Heart Disease and Stroke. You're The Cure.

We're moving!

2011-06-24T15:08:00.005-04:00

We've recently redesigned our You're the Cure blog and have moved to a new location! Be sure to bookmark our new address to continue following our great advocacy work. Thank you for your conversation here, be sure to bring that with us as we move - we don't know what we'd do without you!

New address:

http://yourethecureblog.heart.org/ ... easier to remember, too :)

Advocate Spotlight! Keith Ahrens

2011-06-03T11:06:00.002-04:00

When you meet Keith Ahrens, a You’re the Cure advocate from Nevada, you are immediately drawn in by his passion to inspire others to live healthier lives. After suffering a heart attack, undergoing open heart surgery, and losing 200 lbs by changing his diet and exercise routine, he knows firsthand how critical it is to advocate for changes that promote prevention.

Keith has advocated for smoke-free regulations, bans on trans fats, and other nutrition issues within his state- and in April, he came to Washington, DC to lobby for NIH research funding and the FIT Kids Act. He has even taken his advocacy efforts 35,000 feet in the air! While on his return flight to Nevada from DC, he recognized Representative Shelley Berkley on his plane and took the opportunity to share his story and ask for her support for our issues.

Ask Keith which of the advocacy campaigns he’s been involved with that he thought was most significant and he says, “That’s a really tough question – there have been so many! Giving testimony to the Nevada Assembly. Standing in front of the Capital with my arms raised, knowing that we were there to deliver a message. They’ve all been important. The advocacy in the moment is the most important thing. It could seem big or little at the time but there’s always so much potential.”

In addition to influencing lawmakers, Keith also inspires his peers to take action, whether it is through his work as an author, motivational speaker and fitness trainer, or virtually through social media.

As Keith says, “You may not think you are an advocate, but chances are you are if you’re paying attention to the issues. It’s just a matter of how soft or how loud you want your voice to be. You’re the Cure is the best vehicle for a small person to let their voice be heard very big. It empowers you to go to a level you never thought possible.”

AHA wins THREE Awards at PR News!

2011-05-23T11:33:00.008-04:00

The American Heart Association received three honors during PR News’ PR Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. for our great work in the nonprofit communications arena.

Our 2009-2010 Advocacy Online Annual Report -- Progress in Policy won two Honorable Mention awards for "Annual Publication" and "Internal Publication".

We also received an Honorable Mention in the “Event PR” category for the 2010 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

We are very excited AHA has been recognized among a distinguished circle professionals and nonprofit organizations and thank all You're the Cure advocates who helped give us victories to report out about!

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

2011-04-26T16:30:00.005-04:00

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. To access the report, go to www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/ChildrensFoodEnvironment.pdf

140,000 Strong for School Nutrition

2011-04-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

School nutrition advocates across the country sent a powerful message to the United States Department of Agriculture in April. The American Heart Association joined other groups, including PreventObesity.net, the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, Jamie Oliver Foundation, Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Urban League, MomsRising and the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, in generating 140,000 comments to the USDA in support of improved nutrition standards for school meals from advocates like you.

You’re the Cure advocates contributed over 24,000 messages, asking the agency to approve standards that would require school meals to include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting the amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. Thank you to all of our advocates who participated!

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Hails Progress in Smoke-Free Policies

2011-04-21T10:37:00.003-04:00

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.

Go Red Goes to Washington

2011-04-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

Myrna Aguilar, a Go Red spokeswoman and single mom from California, knew her family’s history of heart disease put her at risk as well. Coming from a Latin American family that “likes to eat well”, she realized she needed to make changes to her lifestyle. She started by signing up for a bike marathon last fall and committed to regular exercise and a healthier diet. She has maintained her healthy lifestyle and is working to inspire her young son and other family members to do the same.

Recently, Myrna took her push for prevention to another level by participating in the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure on the Hill lobby day. “I wanted to share my story with lawmakers because I’m concerned for the future of my son and his generation,” she said. Myrna joined fellow advocates in urging lawmakers to address childhood obesity by supporting the FIT Kids Act and Safe Routes to School legislation, as well as to support increased funding for medical research to improve the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Myrna realized her actions made a difference when Representative Laura Richardson (shown with Eric Batch, Jacqueline Hernandez, and Myrna) agreed to co-sponsor the FIT Kids Act after their lobby day meeting. Simply by sharing her story and concerns as a mother, Myrna and other advocates across the country have been able to raise awareness and garner support from our nation’s lawmakers.

Myrna further reflects, “I heard the most amazing stories and left even more inspired by all of the great work You’re the Cure advocates are doing!” To join Myrna in taking action, visit http://www.yourethecure.org/ today!

AHA advocates urge Congress to support research, fight childhood obesity

2011-04-15T16:45:00.002-04:00

More than 300 American Heart Association advocates met with their representatives in Congress this week and urged them to appropriate $35 billion for the National Institutes of Health for the 2012 fiscal year, co-sponsor the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act and support the Safe Routes to Schools program.

The FIT Kids Act would encourage quality physical education and activity during the school day, and the Safe Routes to Schools program promotes the development of walking and biking paths for schoolchildren.

Currently, NIH invests only 4 percent of its budget on heart research and a mere 1 percent on stroke research. "These funding levels are simply not enough to advance research and bring us closer to a cure," said AHA President Ralph L. Sacco, M.D.

In addition to the action on Capitol Hill, over 12,000 emails were sent and nearly 200 phone calls were made by advocates across the country, who participated in the event virtually. Thanks to these active advocates, our message of prevention was delivered to 530 congressional offices!

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, (R-Ga.) and Rep. George Miller, (D-Calif.) received the association's Congressional Public Service Awards for their leadership in the passage of the Child Nutrition Act- and four outstandig volunteers were awarded with the Association's Advocate of the Year awards, including Dr. Stephen Cook (NY), Cindy Flynn (PA), Newt Williams (TN), and Abby Michaelsen (CA).

Star Jones of "The Celebrity Apprentice" also participated in the event sharing her journey of recovery from heart disease with fellow advocates and legislators alike.

For more information and event pictures, visit www.heart.org/yourethecureonthehill

AHA Honors Advocates of the Year

2011-04-12T10:20:00.001-04:00

On April 11th, the American Heart Association honored its 2011 Advocates of the Year at the Heroes Luncheon held at You’re the Cure on the Hill. The awards were presented by Debra Lockwood, Chair, and Nancy Brown, CEO. These outstanding advocates have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the mission of the Association through their advocacy work on the local, state, and federal levels. Congratulations to this year’s awardees.

2011 Science Advocate of the Year- Dr. Stephen Cook

Dr. Stephen Cook from Fairpoint, New York “embodies the ideals of translational research”. He was instrumental in developing the Healthi Kids initiative in Monroe County and its policy agenda to reverse childhood obesity. This coalition involved community, government and academic sectors to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for children. Dr. Cook is also the Chairman of the childhood Obesity Committee for the New York State chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; serves on state and national committees of the American Heart Association; and is a member of the National Advocacy Task Force of The Obesity Society.

