exposure is a serious health hazard, accounting for approximately 700 deaths a year in Oklahoma, mostly from heart disease – including heart attacks – and lung cancer. Even brief exposure is harmful. Because this exposure is readily preventable, business owners and public policy makers would be well-advised to act as soon as possible to assure smokefree environments for all public places and all indoor workplaces.”

Particulates were monitored using a TSI Sidepak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor. Sixty-second average readings for at least 30 minutes were recorded in 67 indoor locations in central Oklahoma; following nationally recognized protocols established by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. Time weighted averages were calculated for each of the locations. The full report is accessible at the OTRC Web site at www.ouhsc.edu/otrc/research/.
The Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center is part of the OU Cancer Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The mission of the OTRC is to reduce the burden of tobacco related health problems in Oklahoma by stimulating the generation and dissemination of knowledge and the implementation and diffusion of effective practices.

###

Could obesity be a threat to our national security?

2010-02-10T22:24:00.000-06:00

Obesity threatens national security

By Johnnie E. Wilson

6:29 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2010

When first lady Michelle Obama launches her campaign to reduce child obesity today, many Americans will be cheering her on — including parents, teachers, doctors, business leaders ... and retired generals and admirals such as me. Generals and admirals?

Yes, child obesity has become so serious in this country that military leaders are viewing the epidemic as a potential threat to our national security.

Obesity, it turns out, is the No. 1 reason why applicants fail to qualify for military service, and it is posing serious health problems within the services. The issue is causing heartbreak among some military families that have always had a son or daughter in the service. Today, otherwise excellent recruit prospects, with generations of military service in their family history, are being turned away because they are just too heavy.

A recent report by Mission: Readiness, an organization made up of retired admirals and generals, found that an alarming 75 percent of all young people aged 17 to 24 are unable to join the military. Many young adults do not qualify because they failed to finish high school or have criminal records, but the No. 1 reason, our report found, is obesity.

Read MORE

A Human Health Issue

2010-02-04T18:58:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, the Oklahoman published an op-ed written by Dr. Janet Spradlin on why Oklahoma needs to go smoke free.

Read it here. http://www.newsok.com/article/3436602?searched=spradlin&custom_click=search

Parents Cut Kids' Calories When Menus are Labeled

2010-01-28T15:06:00.002-06:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583808,00.html

Michelle Obama asks mayors to help reduce obesity

2010-01-28T15:03:00.000-06:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/20/AR2010012002989.html

First Lady Michelle Obama is tackling the issue of childhood obesity. The American Heart Association is working on a bill this year in Oklahoma that would create a definition of physical education in schools. Log on to http://www.yourethecure.org/ to sign up for alerts and voice your opinion.

Restaurant Owners are Starting to Support Smoke Free Oklahoma

2010-01-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

http://www.okcfox.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kokh_vid_994.shtml

Last night Fox 25 in Oklahoma City ran a story about the effort in Oklahoma to make our state 100% smoke free. The American Heart Association has been working with other health organizations across the state to push HB 2343 which would protect all Oklahoma workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Federal judge upholds key provisions of FDA tobacco law

2010-01-07T17:54:00.000-06:00

A federal judge in Kentucky this week upheld several provisions of a new law giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate tobacco products. The court also upheld the authority of federal, state and local governments to impose additional regulations on tobacco products and marketing beyond those specified in the law. Find out more.

Help us improve PE in schools

2009-12-11T10:44:00.004-06:00

During the next legislative session the American Heart Association will be supporting strong new requirements that will improve physical education in schools. With the growing childhood obesity epidemic we need to give our children the knowledge and skills necessary to live healthy lives.

We need your help to let lawmakers know this should be one of their top priorities. Sign up at http://www.yourethecure.org/ to sign up as an American Heart Association Advocate.

Improving PE requirements will give our children the foundation they need to learn about good nutrition and physical activity. Obesity is the second leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Efforts made now will help children avoid a lifetime of chronic disease and disability.

We will be supporting legislation that will:
• Increase the physical education requirement in our schools.
• Establish enforcement of the physical education requirement.
• Strengthen the definition of physical education in schools.

Please take a few seconds to click on the link above to take actsign up and become a You're the Cure adovcate. Or, if you're already signed up, go online and take action today to let your lawmakers know that you care about the health of our school children. With your help we will improve PE in Oklahoma schools and build a healthier future.

Oklahoma's smoking prevention program is 11th in the U.S.

2009-12-11T10:40:00.000-06:00

Oklahoma’s smoking prevention program is 11th in U.S.

BY SUSAN SIMPSON
Published: December 10, 2009

Oklahoma ranks 11th among states in funding programs to prevent young people from taking up smoking and to help existing smokers quit, according to The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, a coalition of public health groups.