2011 Survivor Advocate of the Year- Cindy Flynn

Cindy Flynn from Glen Mills, Pennsylvania has actively and enthusiastically participated in association events and has been an unstoppable advocate for heart and stroke issues. As a four-time stroke survivor and a passionate You’re the Cure advocate, she has established strong relationships with lawmakers to help advance heart disease and stroke legislation. She takes her role and responsibilities as a Pennsylvania State Advocacy Committee Field Representative very seriously and reaches out to advocacy staff regularly with updates about the work she is doing. She has also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the association’s Great Rivers Affiliate and been recognized for her efforts to engage federal and state officials in Go Red for Women activities and policy issues.

2011 Volunteer Advocate of the Year- Newt Williams

In addition to his passion, Newt Williams of Nashville, Tennessee has brought his extensive knowledge of the legislative process and relationships with key officials to his work as a You’re the Cure advocate. He played a key role in the passage of local menu labeling regulations and has actively advocated for accessible and affordable health care for all Americans. He has served as a spokesperson and a media advocate- and takes every opportunity to educate others on our issues and recruit new advocates.

2011 Youth Advocate of the Year- Abby Michaelsen

Abby Michaelsen of Newport Beach, California has been a role model to other young people in her community and has demonstrated amazing leadership in educating and helping others live healthier lives. After losing her father to heart disease, Abby became an advocate for the association to help prevent heart disease in her community. In 2009, she founded Newport Harbor High School’s first Heart and Health Club and since then over 50 students have regularly organized community events including a Heart Month health fair and the Great American Smokeout. She has mobilized her peers to get the message out on tobacco-free legislation and testified to policymakers to support smoke-free parks. Abby has even developed a “Start Your Own Heart Club Toolkit”, so that students at other local schools can start and run their own clubs.

Texas Youth Advocates Take on State Capitol

2011-03-31T18:29:00.003-04:00

Twenty-eight students from all over Texas helped the American Heart Association advance its mission by supporting key legislative issues at the state Capitol on March 16. The youth-advocates began the day with "telling your story" training and an interactive role-playing exercise to prepare them for their meetings with lawmakers on issues including Smoke-Free Texas and trans fats in schools.

Following lunch with State Rep. Mark Strama and a performance by the Murchison Elementary "Hot Shots" Jump Rope For Heart team, the youth-advocates took to the halls of the capitol. They visited over 60 offices, including meetings with Rep. Myra Crownover, who authored of the Smoke-Free Texas bill and Rep. Diane Patrick, who authored a bill to limit trans fats.

"It was a highly successful day for the AHA and our mission," said Grassroots Coordinator Brian Bowser. "I believe it helped Smoke-Free Texas retain some of the momentum it accumulated earlier this month and gave a good spark to the trans fats bill that was just introduced. In addition it provided a great learning experience for the youth involved and gave many of them their first taste of civic involvement."

NC Advocates Share Their Story to Mark the 1-Year Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

2011-03-23T12:07:00.002-04:00

Today, Kay LaVelle and Jill Morin, AHA advocates and Go Red for Women spokespersons from North Carolina, participated in a news conference at the State Legislature about the Affordable Care Act. Today’s event was organized by Rep. Verla Insko and focused on the provisions within the new law that help ensure women are able to access and afford the quality health care they need.

Kay and her daughter Jill told their moving story as heart survivors and the resulting concerns about their health insurance coverage. As small business owners, struggling to make ends meet in the tough economy, Kay and Jill have worried about how they would find coverage given their pre-existing conditions, if they lost their business. However, thanks to the protections in the new law, they now have the peace of mind that they would have coverage options.

Currently, those who have been uninsured for 6 months or more and have pre-existing conditions may be eligible for a new insurance program, called Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans. These plans are intended to provide transitional coverage to those who are currently uninsured until January 2014, when additional insurance options and assistance with paying premiums will be made available through state-based health insurance marketplaces called exchanges.

For more information, visit http://www.pcip.gov/ or http://www.healthcare.gov/.

Advocate Spotlight! Libbie Hough

2011-03-18T20:02:00.000-04:00

Libbie Hough, a You’re the Cure advocate from North Carolina, came to Capitol Hill on March 17th to share her story and urge Congress to preserve the Affordable Care Act to ensure children with heart disease and other pre-existing conditions have access to affordable, quality care.

Libbie’s 19-year-old daughter, Natalie, suffered cardiac arrest about 18 months ago in school, due to LongQT Syndrome, a life-threatening and usually genetic heart condition that unexpectedly claims thousands of lives every year, often with no symptoms or warning signs.

“We’re very appreciative of the peace of mind that the Affordable Care Act provides,” she said. “Thanks to the law, we are assured that Natalie can stay on our family’s health insurance policy until she turns 26 and other patients with pre-existing conditions now have options for affordable care. Before the law, affordable individual coverage for patients like Natalie with pre-existing conditions was essentially non-existent.”

Libbie was joined at the briefing by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other members of Congress, doctors, nurses, patients, and small business owners to mark the one-year anniversary of the law.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act, visit http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/ and http://www.healthcare.gov/.

Rep. Kind, Senator Harkin Reintroduce FIT Kids Act, Calling for More P.E. in Schools

2011-03-14T16:26:00.002-04:00

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) and U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today reintroduced the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act), a bill to combat childhood obesity by strengthening physical education programs in schools throughout the country.

The FIT Kids Act, H.R. 1057, renews the emphasis on physical education in schools. The Act would work to ensure kids are active during the school day and are given opportunities that promote overall health and wellness. The legislation would engage parents and the public by requiring all school districts and states to report on students’ physical activity, including the amount of time spent in required physical education in relation to the recommended national standard. The Act would further ensure appropriate professional development for health and physical education teachers, fund research to examine the link between children’s health and their academic achievement, and recommend effective ways to combat childhood obesity and improve healthy living and physical activity.

“This bill gets to the simple truth: in order to develop a healthy mind, you need a health body,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), co-chair of the Congressional Fitness Caucus. “Providing increased physical education in public schools will give every child an opportunity – regardless of their background – to learn healthy habits and get moving. We will see the benefits in their math and reading test scores, get to the root of the obesity epidemic, and get kids on a healthy path early in life. I hope that Congress can consider the importance of physical education in our schools when they take a closer look at education reform later this year.”

“To ensure that our kids will lead healthy and active lives, we need to help them develop good habits early on,” said Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “This bill would combat rising rates of childhood obesity, which have become a pressing public health crisis that we must address. Kids who get more exercise throughout the day are more fit, more focused in the classroom, and get better sleep – also a welcome benefit for their parents! This bill empowers schools, teachers and parents to help improve our kids’ health.”

“With childhood obesity rates that have tripled over the last few decades, we must make every effort to help children reduce their risk for heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening illnesses,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of American Heart Association. “More than 80 percent of adults support daily physical education yet such programs have been on the decline in many school districts. The FIT Kids Act would help educate parents about the quality and quantity of physical education in their child’s school.”

“America’s children receive too little opportunity to be physically active, and that is a major contributor to the nation’s obesity epidemic, said Penny Lee, Executive Director of the Campaign to End Obesity Action Fund. “Lack of physical activity for children has a negative effect on our military preparedness, their ability to learn and their overall wellness. Now is the time to drill down on solutions which is what this legislation provides. It allows for more information to parents, educators and communities so they recognize the gaps in activity and have the opportunity to address them -- a major step in the right direction.”

“The National Association for Sport and Physical Education commends Senator Harkin and Congressman Kind on introducing the FIT Kids Act which will strongly support our common goal of increasing the quality and quantity of physical education opportunities in the U.S.,” says NASPE President, Lynn Couturier of State University of New York at Cortland. “Physical education, an essential component of a quality, well-rounded education, not only teaches students how to achieve and maintain lifelong healthy habits but contributes to their academic success.”