Oklahoma will spend $21.1 million this fiscal year on prevention and cessation efforts. That’s $2 million more than last fiscal year, when the group ranked Oklahoma 13th among states.

But the state still spends less than half the $45 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Only one state, North Dakota, spent the recommended amount.

“We’re well on our way to doing what’s needed, but we have a long way to go,” said Tracey Strader, executive director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund. “Certainly Oklahoma is making forward progress where a lot of other states are falling backwards.”

Still, the report criticizes Oklahoma for spending just 5.4 percent of money from the 1998 tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes on prevention programs. Strader says that’s because Oklahoma decided to invest settlement funds and spend only interest revenue.

“Oklahoma took a longer-term vision by creating an endowment and only using the earnings,” said Doug Matheny, chief of tobacco use prevention for the state Health Department.

He said Oklahoma is starting to see results from that investment. The adult smoking rate dropped from 28.7 percent in 2001 to 24.7 percent in 2008. During the same period, the proportion of former smokers in Oklahoma increased from 22.1 percent to 24.7 percent. That marked the first time Oklahoma had equal numbers of former and current smokers.

Matheny said the number of cigarettes sold each year dropped last year to a 40-year low of 287.5 million packs, sold by both tribal and nontribal entities. He attributes the drop to prevention and cessation efforts and public policy. More than 37,000 Oklahomans called the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline in fiscal year 2009.

The state has a goal of reducing tobacco use rates to below the national rate of 20 percent by 2012.

“Over 6,000 Oklahomans die each year because of tobacco use,” Matheny said. “It’s the No. 1 preventable cause of death.”

RELATED CONTENT
LINKS
Know it: Addiction

MORE INFO
To get help
Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at (800) QUIT-NOW.

ONLINE
The full report from The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids is available at tobaccofreekids.org.

Michigan becomes the next state to go smoke free!

2009-12-11T10:05:00.003-06:00

The Michigan legislature passed a measure that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces. The American Heart Association, along with several other health organizations, plans to push a similar bill during the 2010 session.

Michigan lawmakers pass smoking ban that exempts 3 Detroit casinos, cigar bars, home offices
By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN
Associated Press Writer
(c) 2009. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Legislature passed a long-delayed smoking ban Thursday, with exceptions for three Detroit casinos that have to compete with tribal casinos not affected by the ban.

The Democrat-led House agreed Thursday afternoon to slight changes made by the Republican-led Senate earlier in the day. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who welcomed the bill's passage.

"It's a terrific gift to Michigan," she told reporters.

The ban will take effect in May 2010. It applies to all bars, restaurants and work places, except for the Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty stores, home offices and motor vehicles.

Although smoking will be allowed on casino gambling floors, it will be banned in the casinos' bars, restaurants and hotels.

The Senate approved a ban with no exceptions last year, but that bill failed in the House, which wanted the exceptions for the Detroit casinos. The House in May passed the bill adopted Thursday by the Senate.

With Granholm's signature, Michigan will become the 38th state to limit smoking in public places such as government buildings, bars and restaurants, according to Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, who has kept alive the push for a statewide smoking ban. He favors a total ban, but was satisfied with the progress so far.

"We've moved the ball down the court, and even scored a basket," he said of Thursday's vote. "We haven't scored a three-pointer."

Sen. Tupac Hunter, D-Detroit, also wanted casinos included in the ban but was pleased with the Senate vote.

"It will be a great day in this state when we are totally, 100 percent smoke free ... (but) I'm very proud of what we've done today," he said.

Several senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said they objected to the ban because it intruded on decisions bar and restaurant owners should make based on their customers' desires.

"This is a blatant overreach by government," Bishop said.

The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, which lobbied against the measure, predicted the smoking ban would cost the state thousands of jobs.

"It's our elected officials' responsibility in this economic climate to pass legislation that helps all Michigan businesses, not just a few select business groups," executive director Lance Binoniemi said in a statement.

Public health officials praised the measure. "The Legislature today has made a great stride forward toward building healthier communities for everyone in Michigan," said Dr. Greg Holzman, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Among nearby states, only Indiana doesn't have some type of smoking ban in place. Michigan lawmakers have been trying for more than a decade to pass a ban.

Some residents remain opposed to it, including Don Doze, 54, who was eating Thursday in the smoking section of a Big Boy restaurant in Detroit.

"I want to enjoy my food or drink, and enjoy my cigarette," said Doze, a Detroit retiree who has smoked for decades. "I don't want to walk away from my table to go outside and smoke."
Heaven White, 35, of Detroit, who was sitting in the nonsmoking section of the same restaurant, said a ban on smoking in restaurants and the workplace is good. Still, she said smoking should be allowed in bars.