“We are proud to support Senator Harkin and Congressman Kind on their reintroduction of the Fit Kids Act,” said NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell. “This legislation furthers our shared goal of eliminating childhood obesity and encouraging children to lead healthy lifestyles.”

The FIT Kids Act has been endorsed by the following organizations: The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association, National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Grocery Manufacturers Association, National Football League, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, YMCA.

Affordable Care Act Programs Every Patient Should Know About

2011-03-11T15:12:00.002-05:00

Did you know that March 23rd marks the 1-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law? Within 365 short days, critical patient protections have been implemented, making health care more affordable and accessible to many Americans.

However, despite the progress that has been made, many patients still don’t know about all of the options that may be available to them to ensure they have the coverage they need. Here are two important programs every heart disease and stroke patient should know about:

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans: If you or a loved has a pre-existing condition, like heart disease or stroke, and been without health insurance coverage for at least six months, then you may be eligible for a new insurance program, called Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans, that was created by the Affordable Care Act.

This program is available for children and adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia who have been locked out of the health insurance market because of a pre-existing condition. However, the exact terms and conditions of the coverage will vary depending on which state you live in.Although these new plans may not be a feasible option for everyone, they could be a more affordable insurance option for individuals who’ve had difficulty getting coverage in the individual insurance market because of their medical condition. In most states, the monthly premium for the standard option plan ranges from about $116 to $626.

These plans are intended to provide transitional coverage to those who are currently uninsured until January 2014, when additional insurance options and assistance with paying premiums will be made available through state-based health insurance marketplaces called exchanges.

For information about how to apply, go to http://www.pcip.gov/ or call 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).

Consumer Assistance Programs: Thirty states have received funding under the Affordable Care Act to create Consumer Assistance Programs (CAPs), which provide assistance to individuals experiencing difficulties with their health insurance. For instance, CAPs will help consumers who need help filing complaints or appeals with their insurance companies, answer questions about their rights and responsibilities with respect to insurance coverage, or help individuals sign up for coverage.

To find the CAP program in your state or other resources that may be helpful, please visit www.healthcare.gov/consumerhelp.

New "Make the Move" Report Guides Implementation Efforts of the National Physical Activity Plan

2011-03-04T14:27:00.007-05:00

The National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) has established national implementation priorities in a new digital report, Make the Move, which provides an outline of short-term and long-term goals to implement policies, programs and initiatives to get more Americans moving. The report was developed by the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA), the national coalition charged with implementing the nation’s first ever National Physical Activity Plan.

The American Heart Association is a founding member of NCPPA helping to lead implementation efforts alongside the numerous national organizations involved in the initiative. The association is co-leading the Business and Industry sector of the National Physical Activity Plan to help increase physical activity and promote best practices in the workplace. The association’s Start! campaign is an example of how employers and individuals are promoting physical activity throughout communities and in workplaces. Start! provides individuals and companies with the tools and resources to be physically active and heart healthy. Resources offered by Start! include a local walking path finder, activity and meal tracker, tools to connect people in their areas, and grocery list builders to name a few. www.heart.org/start.

The Start! campaign demonstrates the American Heart Association’s commitment to help people become physically active and healthy, working with the goal of the Plan. The Make the Move Implementation Report highlights other examples of local activities that support the Plan. In Ohio, a manufacturing company with limited access to technology took part in a Virtual Walk across the U.S. and 56 percent of employees participated, increasing overall wellness. Each employee was assigned a pushpin on a map that marked each company location across the country and using the pedometers they were given, employees tracked the miles they walked to see who could get to each location the fastest.

NCPPA President Laurie Whitsel states: “This is a great opportunity to begin collecting all of the exciting stories about the different ways organizations, communities, and passionate advocates are making the National Physical Activity Plan a reality and hearing how people across the U.S. are making physical activity a regular part of their day.”

Unite forces with American Heart Association and the NPAP to Make the Move in your business or at home today! Learn more at http://www.ncppa.org/ or to get involved visit www.facebook.com/PhysicalActivityPlan

News from the Hill: New Study Stresses the Importance of Constituent Communications

2011-03-03T19:23:00.003-05:00

It is no surprise that with technology advancements come additional ways to reach and influence legislators. But you might wonder just how effective your online messages are in advocating for the issues you care most about.

According to Communicating with Congress: Perceptions of Citizen Advocacy on Capitol Hill, a new study by the Partnership for a More Perfect Union at the Congressional Management Foundation, citizens have more power than they realize.

While traditional face-to-face interaction will never be beat, Capitol Hill offices report that the internet is a useful and effective way for constituents to relay information to their representatives. The study reveals, “What matters most is the content, not the vehicle”.

The most important thing to remember about communicating with Congress is that the most effective and impactful messages are ones that are personalized. Key pieces of information such as discussing the impact a bill will have on your state state or district, providing your reasons for supporting or opposing a bill, and including a relevant personal story will make your messages stand out.

Social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, are also becoming widely used methods of communication and Members of Congress are paying attention. Nearly two-thirds of Capitol Hill staff surveyed (64%) think Facebook is an important way to understand constituents’ views and nearly three-quarters (74%) think it is important for communicating their Members’ views.

Visit the Partnership for a More Prefect Union’s website to read more of the study.

State Spotlight! A Warm Reception for Arizona’s Halle Heart Children’s Museum

2011-03-03T18:02:00.004-05:00

The impressive renovation to the Halle Heart Children’s Museum, the only cardiovascular health museum for children in the country, premiered with an unforgettable Arizona You’re the Cure legislative reception on Tuesday, February 22nd.

Attendees included more than 100 advocates, volunteers, and public officials, including Arizona House of Representatives Minority Whip Dr. Matt Heinz, Representative Jeff Dial, and House Health and Human Services Chair Cecil Ash, who is also the sponsor of House Bill 2157, Stroke Systems of Care.

During the reception program, attendees had the opportunity to hear from stroke survivor Maria Tapia, Phoenix Board of Directors President Dr. John Schaller, and Heart Ball Chair Julie Prusak, who were all able to stress the importance of the AHA’s mission, highlight current initiatives, and present the AHA’s legislative priorities for the year.

The reception also led to an outstanding opportunity. “Representative Dial was so impressed with the museum, the mission of the AHA, and our priorities that on Thursday, February 24, he invited staff and volunteers to the Arizona House of Representatives so he could recognize us from the floor,” says Tim Vaske, Director of Government Affairs in Arizona.

The successful legislative reception foreshadows the future achievements for the AHA and the Halle Heart Children’s Museum. The museum, now open to the general public and for guided tours, is a unique, fun, and educational part of the Tempe community.

Women and CVD: Reversing the Trend through Prevention

2011-03-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

It is critical to make sure our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and all the other important women in our lives understand the very real dangers of heart disease – the No. 1 killer of women. Sadly, almost half of America’s women are unaware of their risk. As a result, they are less likely to receive the recommended care to treat or prevent this deadly disease. We must change that.

The good news is that women today have greater access to the kind of care that can help prevent heart disease.