"Smoking goes with drinking," White said. "That's the place you go to be a bad girl, a bad boy."
Mike Nolan, owner of a tobacco shop in downtown Traverse City and president of the Michigan Cigar Association, described the bill as a "mixed blessing." He was pleased outlets such as his were exempt but said the measure treats smokers unfairly.

"It should be a matter of choice -- for the customer, for the bar and restaurant owner, for the employee working there," Nolan said.

Granholm said the lack of a smoking ban made Michigan look like a state that didn't care about health. That perception should change with a ban being put in place, she said.

After the Senate passed the ban 24-13 Thursday, the House passed it 75-30.
Republican Sen. Bill Hardiman of Kentwood didn't vote because he was absent. Only one Senate Democrat, Sen. Jim Barcia of Bay City, joined a dozen Senate Republicans in opposing the bill.
In the House, the bill was opposed by 23 Republicans and seven Democrats. Five representatives didn't vote. Rep. Ed Clemente, a Lincoln Park Democrat who was in the restaurant business, said he didn't vote because he had a conflict of interest.
------
Associated Press reporters David Runk in Detroit, John Flesher in Traverse City and Tim Martin in Lansing contributed to this story.

Link found between infrastructure investments on transportation and increased physical activity

2009-12-08T13:11:00.005-06:00

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently released a report that links infrastructure investments on transportation and the increase of physical activity in a community. It argues the need for proper walking, biking, and running trails for people to use for traveling to work, school, or extracurricular activities.

You can read the report here> http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20091112alractivetransportationfinal.pdf.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

2009-12-02T14:37:00.003-06:00

The Word is Out....

2009-10-30T11:16:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I joined the Oklahoma State Department of Health in a press conference to discuss the Institute of Medicine report that was released last week that addresses the issue of passing comprehensive smoking laws and how they reduce the risk of heart attacks associated with secondhand smoke.

Below are links to the great media coverage we received in response. The word is out that we are going to be pushing this issue during the 2010 legislative session and we don't plan on backing down. 27 other states have passed comprehensive smoking policies, it's Oklahoma's turn.

Bill could strengthen Oklahoma's smoking ban: Channel 2 in Tulsa

Health officials will try again to ban smoking in bars and restaurants: Tulsa World

Officials To Seek Smoking Ban: Fox 23

Oklahoma activists target smoking loopholes: newsok.com

Oklahoma officials to seek smoking ban: newsok.com

PE in Schools: we are asking lawmakers to beef up PE in schools in order to slim down our children

2009-10-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

We all know there is a troubling trend of rising obesity rates across the country. Sadly childhood obesity rates are rising even faster which puts our kids at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. But now we are asking lawmakers to beef up PE in schools in order to slim down our children.

Quality physical education in Oklahoma's schools is an important part of a student's well-rounded education and will promote lifelong health. Efforts made now will help children avoid a lifetime of chronic disease and disability.

As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session, we need to make sure they see PE as a top priority. Here's what we're asking them to do:

• Increase the physical education requirement in our schools.

• Establish enforcement of the physical education requirement.

• Strengthen the definition of physical education in schools.

Please click on the link above and let lawmakers know that we care about the health of our children. With two clicks of a mouse your message will be sent to your specific lawmakers and key decision makers like the Governor and Lt. Governor.

Oklahoma Newspaper Takes Note of New Smoke-Free Law Study

2009-10-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

It's great to see some press coverage of the new Institute of Medicine Report that came out last week. This report outlines evidence that smoke-free laws do, indeed, benefit the heart health of Americans, and further motivates the American Heart Association to continue pressing local officials to enact smoke-free policies.

Read it here.

A little change can go a long way

2009-10-29T09:44:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you are all sick of hearing about "change". It was a popular campaign slogan last year and seems to be the topic of conversation everytime you turn on the TV. Well the change I'm writing about has little to do with oil prices or bank bailouts and more to do with the lifestyle decisions you make every day.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the united states, with the two main causes being obesity and smoking. With 65% of Oklahomans being obese, and 24% being smokers it's clear that it's time for some change in our state.

This week the Oklahoman printed an article by David Zizzo where Dr. Jorge Saucedo talk about the extreme need for change in Oklahoma. I've posted the link below and encourage everyone to read it and think about what changes they are giong to make to fight heart disease and stroke.

Remember, You're the Cure!

Change is a ‘must’
By DAVID ZIZZO, Staff Writer
Published: October 3, 2009
Read more: http://newsok.com/article/3405429#ixzz0TRuicGLd

Study: tax on soda, sugary drinks would help in obesity battle

2009-10-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

A report in the New England Journal of Medicine says taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and soft drinks would help lower people’s overall calorie consumption while generating revenue that local governments can use for health programs.