In the past, the high price tag on even a routine doctor’s visit could keep women from detecting heart problems early. Now, thanks to the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, women who join new health insurance plans and those on Medicare can get free preventive care, including screenings that detect raised levels of cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

One of the best ways to take control of your heart health is by keeping track of these important health indicators. The health insurance reform law makes this easier than ever.

But prevention cannot stop at the doctor’s office door. Most of us know how important it is to eat right and exercise. But when we’re in a hurry, it can seem easier to get a burger from the local drive-thru than to prepare a healthy meal at home. After a long day at work, the couch may be more appealing than the treadmill. And these choices make a big difference: if you do just four simple things—eat right, be physically active, don’t smoke, and keep a healthy weight—you can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent.

Together, we are committed to helping women make these healthy choices. As part of the health law, we have redoubled our efforts to help state and local governments and community organizations reduce risks for heart disease, like obesity and tobacco use.

We’re supporting programs that bring fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods where healthy food is hard to find or too expensive for low-income citizens. We’re making calorie information available on many restaurant menus and vending machines. And we’re working to increase the number of tobacco-free workplaces.

In addition, we are reaching out directly to women to make sure they have the information they need to live a healthy life. For example, access to emergency care within the first hour of a heart attack can help avoid lasting heart damage or death. But many women do not recognize the warning signs or symptoms of heart disease and delay seeking care.

That’s why, earlier this month, with the support of the American Heart Association, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, and more than a dozen other groups, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the Make the Call, Don’t Miss a Beat campaign. This program will help women recognize the seven warning signs of a heart attack and encourage them to call 9-1-1 as soon as any of these symptoms occur.

While government and health organizations have a responsibility to educate the public, we can’t solve this problem alone. The people who can help America make the biggest gains in the fight against heart disease are women themselves.

Women need to have frank conversations with our doctors about our heart health. You can learn more by consulting websites like HealthCare.gov, hearttruth.gov, womenheart.org, and goredforwomen.org. These sites have everything you need to get started towards a healthier heart, from online profiles that determine your risk to healthy recipes and tips to keep your heart healthy. WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease also provides on-line and in-person support networks for women living with heart disease.

For your own sake and for the people you love, take control of your heart health and make sure you’re treating your heart right. It’s the only one you’ve got.

-Nancy Brown
CEO, American Heart Association

"Why is America Still Smoking?"

2011-03-01T14:56:00.001-05:00

Today Dr. Ralph Sacco and others joined U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin for a congressional briefing on the Tobacco epidemic – “Why is America Still Smoking?” The event was in response to the Surgeon General’s recently issued report that details the biological damage tobacco smoke wreaks on the body and how smoking causes cardiovascular disease and cancer, among other conditions.

View the Surgeon General’s report: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/tobaccosmoke/index.html

To view event photos, visit our AmHeartAdvocacy Flickr page.

Recording Now Available: State of Women's Heart Health Call

2011-02-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you who were unable to join the State of Women's Heart Health call on 2/17, we are pleased to share that the call was recorded and is now available online for you to listen to.

We also wanted to draw your attention to some of the outstanding resources mentioned on the call. First, we heard from Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh about the improvements being made through the Affordable Care Act to ensure women and their families are able to access affordable, quality care. We encourage you to learn about the new law and the options that may be available to you at www.heartsforhealthcare.org or www.healthcare.gov.

Additionally, Dr. Lori Mosca, lead author of the AHA’s new Guidelines on Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women, shared an overview of the new recommendations. More information on these important updates can be found on the AHA’s website.

Dr. Suzanne Haynes from the HHS Office of Women’s Health also spoke about a new campaign- Make a Call. Don’t Miss a Beat- which encourages women to learn the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and take immediate action if they experience them.

And as always, the AHA’s Go Red for Women movement continues to be a great source of helpful information to aid in the fight against heart disease in women, including recipes, tools and tips for improving your heart health.

You're Invited! State of Women's Heart Health Call

2011-02-11T13:54:00.008-05:00

Did you know that 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease? Do you want to learn more about women’s heart health and the steps being taken to help raise awareness and improve access to care? Then join the American Heart Association and some of our country’s leading health experts for a call to discuss The State of Women’s Heart Health!

WHO: You!

WHAT: A conference call with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh, a leading cardiologist, and fellow survivor-advocates to learn about some of the latest women’s heart health news, a new campaign aimed at raising awareness, and changes to the health care system that could affect you and your family.

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 6:00pm EST (5:00 CST)

WHERE: Your phone

HOW: Join us by calling 1-877-918-2509 (passcode: 3321527). Please RSVP your attendance prior to the call! Space is limited.

The experts will take some of your questions at the end of the call, so come prepared to participate in the discussion!

We are looking forward to having you join us for this exciting American Heart Month event!

AHA Celebrates Let’s Move! First Anniversary

2011-02-10T14:14:00.005-05:00

This week marks the one year anniversary of the First Lady's Let's Move campaign- and the American Heart Association applauds the campaign's successes, big and small, that are helping our nation's kids become healthier and proactively combat heart disease!

‘Let’s Move!’ has made a concerted effort to engage Americans where they live, work, learn and play- and has been successful in bringing citizens, communities, businesses, government officials and public health groups together around the shared mission of turning the tide on childhood obesity.

Read AHA CEO Nancy Brown's full statement about the Let's Move one-year anniversary-http://bit.ly/e5iyGt

Pop Quiz: How much do you really know about the Affordable Care Act?

2011-02-07T18:12:00.000-05:00

How much do you know about the new patient protections available to you under the new health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act? The new law contains many significant reforms that will help heart disease and stroke patients’ access and afford the quality care they need and deserve– and as informed consumers, it is important to understand these changes.

Take our short quiz today to test your knowledge of the reforms that have already taken effect and those yet to come in the months and years ahead.

The AHA is continuing our efforts to work with Congress, the Administration, and fellow patient-advocacy organizations to monitor, inform and advocate for the effective implementation of the Affordable Care Act– and to build on the progress made by the new law.

Training the next generation of lifesavers- students!

2011-02-03T18:41:00.001-05:00

A new scientific advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, calls for state legislatures to mandate that CPR and AED training be required for graduation- and You’re the Cure advocates in a number of states are helping to make it happen to help save lives from sudden cardiac arrest.

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

Last school year, 36 states had a law or curriculum standard encouraging CPR training in schools- and a number of states are pursuing legislation this year. In New York, for example, advocates, including paramedics, survivors, CRP instructors, and families of those affected by sudden cardiac arrest, are leading the charge to advance legislation that will ensure all students in the state receive CPR training prior to graduation. They have collected 1500 petition signatures so far and will be taking their message to the state capital in March to meet with lawmakers.

In Tennessee, advocates will be working with state lawmakers and the Department of Education to strengthen their existing law. Currently, CPR is taught as part of the lifetime wellness curriculum, but the AHA is pushing for hands-on-practice during this instruction for all students.

And in Iowa, advocates will be playing defense to protect their law which requires students to be trained in CPR before graduating. Some legislators, concerned with the time and cost the existing law requires, have suggested repealing it. However, the AHA is actively promoting the immeasurable benefits by sharing personal stories from students who have saved a life.

For more information on the new advisory, click here.

Advocate Spotlight! Teresa Rice

2011-02-03T17:35:00.002-05:00

Teresa Rice, a You’re the Cure advocate from Kentucky, was only 38-years-old when she suffered from a heart attack. Now with a heart healthy diet, regular exercise, and a less stressful lifestyle, Teresa has become an advocate for lifestyle changes and policy changes that can reduce an individual’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

“I feel that it is important to be an advocate because I believe, as a constituent, I am going to be able to reach lawmakers and send a more powerful and personal message to them than an organization would be able to do. Hearing from thousands of individuals across the county through You're the Cure sends a tremendous message to our leaders,” she said.

As a You’re the Cure advocate for the past three years, Teresa has emailed, called, and visited with local, state, and national lawmakers to help advance legislation to improve access to quality health care, to educate the public about heart disease, and to increase funding for research.

One campaign in particular stands out to Teresa. Using her personal story and the relationships she had with some of the council members in her hometown of Bardatown, KY, Teresa was able to help get a local smoking ban passed.

“Because I know some of the council members personally, I took the opportunity to share my opinions with them,” she said. “Since I have had a heart attack, I could relate to them about truly personal concerns of being exposed to cigarette smoke. The ban was passed and went into effect in June, 2010.”

Her advice to others? “I would recommend becoming involved with You're the Cure. It doesn't take a lot of time, but the end result can touch thousands of lives.”

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Do you know some of your local, state, or federal legislator, like Teresa does? Visit http://www.yourethecure.org/ today to update your profile to share that information with us!

President Obama Honors Heart Month

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

This February marks the 48th year of “American Heart Month.” On January 31, 2011 President Barack Obama released a proclamation encouraging all Americans to recognize the significance of American Heart Month and to join in the fight against cardiovascular disease. President Obama highlights the dire need to improve heart health – heart disease is the leading cause of death and one in three adults are living with a form of cardiovascular disease.

The Obama Administration is committed to taking proactive measures to reduce the risk factors creating heart disease. Efforts to eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, limit sodium consumption, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, and moderate alcohol intake will reduce the life threatening factors leading to heart disease.

The need for prevention is recognized by the Obama Administration, the Affordable Care Act is one live saving mechanism that enforces all news individual and group health plans to provide recommended preventive care and services without a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. Also, First Lady Michelle Obama has implemented the Let’s Move! initiative to begin prevention against heart disease early in life by combating childhood obesity.

President Obama also encourages all Americans to show their support of women’s heart health by wearing red or the campaign’s Red Dress Pin on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 4. This day increases awareness of heart disease among women.

February is a time to rededicate ourselves to raising awareness for heart disease and improve our own heart health and the heart health of those we love by committing to efforts of prevention.

To learn more about risk factors, prevention of heart disease, and to increase the awareness of women’s heart disease visit: www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease and www.HearthTruth.gov

Nancy Brown Speaks at National Press Club

2011-01-27T12:45:00.002-05:00

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown spoke at a National Press Club Newsmaker event in Washington, D.C. on January 24, 2011 about a new AHA policy statement indicating cardiovascular disease (CVD) costs will triple in the U.S. by 2030. Brown revealed that the $545 billion increase is due in part to an aging population and the skyrocketing financial burden makes it necessary to implement effective strategies to prevent these chronic illnesses. “Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans,” said Brown. “Early intervention and evidence-based public policies are absolute musts to significantly reduce alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, tobacco use and cholesterol levels.”

During her keynote, Brown discussed Life’s Simple 7 (mylifecheck.heart.org), seven key health factors and behaviors that the association believes are essential for successful prevention including physical activity, proper diet, abstinence from smoking, weight management and control of blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar. She also mentioned the effect these diseases and costs have on many Americans who have limited health insurance coverage. Brown shared a compelling story about Frank Amend, an underinsured heart survivor whose family was impacted by huge medical costs for his treatment.

Paul Heidenreich, MD and Justin Trogdon, PhD, two members of the report’s expert panel, commented on the methodology of the findings and remarked that despite the successes in reducing heart disease, we still face an enormous financial burden in medical costs. Members of the media including CNN, Reuters, National Journal, Congressional Quarterly and Politico were in attendance along with representatives from various health organizations.

View video highlights of the event and the full report!

News from the Hill– Get Ready for the 112th Congress

2011-01-12T14:20:00.002-05:00

On January 5, members of the 112th Congress were sworn in on Capitol Hill, beginning the first session of the new Congress. This marks a change in power in the House of Representatives and the start for 13 new Senators in the Senate.

As we prepare to influence this new group of lawmakers to prioritize our nation’s health, it is particularly important for advocates to pay close attention to the 2011 congressional calendar. In-district work periods, or recess breaks, are a prime opportunity to meet with your legislators about the issues that matter most to you. So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for opportunities to help deliver the You’re the Cure message when your Members return home.

View the 2011 Congressional Calendar today!

You’re the Cure Gets a Facelift

2011-01-12T14:15:00.002-05:00

Have you visited www.yourethecure.org lately? Go ahead and take a look!

We have just updated our action center to help provide you with the tools you need to stay informed, get involved, and take action in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Whether you take action on our action alerts, share your story, register for an event, or recruit others to the cause, you can have an impact. Make sure to bookmark the site on your computer and check back often!

State Outlook for 2011

2011-01-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

Over the past few months, American Heart Association volunteers and staff in all 50 states have been developing their legislative agendas and preparing plans on how to assure heart disease and stroke related issues are prioritized in legislatures across the country in 2011. In addition to the three states that are continuing their legislative sessions, which started in 2010, we will see 42 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, go into session in January with another four states beginning their sessions by April.

When legislatures reconvene this year, the political landscape will look significantly different in many states. As a result of the November 2010 elections, 13 state legislatures changed party majority and 29 new Governors will be place. These changes will result in many legislatures reorganizing and we are sure to see new committee structures, chairs and legislative leaders in place in 2011. These changes will make for an interesting and exciting 2011.

For 2011, states are prioritizing a variety of heart disease and stroke related issues, ranging from requiring high school students be taught CPR prior to graduation to developing telemedicine systems that will assure those in the most remote locations will be able to receive critical specialty care. The issues which are being addressed most widely are: promoting physical education programs in schools; creating or strengthening stroke system of care; securing or protecting tobacco prevention funding; and establishing strong secondhand smoke policies. Each of these policy issues are on the legislative agendas in more than 30 states.

Of special concern for states will be significant state budget deficits. According to a recent report, jointly released by the National Governor’s Association (NGA) and the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO), fiscal conditions will remain a major challenge for state budgets and state will continue to face slow revenue growth, increased spending demands and the end of the stimulus funds provided to state buy the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

State budget deficits provide an opening for staff and volunteers to establish the benefits of a tobacco tax increase. The AHA supports tobacco excise tax increases because of the many well-known health benefits however they can also provide much need fiscal resources to state coffers. At least nineteen state advocacy teams crafted strategic plans around a tobacco excise tax increase for their state. State budget deficits also make the plans our state teams carry out around increasing and protecting heart disease and stroke prevention funding even more critical.

For more information about the state policy agenda in your state please contact your local state advocacy staff .

Facebook Chat with the AHA's President This Week!

2010-12-14T10:38:00.003-05:00

Don't forget! Join us for a Facebook chat with Dr. Ralph Sacco, neurologist and American Heart Association president, on ideal brain health at 1:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 16th. To find out more and start asking your questions, go to http://on.fb.me/gLGCgI.