The authors say a tax could promote the consumption of no-calorie beverages such as water and encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products to lower sugar thresholds. Also, revenue from these taxes “would be considerable and could be used to help support childhood nutrition programs, obesity-prevention programs, or health care for the uninsured or to help meet general revenue needs.”

See report in New England Journal of Medicine.

During CPR, more chest compressions mean more saved lives

2009-10-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

The chance that a person in cardiac arrest will survive increases when rescuers doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) spend more time giving chest compressions, according to a multi-center study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

“Chest compressions move blood with oxygen to the heart and the brain to save the brain and prepare the heart to start up its own rhythm when a shock is delivered with a defibrillator,” said Jim Christenson, M.D., lead author of the study and clinical professor of emergency medicine at the University of British Columbia. “We found that even short pauses in chest compressions were quite detrimental.”

…more

New York study says menu labeling affects behavior

2009-10-28T20:46:00.001-05:00

David Morgan David Morgan – Mon Oct 26, 3:57 pm ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – New York's mandate that fast-food restaurants post calorie information on their menus has changed consumer habits, the city said on Monday, contradicting a recent independent study showing no effect.

The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released preliminary data showing evidence that people bought food with fewer calories at nine of the 13 fast-food and coffee chains included in a study on the effects of menu-labeling laws that went into effect in 2008.

Researchers surveyed more than 10,000 customers at 275 locations in early 2007 and another 12,000 this year. READ MORE

IOM Report on Childhood Obesity

2009-10-21T14:01:00.002-05:00

In the United States, 16.3 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of two and 19 are obese. The prevalence of obesity is so high that it may reduce the life expectancy of today’s generation of children and diminish the overall quality of their lives. While parents and other adult caregivers play a fundamental role in teaching children about healthy behaviors, those positive efforts can be undermined by local environments that are poorly suited to supporting healthy behaviors—and may even promote unhealthy behaviors. Local governments can play a crucial role in creating environments that make it easier for children to eat healthy diets and move more.

The Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Childhood Obesity Prevention Actions for Local Governments was convened to identify promising actions that local governments can take to curb obesity among children. The committee sought action steps that are within the jurisdiction of local governments; likely to directly affect children; based on the experience of local governments or sources that work with local governments; take place outside of the school day; and have the potential to promote healthy eating and adequate physical activity. The 2009 report Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity presents the committee’s menu of recommended action steps for local government officials to consider in their efforts to prevent childhood obesity in their community.

You can read the report here.

New York Menu Labeling Law is Proving to Be Successful

2009-10-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

More and more states are exploring the possibility of requiring restaurants to post calorie information on their menu boards. New York was one of the first state's to do this and they are starting to see a change in how people order when eating out.

Calorie counts on menus force hard choices

MEGAN K. SCOTT
Published: October 6, 2009
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/article/feed/88896?searched=menu%20labeling&custom_click=search#ixzz0TRxSk0EU

Everyone has a story. What's yours?

2009-10-09T09:06:00.002-05:00

It's not often that I find someone who doesn't know someone else who has been affected by heart disease or stroke. Almost everyone can name somebody who has died of a heart related illness, or whose life was forever changed due to a stroke. I hate that these disease have to be a part of our daily lives but I love to listen to the stories from survivors or family members. It's these stories that remind me why I get out of bed every morning and drive to work.

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session I want to hear what your story is. I can talk to lawmakers all day about the importance of reducing heart attacks in our state but its stories from constituents that help me push them over the edge and convince them to vote in our favor.

So, what's your story? I would love to hear it.

(You can send your story to marilyn.davidson@heart.org. Please remember that I may use this story when promoting legislation at the capitol.)

Oklahoma Needs Your Input on It's Statewide Wellness Plan

2009-09-28T14:28:00.002-05:00

Because you care so much about the American Heart Association's mission and the health of all Oklahoman's I am asking you to take a few minutes to voice your opinion on the Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan. Our elected officials need to know that we care about obesity issues and protecting citizens from second-hand smoke.

Input sought on Oklahoma's wellness plan
PROPOSAL: Poor health is ‘like a slow-motion’ disaster, board president says

BY SUSAN SIMPSON
Published: September 23, 2009

State leaders want Oklahoma residents to help them finalize a plan to improve the state’s health status.

The state Health Department is preparing a comprehensive Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan to submit to the Legislature in late December. Oklahomans can read the draft online and give comments until Oct. 14.