Therapies for Stroke Patients Protected for Another Year

2010-12-13T10:03:00.005-05:00

Good news to report from Capitol Hill! On December 9th, Congress passed the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010, which will allow stroke patients on Medicare to continue to get the therapies they need for another year, without facing arbitrary caps on coverage.

Thank you so much to our advocates for their quick action to ensure Members of Congress knew that therapy must be protected for these 4.4 million patients!

The exceptions process that was extended puts the power in the hands of patients and their doctors to determine the amount of therapy needed to recover from their stroke, rather than having their care determined by a pre-set limit.

As we celebrate this victory, it is also critical to understand that we still have a fight ahead of us. This extension of the exceptions process will only last until December 31, 2011, so we will need your help to continue to push Congress to pass a permanent fix for the therapy caps issue.

Thank you, advocates, for standing-up for stroke patients- and congratulations on this important win!

Child Nutrition Act Passes!

2010-12-06T10:21:00.003-05:00

On December 2nd, the U. S. House of Representatives made a tremendous investment in the health of our nation’s children with the historic passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This action completes Congress’ work on the bill and sends it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The legislation, which passed by a vote of 264 to 157, will give our kids a healthy start in life with access to nutritious meals and more opportunities for physical activity during the school day. All of us here at the American Heart Association strongly believe a healthier school environment will nurture academic achievement and reduce childhood obesity rates. With one in three American kids and teens overweight or obese, our youth are at greater risk for high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which are risk factors for heart disease! Teaching kids to eat well and stay fit must become a priority not just at home, but in our schools and communities.

We can all be proud that the final bill contains provisions that will help ensure a healthier school environment for our kids, including removing junk foods from schools, strengthening school wellness policies, and increasing funding for more nutritious school lunches.

Find out how your Representative voted, then join us in thanking supportive Representatives for their vote by sending a quick message!

Well done, advocates!

Smoke-free Ballot Initiative Victories = Smoke-free Communities!

2010-12-01T17:31:00.003-05:00

November was the month of smoke-free ballot initiatives! Missouri, Texas, and South Dakota each saw smoke-free victories, both on the local and state levels. Congratulations to You’re the Cure advocates in each state who fought for these victories…

Missouri can celebrate two hard-fought smoke-free victories this year. Voters in Fulton, MO and Jefferson City, MO made it clear that smoke-free air is important to them by passing strong ordinances in both communities. These victories are important steps in ultimately helping Missouri join the ranks of smoke-free states in the near future. The expectation is that these victories will lead to more local wins, and to eventually carry over to the state level, where advocates are focusing their efforts on educating Missouri legislators on the many benefits of smoke-free air.

The city of San Angelo, Texas became the 34th city to become a smoke-free community. With over 61 percent voter approval, this city will now provide a comprehensive smoke-free work place ordinance for over 92,000 residents. You’re the Cure advocates were critical to the local campaign and many thanks go to board members, Dr. Michael Blanc for a compelling editorial to the local paper, Lisa Burger for co-chairing the local coalition, Joyce Gray for going door to door and local Corporate Market Director Frann Smith who kept the team engaged on the effort and helped guide the Coalition and You’re the Cure advocates!

South Dakotans went to the polls Tuesday, November 2, and said YES to a comprehensive smoke-free law. The campaign found widespread support and You’re the Cure advocates were engaged on a Smoke-free South Dakota Facebook page, which reached thousands of supporters during the campaign. The law took effect on November 10, the day after the state’s official election canvass. You’re the Cure advocates were instrumental in both the 2009 legislative effort and during the 2010 campaign. Passage of this smoke-free law represents more than 812,000 lives protected in South Dakota.

Advocate Spotlight! The Haskew Family

2010-12-01T16:42:00.002-05:00

Eric and Tina Haskew and their three kids, Sarah, Daniel and Noah, know first-hand that research saves lives. That’s because Daniel and Noah were born with congenital heart defects.

Daniel was born with critical aortic stenosis and atrial septal defect (ASD) and was only 36 hours old when he went into congestive heart failure and was life-flighted to Tulane University Children’s Hospital in New Orleans for open heart surgery. Noah was also born with ASD, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and a bicuspid aortic valve. However, thanks to the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of their conditions, they are both healthy, young boys today.

Now, the family of advocates shares their story to help advance research. “Without a doubt I've enjoyed the speaking events the most,” says Tina. “I can't tell you how many people have come up to me afterwards and said how moved they were by our story. This is where the difference is made. When people can see firsthand what research has done, they are more willing to help, and the more they help, the more research can be done.”

In March 2010, the Haskews flew to Washington, DC to share their story with their Alabama legislators to advocate for increased funding for research through the National Institutes of Health. Eric and Tina have also been very active with their community Heart Walk, raising thousands of dollars to support research and AHA programs, as well as participating in Go Red for Women luncheons and speaking on behalf of the Association at their local hospitals.

The family says they will continue to do what they can to advance research. In November, Daniel had his aortic valve replaced at the University of Alabama Hospital. His surgery was a success and the new valve will most likely carry him into adulthood without another procedure.

Thinking about getting more involved with AHA’s advocacy efforts? Tina and her family encourage you to go ahead and do it! “You won’t regret it,” says Tina. “It’s more rewarding than you could ever imagine. You never know when you might be able to make a positive change in someone else’s life.”

Let's step up to the plate and improve school meals, by Cardiologist Dr. Robert DiBianco

2010-11-15T11:23:00.005-05:00

Check out this op-ed by practicing cardiologist and American Heart Association spokesperson Dr. Robert DiBianco:

"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 now ranked 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."

For more information about Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity, visit our website.

About the Author:

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

American Heart Association Honors Eliz Greene, Advocate and Hero

2010-11-15T09:34:00.004-05:00

Ten years ago today, Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack and the miracle cesarean birth of her twin daughters. Since that time, Eliz made it her mission to advocate for the American Heart Association and educate women. Eliz was presented with the Heart Hero award last night in celebration of her 10th Anniversary at a Milwaukee Go Red for Women fashion show.

Watch her story.

Over the years, Eliz has embraced her passion for helping other women through her work as a national spokeswoman for the American Heart Association, super-star fundraiser, Wisconsin Advocacy Committee Chair, published author, award winning blogger, and founder of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative. In addition to the accomplishments just mentioned, she also played an important role in many state advocacy initiatives including the Smoke-Free Indoor Air Act, the Farm-to-School Act - increasing healthy foods available to school children and much more.

She certainly has had much to celebrate. But today, Eliz Greene will celebrate three very special things. She will celebrate her daughters’, Grace and Callie’s 10th birthday, she will celebrate her 10-year anniversary of being a dedicated volunteer with the American Heart Association and she will celebrate her 10-year anniversary of being a heart attack survivor. A few days ago at a speaking engagement Eliz said “I know this experience happened to me for a reason and I walked away knowing it was my duty to educate other women”. Eliz, we cannot thank you enough for making it your mission to help us in this fight.

Join You’re the Cure advocates like Eliz to ask your senators to vote for the Heart Disease Education, Analysis and Research and Treatment (HEART) for Women Act - legislation that aims for meaningful advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Ask your senators to vote for the HEART for Women Act.

AHA Advocate Speaks Out for Patients with Severe CVD

2010-11-12T10:37:00.004-05:00

Dr. Ileana Piña, a You’re the Cure advocate from Ohio, spoke out for patients with severe forms of cardiovascular disease at a November 9th Social Security Administration (SSA) hearing. Dr. Piña represented the American Heart Association at the hearing, which focused on improving the Social Security disability process for patients with severe CVD.