Lawmakers asked health officials to find ways to improve the "physical, social and mental wellbeing of all people in Oklahoma through a high-functioning public health system.” That’s a big job, considering Oklahoma health rankings are "always hovering around the worst in the nation,” said Barry Smith, president of the state Board of Health.

"It’s the most vulnerable populations in Oklahoma that are at the most risk,” he said.
He said Oklahomans respond to natural disasters such as tornados but don’t always rally to protect the health of their fellow citizens.

Poor health is "like a slow-motion disaster,” Smith said.

The health improvement plan addresses children’s health, tobacco use and obesity. It aims to use public health resources more effectively and emphasizes prevention of disease and injury.

"Every single Oklahoman is a stakeholder in this plan,” state Health Commissioner Terry Cline said.

Oklahomans live an average 75.5 years, more than two years less than the national average of 77.7 years, Cline said.

OnlineThe draft health improvement plan can be viewed at www.health.ok.gov.

Heart attack rates drop after smoking bans, continue downward over time

2009-09-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

Please take a look this story about a recent study on smoke-free air laws. We have known that smoke-free laws reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and that will reduce heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer over the long term. However, more and more studies are showing that communities that pass smoke-free laws are seeing an immediate and significant reduction in heart attacks after the laws go into effect.

----------------------------------

DALLAS, Sept. 21, 2009 — One year after passing smoking bans, communities in North America and Europe had 17 percent fewer heart attacks compared to communities without smoking restrictions, and the number of heart attacks kept decreasing with time, according to a report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The report is a meta-analysis of 13 studies in which researchers examined changes in heart attack rates after smoking bans were enacted in communities in the United States, Canada and Europe. The researchers found that heart attack rates started to drop immediately following implementation of the law, reaching 17 percent after one year, then continuing to decline over time, with about a 36 percent drop three years after enacting the restrictions.

“While we obviously won’t bring heart attack rates to zero, these findings give us evidence that in the short- to medium-term, smoking bans will prevent a lot of heart attacks,” said James M. Lightwood, Ph.D., co-author of the study and assistant adjunct professor in the department of clinical pharmacy at the University of California–San Francisco. “The studies on this issue now have long enough follow-up periods so that we can see exactly how big the effect is.”

Lightwood also noted that the community effect is consistent with probable individual risk and exposure scenarios.

For example, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2009 Update, non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work have a 25 percent to 30 percent increased risk of developing heart disease. This new research suggests that the individual increased risk may be higher, said Lightwood.

“This study adds to the already strong evidence that secondhand smoke causes heart attacks, and that passing 100 percent smoke-free laws in all workplaces and public places is something we can do to protect the public,” Lightwood said. “Now we have a better understanding of how you can predict what will happen if you impose a smoking-free law.”

David Goff, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention and Professor of Public Health Sciences and Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, and an American Heart Association national spokesperson said the paper provides strong support for the contention that smoke free laws will improve public health. “This is good evidence that the benefits are realistic and consistent with reasonable estimates of the harm imposed by secondhand smoke,” Goff said.

“It is important to move forward now with widespread implementation of smoke-free laws,” he added. “At a time of great concern over the financial sustainability of our healthcare system, smoke free laws represent an inexpensive approach to reducing heart attacks, and, probably, other cardiovascular conditions.”

Governor Holds Ceremonial Bill Signing for SB745

2009-09-08T19:39:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Governor Brad Henry held a ceremonial bill signing for SB745. Staff and advocates came to the Capitol to witness the signing and get their picture taken with the Governor.

AHA staff at the bill signing with Dr. Mary Ann Bauman and Advocacy Member Tara Proctor.

Play games, save lives!

2009-08-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Now you can play games and play a part in saving lives! When you play free online games such as Solitaire, Gems and Bubble Burst on GamesThatGive.net, they’ll donate money to the American Heart Association!

It’s free and fun! Play today!

How does it work?
Users play games – for free – and generate revenue for nonprofits! Users can select which charities (of the GTG charities listed) to benefit, as well as choose which game they would like to play. As they play, GTG will donate 70% of their supporter revenue (“brought to you by…”).
In short:
· Visit www.gamesthatgive.net
· Select AHA as the charity you would like to benefit
· Play a game!
· GamesThatGive donates 70% of the revenue from the featured supporter
· The more people play, the more revenue is donated!

Vote for Us!!!

2009-08-27T13:48:00.001-05:00

AHA is a nominee for the SXSW panel to discuss ways to become heart healthy through gaming.

Gaming is increasingly merging with health and fitness as a way to engage larger audiences and change social norms and attitudes about being active. The role of social media to augment these experiences is increasing. The panel will explore how gaming, social media and health intersect to carve out new opportunities. Games run across a broad spectrum from fully on-line to on-line/off-line and even fully off-line experiences.

Click the link below and vote for us!

http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/2681

What Health Care Reform Means for Prevention

2009-08-22T14:30:00.000-05:00

As the health care reform debate continues across the country you might be wondering how it will affect the American Heart Association’s efforts in pushing tobacco control in Oklahoma. Currently there are provisions included that relate to coverage for prevention and cessation services in private and public health insurance plans, as well as funding for prevention programs that could include tobacco.

It’s important that our elected members of Congress understand the importance of such programs. The fight is not over and prevention programs could easily become a sacrifice should Congress seek to reduce the cost of health reform. No matter what side you fall on we can all agree that prevention is key to lowering health costs and reforming our current system.

For updates from AHA on the healthcare reform issue please visit our National YTC blog at: http://yourethecure.blogspot.com

Bad Economy Isn’t Hurting Oklahoma’s Fight Against Tobacco

2009-08-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

State Treasurer Scott Meacham released figures certified by the board of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust last week. The report shows a strong increase in earnings in relation to the trust’s investments. The primary use of these funds is to fight tobacco related issues as well as other health issues in our state.

You can read the AP story here. http://newsok.com/17.8-million-certified-in-tobacco-fund/article/3392556?custom_click=rss

Obesity remains No. 1 health problem for kids in 2009

2009-08-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

Childhood obesity outranks all other health problems as the No. 1 health concern for children in the United States, topping drug abuse, smoking and bullying, according to a report by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

This is the first survey year in which obesity tops the list for Hispanics, blacks and whites. In the 2008 survey, childhood obesity was ranked 6th by Hispanics and 3rd by blacks as the biggest child health problem.

Kids and parents are encouraged to visit the Alliance for a Healthier Generation website for fun information and easy ways to improve your health.

But what do you think we can do to get kids more active?

Alliance recognized by CDC

2009-08-21T14:31:00.002-05:00

Speaking of the Alliance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the Alliance for a Healthier Generation with its “Pioneering Innovation Award” for advancing policies and environmental strategies to prevent and control obesity.

The award was presented July 29 at the CDC’s “Weight of the Nation” Conference in Washington, D.C.

The Alliance was founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation to reduce childhood obesity by 2015 and empower children to make healthy lifestyle choices. The Alliance works to positively affect places that can make a difference in a child's health: homes, schools, restaurants, doctor's offices and communities.

AHA In The News

2009-08-04T14:46:00.001-05:00

Below are two link to letters to the editor from the American Heart Association's President Dr. Clyde Yancy.

Health-Care Reform Is Within Our Grasp
Clyde W. Yancy, M.D.
Letter to the Editor
The Washington Post
Saturday, August 1, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/31/AR2009073103546.html

A Case of Getting What You Pay For (Washington Post, July 26)http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/25/AR2009072502381.html?sub=AR

'Multiphase approach'
Clyde W. Yancy, M.D.
Letter to the Editor
USA Today
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/08/letters-better-health-classes-needed-to-fight-childhood-obesity.html

Obesity a key link to soaring health tab as costs double (USA Today, July 27)http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-07-27-costofobesity_N.htm

New health chief wants healthy habits for Oklahoma

2009-07-28T14:09:00.005-05:00

The Tulsa World is reporting that the new Commissioner of Health for Oklahoma wants to improve the health of individuals by addressing key risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Obesity and tobacco use are the two biggest controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic health problems.

Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline said he would like to see better nutrition, more physical activity, and smoke-free workplaces to combat these diseases. From the article:
----------------------
"These are constants," said Cline, who was appointed commissioner effective June 30. "These are not issues that are created or solved as problems easily or quickly."

Oklahoma has been engaged in a war on tobacco and has made progress, Cline said. But efforts to reduce tobacco use, including making all restaurants smoke-free, will continue, he said. "
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The American Heart Association stands ready to promote policies that will reduce obesity and tobacco use in Oklahoma and applauds Commissioner Cline for making these issues a priority. See the rest of the article here

Man Saved by an AED Reunites with Flight Crew and Doctor

2009-07-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

Back in March Mike Upchurch boarded a plane to Colorado to see his son who had just returned from Iraq. 15 minutes into that flight he suffered a severe heart attack. Luckily for Mr. Upchurch the crew was trained in using an Automated External Diffibulator (AED). The flight crew, along with assistance from Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, quickly went into action and took steps that ultimately saved Mr. Upchurch's life.

Coincidentally Dr. Bauman serves on the American Heart Association Board of Directors. We are incredibly proud of the flight crew and Dr. Bauman for their training and professionalism during that medical emergency.