During her presentation, Dr. Piña provided an overview of some of the more severe types of CVD, explained the symptoms patients with CVD may experience, and discussed the different tools that can be used to measure how CVD affects a patient’s ability to function normally. She also recommended that the SSA add several forms of severe CVD such as certain forms of advanced heart failure and certain forms of congenital heart disease to the agency’s “compassionate allowances” list. The compassionate allowances list includes medical conditions that are so severe that they prevent patients from working and performing normal day-to-day activities. The SSA uses the compassionate allowances list to quickly identify individuals with serious medical conditions who will likely qualify for disability benefits, shortening and simplifying the disability application process for these individuals.

The SSA will take the information it learned at the hearing to determine what forms of severe CVD should be added to the compassionate allowances list.

For more information about the hearing or the compassionate allowances process, see http://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/.

CEO Nancy Brown Stresses Importance of Anti-Tobacco Initiatives

2010-11-08T10:23:00.004-05:00

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States, and is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke!

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown says the large amount of adults who smoke in the United States reinforces the need to implement strong anti-tobacco legislation across the country at the local, state, and federal levels.

As tobacco’s financial and health implications continue to plague many communities, the AHA urges elected officials to support increases in tobacco taxes, provide adequate funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, pass and protect comprehensive smoke-free air laws, and ensure implementation of FDA regulation of tobacco. These measures have proven successful in states with the lowest smoking rates.

Need help quitting or want to help a friend with smoking cessation? Visit the AHA's Quit Smoking page for more information.

Advocate Spotlight! Dr. David Goff

2010-11-03T17:23:00.006-04:00

Dr. David Goff, a You’re the Cure advocate from North Carolina, knows the importance of fighting heart disease and stroke on a professional level and a personal one. Having watched both his father and grandfather suffer from major disabling strokes, Dr. Goff, as a young medical professional, committed his career to research focused on prevention of heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Goff has also used that commitment and passion to drive his volunteer work with the American Heart Association over the years. As an advocate, he has contributed his expertise and leadership to advance policy changes that create heart-healthy and stroke-smart communities, including passage of the Smoke-Free in NC bill through the State Assembly. “Working with other AHA volunteers, including our survivors, and the dedicated staff, especially Betsy Vetter, to get Smoke-Free in NC through the legislative process has been a high point in my advocacy work with the AHA. I am looking forward to other successes in the years ahead,” he said.

In addition to his outstanding advocacy work, Dr. Goff has served on local, state, and national AHA boards, committees, and science councils, all in addition to his job as the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention and Professor of Public Health Sciences and Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

When asked about why he feels being a You’re the Cure advocate is important, Dr. Goff said, “Participation in You're the Cure is how our science is translated into policies and programs that create heart healthy and stroke smart communities." And he encourages others to make the commitment to get involved, remarking on difference we can achieve and the lifelong friends with staff and fellow advocates he has made along the way.

News from the Hill: AHA Co-Hosts Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month Event

2010-11-03T13:54:00.003-04:00

The American Heart Association helped host an event on October 5th to mark Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. AHA volunteer Lance Becker, M.D., - one of the country’s leading SCA response experts and a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania – served as the expert speaker. Dr. Becker described the prevalence of SCA, it’s stunningly high death rate, and his work to stem the tide.

In recognition of their contributions to raising awareness of SCA through the media, Robert Langreth and Matthew Herper of Forbes and David Epstein of Sports Illustrated received awards from the Coalition. Congresswoman Betty Sutton was recognized for her championship of H.R. 1380, the Josh Miller HEARTS Act. This legislation – which passed the House in June - authorizes the Department of Education to provide funding to local schools for the purchase of AEDs.

Brian Buck, a 30-year-old SCA survivor, told his story about suffering SCA while playing soccer. Fortunately, Cheryl Victoria, the coordinator for exercise physiology and fitness services at the ConocoPhillips Wellness Center, responded quickly and effectively to the emergency using an AED and CPR. Buck regained a pulse and was taken to a hospital where he received therapeutic hypothermia, a treatment that cools the body to prevent organ damage. He has since made a full recovery. The event culminated with CPR training lead by Dr. Becker.

View more pictures from the event!

The AHA encourages you to get moving!

2010-11-01T09:35:00.003-04:00

By exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day you can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, studies show that for every hour of walking, you may increase your life expectancy by two hours. The time to get moving is now! Start with a small goal and commit to it regularly. It won't be long before you're enjoying the benefits of an active life.

Visit the AHA's Getting Healthy page to learn more about physical activity tips and facts.

Today is World Stroke Day!

2010-10-29T11:01:00.003-04:00

Did you know that one in every six people worldwide will have a stroke during their lifetime?

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and the second-leading cause of death in the world. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Find out what you can do to Act Now by using American Heart Association and American Stroke Association tools and resources at www.powertoendstroke.org/tools-risk.html.

The World Stroke Organization also wants you to Act Now by taking on these six challenges to lower your stroke risk:

- Know the risk factors for stroke that you can do something about — high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol — and work to keep them in a healthy range
- Be physically active and exercise regularly
- Adopt a healthy diet.
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now
- Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action

"How do my donations to the American Heart Association make a difference?"

2010-10-25T11:19:00.002-04:00

Thinking about making a donation to the American Heart Association but you don't know how the money is used? Your donation can make a difference! When you donate to the American Heart Association, you are joining us in the fight against our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers – heart disease and stroke. Your donation will support such life-saving efforts as research, education, advocating for better health, improving patient care and reaching populations at risk.

$5 can provide resources for one of 200,000 You're the Cure volunteers to encourage their local, state, and federal lawmakers to make changes on important issues such as menu labeling and state health programs.

$10 can make it easier for people to find AEDs in public places. This donation covers the costs of placing nine identification stickers in public places, directing people to these devices that can save someone's life. Congress mandated the public placement of AEDs in response to AHA lobbyists.

$15 can reach 100 African-American or Hispanic individuals with heart disease and stroke prevention information, and encourages them to participate in Search Your Heart, our cultural health program.

$30 can educate two healthcare providers via webinar about Get with the Guidelines -- Outpatient or any of our programs that continually improve clinical care.

$40/month for a year sends a doctor or scientist to the International Stroke Conference to learn the latest advancements in the treatment and prevention of stroke.

Every donation, big or small, helps the AHA work towards its mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The 2010 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care are here!

2010-10-20T16:28:00.004-04:00

CPR is as easy as C-A-B! Watch our YouTube video to learn about the changes to the Guidelines for CPR released on October 18th- so you can be prepared to perform CPR and possibly save a life.

Check it out at www.youtube.com/americanheartassoc!

For more information, visit www.heart.org/cpr.

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Supports Efforts to Ensure Health Coverage for Children with Pre-Existing Conditions

2010-10-15T10:32:00.003-04:00

In a recent news relsease, AHA's CEO Nancy Brown said, "Too often, our nation’s vulnerable populations face enormous difficulties securing quality and affordable coverage in the health care system. Many children born with congenital heart disease or stroke have been unable to obtain health insurance coverage in the non-group market because they have a pre-existing medical condition. Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius reminded states and insurance companies of their role in ensuring children and their families have health coverage options secured under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."

Read the full statement here.