This past Monday Mr. Upchurch was reunited with the flight crew and Dr. Bauman. He was also suprised with a visit from his son who flew in from Colorado. This is truly an inspirational story and a great example of why we at the American Heart Association work so hard at what we do.

Below is a link to the news story from channel 5 in Oklahoma City.

http://www.koco.com/video/19897748/index.html

Oklahoma Town Bans Smoking in Public Parks

2009-07-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

Another Oklahoma town has taken on the task of banning smoking in their public parks. Norman Oklahoma, a college town with approximately 96,000 residents, has now banned smoking and the use of tobacco products in public parks. Making them the third city in the state with such an ordinance, Owasso and Noble have similar rules.

Members of the Norman City Council unanimously approved the city ordinance on June 23rd. It will take effect on July 23rd.

Councilman Doug Cubberley, who suffers from asthma, has advocated for the tobacco ban in parks for more than two years.

“This is a compromise, but it is a leap forward,” Cubberley said. “Again, it’s not perfect, but what are we going for in this legislation? It’s the public health, and it’s the example that we are teaching our children.”

City officials surveyed residents about the ban and said that 76 percent of those surveyed supported the ban on smoking in the parks.

The American Heart Association applauds the efforts of the Norman City Council and sees this as a small step towards banning smoking in more public areas including all workplaces.

Click here for the Oklahoman article on the ban.

Congress Moves Closer to Increasing Funding for NIH research.

2009-07-23T14:45:00.000-05:00

In a July 10 statement, AHA President Clyde Yancy, M.D., commended the a Congressional Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives for approving a 3.1 percent increase ($942 million) in research funding for the National Institutes of Health.

“This increase, during these tough economic times, demonstrates a renewed national commitment to sustained and predictable funding growth for biomedical research. We urge the committee to maintain stable funding for 2011 when the temporary resources from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expire,” Yancy said

.…more

What Moves U Challenge receives health information award

2009-07-23T14:30:00.005-05:00

The What Moves U Challenge – a joint program of the American Heart Association and National Football League – has been honored with a National Health Information Award. The awards recognize the nation’s best consumer health information programs and materials.

The What Moves U Challenge received a Silver Award in the “Total Health Information Program” category. It was chosen from more than 1,000 entries judged by a national panel of health information experts.

The awards program is coordinated by the Health Information Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for consumer health information programs and materials.

Adult obesity rose in 23 states last year

2009-07-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states last year, and didn’t decline in any, according to a new report by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

According to the report:

· Mississippi had the highest obesity rate, 32.5 percent, for the fifth year in a row
· Oklahoma ranks 6th most obese at 29.5% for adults.
· The childhood obesity rate is also at 29.5% but that ranks 33 among all states.

According to the report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009,” obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly as the Baby Boomer generation ages, because of the large number of people in this population, the high rate of obesity and obesity’s negative health impact.

See F as in Fat 2009.

Historic Day For Public Health

2009-06-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

In an historic moment for public health and tobacco control, President Obama at 2 pm today will sign into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the bill to give the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products. The signing ceremony will be held in the White House Rose Garden and is scheduled to be carried live on C-Span 3 and CNN.

You can also watch on the web at: http://www.cspan.org/Watch/C-SPAN_wm.aspx.

The American Heart Association would like to thank all of their You're the Cure networkers for the phone calls, emails and letters of support. We would not be celebrating this victory if it weren't for you.

Fox 25 Story On Passage of FDA Bill

2009-06-17T09:43:00.002-05:00

Below is a link to local coverage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act. The American Heart Association was well represented in this piece.

http://www.okcfox.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kokh_vid_2554.shtml

A Matter of When

2009-06-17T09:26:00.001-05:00

Letters to the editor: Saturday, June 13, 2009
newsok.com

Secondhand smoke can cause harm in many ways. Exposure to secondhand smoke can double the risk of heart disease for nonsmokers and can cause lung cancer and other breathing problems. Each year, more than 440,000 Americans die from smoking-related illnesses. The U.S. surgeon general confirmed in 2006 that no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke exists. Cities, states and countries are going smoke-free with increasing frequency.

It’s time for Oklahoma to clear the air and provide every citizen the opportunity to breathe smoke-free air. The majority of Oklahoma legislators support smoke-free workplaces, but a few key lawmakers blocked opportunities to pass a bill in both houses of the Legislature. It’s time for all lawmakers to join this important effort. After all, 68 percent of Oklahomans polled said they want a smoke-free state — and thousands of Oklahomans may die or become ill from secondhand smoke exposure before this legislation is passed.

Twenty-seven states have passed smoke-free laws; about 10 others are considering it. It’s becoming more evident that it’s not a matter of if Oklahoma will become a 100 percent smoke-free state but when it will happen.

During this interim legislative cycle, ask your representatives in the Legislature to support smoke-free legislation. All Oklahomans deserve the right to breathe smoke-free air.

Mary Ann Bauman, M.D.,
Oklahoma City

Bauman is medical director for women’s health and community relations for INTEGRIS Health.

Congress Makes History This Week! Citizens Win!!

2009-06-12T11:36:00.004-05:00

The US House and US Senate made history this week by passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act. This bill would give the FDA the power to regulate tobacco companies and requires those companies to provide a list of ingredients for their products. It also puts more stringent restrictions on how tobacco companies can market their products.

You can see how your senator voted here and how your representative voted here.

Read AHA CEO Nancy Brown's statement on today's historic passage.

Congress Sends FDA Tobacco Bill to Obama
June 12, 2009
The Wall Street Journal

By FAWN JOHNSON
WASHINGTON -- A bill allowing the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco is on the way to the White House for President Barack Obama's signature.

A day after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure, the House passed it Friday on a 307-97 vote.

Mr. Obama said the legislation gives the government much greater power to regulate tobacco "truly defines change in Washington." The president spoke in the Rose Garden Friday and promised to sign the bill.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Thursday that her agency looked forward to implementing it.

The FDA now will take on an unprecedented role overseeing the production and marketing of cigarettes. Health advocates are happy about the prospect, saying at long last regulators can determine exactly the types of toxins involved in making and smoking cigarettes.

Some FDA watchers and people in the tobacco industry say the new responsibilities will be too heavy a lift for the agency and will harm small tobacco farms.

"Allowing the FDA to regulate tobacco in any capacity would inevitably lead to the FDA regulating the family farm," said Rep. Howard Coble (R., N.C.), during the House debate. "This could create uncertainty for family farmers as they are already struggling."

Many North Carolina elected officials have protested the legislation, arguing that it would hurt jobs in their state. Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Inc., the second- and third-largest tobacco companies in the U.S., are based in North Carolina.

But the No. 1 U.S. tobacco producer, Altria Group, Inc., the parent company of Philip Morris USA, has given its stamp of approval to the measure.

Critics, including Lorillard, say Altria supports FDA regulation because new rules could solidify the company's dominance in the market. Altria spokesman William Phelps said previous regulations on cigarettes haven't stifled the tobacco market.

Health advocates aren't concerned about the solvency of tobacco companies. "As long as players in the industry are fighting over market share, all that we care about is that they're fighting over a shrinking market," said Gregg Haifley, senior associate for federal relations at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

After the bill becomes law, tobacco-product manufacturers must register with the FDA and provide a detailed product list. They also must pay user fees to cover the cost of the new regulation.

The FDA can evaluate health claims made by cigarette makers and require companies to change their tobacco products. Packets of cigarettes will have larger and more strongly worded warning labels. There will be strict controls on advertising, stopping use of the terms "mild" and "low tar."

Dr. Bauman addresses cigarette tax increases

2009-06-09T15:13:00.004-05:00

This is a little delayed but I wanted to share a video from News 9 in Oklahoma City of Dr. Mary Ann Bauman addressing increases in cigarette taxes. Dr. Bauman is a member of the South Central Affiliate board and a valued supporter of the American Heart Association.

Another Oklahoma Community has Banned Smoking in Public Parks

2009-06-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

Norman plans to halt smoking in its city parks

Oklahoman
BY JANE GLENN CANNON
June 25, 2009

NORMAN — Smokers beware: Norman officials are kicking your butts out of their parks.

The city council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday to ban smoking and the use of tobacco products in public parks. The prohibition takes effect July 23.

Norman is the state’s third city to ban smoking in parks. Owasso and Noble have similar rules.

Councilman Doug Cubberley, an asthma sufferer, said he quit going to public events in parks several years ago because smoke would precipitate an asthma attack.

Parks Director Jud Foster said butts left on the ground in parks, besides being unsightly, pose a danger to small children who might put them in their mouths.

Asked whether Oklahoma City has considered a similar tobacco ban, parks department spokeswoman Jennifer Lindsey-McClintock said: "We have looked at it but no decision has been made. It’s not anything we are currently pursuing. It would be terribly difficult to enforce.”

Travis Humphrey, Cleveland County Tobacco-Free Coalition chairman, hailed Norman’s action, calling it "a big leap as a city. This is protecting future generations.”

The ordinance exempts parking lots and Westwood Golf Course. Assistant City Attorney Leah Bunny said officials thought smoke on a golf course was less likely to affect other people.

Resident Sylvia Martin said she opposed the ban not because she is a smoker, "but because there is too much government regulation as it is. At some point, people have to take responsibility for themselves.”