Help Bring Prevention Programs to More States!

2010-10-11T11:22:00.003-04:00

We know Members of Congress face tough choices on spending in this difficult economy. They need to understand how important preventing heart disease and stroke is to the American public. With its limited resources, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spends just 16 cents per person on heart disease and stroke prevention each year. That isn't enough! Send a message today in support of funding for the CDC's Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program.

The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program saves lives by educating Americans about heart disease and stroke and helping them control certain risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps improve emergency response and quality of care for heart disease and stroke patients.

Learn more and take action today at http://www.capitolconnect.com/yourethecure/takeaction.aspx.

It's Crunch Time for Childhood Obesity... Reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act This Year!

2010-10-08T10:58:00.002-04:00

Today, our nation's kids are struggling to maintain healthy lifestyles, complete with proper nutrtion and physical activity. But through the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, Congress can be part of the solution. Please do your part to get the job done on the Child Nutrition Act this year and ensure that the final bill includes:

Increased funding for the school meal programs to help improve nutrition standards
Restrictions on the junk food sold in cafeterias, snack shops, and vending machines
Guidelines to strengthen local wellness policies that establish the nutrition and physical activity goals of school districts

Support the Child Nutrition Act and help it get passed when Congress reconvenes after the November midterm elections! Contact your representative today through www.capitolconnect.com/yourethecure/fastaction.aspx?AlertID=17866.

Find a Heart Walk near you!

2010-10-04T16:06:00.003-04:00

The Start! Heart Walk brings communities together in celebration of progress in the fight against heart diseases and stroke. This inspirational day is filled with energy, excitement, and hope!

The funds you raise in Start! Heart Walk will support projects like these:

Putting up-to-the-minute research into doctors' hands so they can better prevent and treat heart disease among patients

Groundbreaking pediatric heart and stroke research to help save the lives of the 36,000 babies born with heart defects each year

Getting live-saving information to those who need it most--information that can save a life, like how to eat better, how to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, and how to talk to a doctor about critical health choices.

The American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk has a new website that now makes it easier to find cities and nationwide teams. This site also hosts a community team page with heart health information, provides opportunities to share personal health stories, and sends fun e-cards to friends and family. Visit now at http://www.startheartwalk.org/!

The American Heart Association recommends regular physical activity in order to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Sign up for a Heart Walk today and don't forget to visit the You're the Cure booth!

Story of Hope: Jessica Neary

2010-10-04T09:12:00.004-04:00

Check out the most recent AHA Story of Hope! Jessica Neary's battle with heart disease began when she was 10 months old. Today, she's a teenager, still suffering from the effects of Kawasaki disease. Read her story to learn why she's been an active advocate for improving our nation's health care system.

Read more about her story at www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Stories-of-Hope_UCM_001809_Article.jsp.

Donate today to help people like Jessica, or become an advocate with You're The Cure. You can also get involved with one of our many causes, like Go Red For Women, Start! Heart Walk, or Power to End Stroke. Try taking a CPR class or volunteer in your local community!

Former American Heart Association Chairman Appointed to National Health Care Workforce Commission!

2010-10-01T16:06:00.005-04:00

Do you want an adequate and well-trained health workforce to meet your family's health needs? So does Neil Meltzer!

The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that former Chairman of the Board Neil Meltzer has been selected to serve as a member of the National Health Care Workforce Commission.

But what is the National Health Care Workforce Commission and what does it do? The commission was created under the new health care reform law and acts to ensure that we have an adequate and well-qualified health care workforce to meet the current and future health care needs of all Americans.

Neil Meltzer has proven to be a valuable You're the Cure champion, advocating for the interests and needs of health care consumers and patients, including those with heart disease and stroke, throughout the congressional debate on health care reform. In this new position, Melzer will have the opportunity to continue his work on behalf of all You're the Cure advocates!

Congratulations Neil!

Want to read the complete press statement? It's available at www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=1131.

Advocate Spotlight! Couple Shares Story to Inspire Change

2010-09-29T17:27:00.002-04:00

Since suffering a serve and debilitating stroke in 2004 at the age of 53, Rob Mateus and his wife, Kristine (pictured second and thrid from right), have been unstoppable. This Utah couple worked together through ten weeks at a rehabilitation facility, followed by 18 months of outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Thanks to the excellent care he received, and Kristine’s support, Rob’s recovery has been better than expected.

Now, the husband and wife team work together to promote education, research, funding and support for programs to put heart disease and stroke at the forefront of public awareness. “We didn’t realize how widespread heart disease and stroke are, or the breadth of its consequences to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our hope is by telling Rob’s story and actively participating in activities that promote awareness, we can contribute to the efforts of the AHA/ASA to significantly reduce the occurrences of many of these preventable conditions,” said Kristine.

Together, Rob and Kristine have traveled to their state capital and to Washington, DC to meet with their elected officials. Most recently, they met with Representative Jim Matheson while he was home for August Recess to discuss issues including nutrition in schools, women’s heart health, and funding for research- and thanks to their efforts, the Congressman agreed to cosponsor the HEART for Women Act!

“Contacting our legislators has been especially interesting and much easier than we would have imagined. Both locally and in Washington, our lawmakers have been receptive to our requests for their time and their support. Constituent input is important to them and they do listen.”

Keep up the great work Rob and Kristine! Thank you for all you do!

Heard on the Hill- ‘Lame Duck’ Session

2010-09-29T17:18:00.003-04:00

With Election Day just around the corner, you are likely hearing political pundits talking about the “lame duck” session that will follow the elections. But what exactly is a “lame duck” session?

“Lame duck” sessions occur when Congress reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections. Some lawmakers who return for this session will not hold a seat in the next Congress, therefore, they are informally called "lame ducks".

This year, the “lame duck” session convenes on November 15th. That means lawmakers will have about six weeks to pass legislation before the session ends in December. Any bill that is still pending at the end of a congressional session dies, forcing lawmakers to start from scratch, reintroducing it at the start of a new two-year term, which begins in January.

The American Heart Association will be particularly focused on moving the HEART for Women Act through the Senate and the Child Nutrition Act through the House during the "lame duck" session to complete the work on those bills. We'll be calling on advocates like you to push Members to act before time runs out.

Idaho Bill Helps Make AEDs More Accessible

2010-09-29T16:59:00.002-04:00

Idaho has a reason to celebrate! This year, the state successfully passed a bill to protect businesses that want to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in their buildings from liability, helping to make AEDs more accessible to more people. Before the passage of this bill, many Idaho businesses wanted to place AEDs in their workplaces or public places, yet refused to do so fearing law suits.

The campaign started at a local Go Red for Women event, where Boise Mayor David Beiter, shared his experience with an AED. During a council meeting, an individual in the audience went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, an AED placed in city hall was used to save this person’s life. After sharing his experience, Mayor Beiter got 300 participants at the event to sign petition postcards to state legislators, showing their support of this life-saving legislation.

Brad Dixon, the chair of AHA’s Idaho State Advocacy Advisory Committee, led the volunteer effort to meet with key legislators on the committees who would decide this bill’s fate. Using his experience as an attorney and a You’re the Cure advocate, his expertise was invaluable to shaping and moving the legislation.

Congratulations Idaho You’re the Cure advocates on the passage of this critical legislation!

Child Nutrition Act Update- Still Time to Act!

2010-09-27T16:51:00.003-04:00

The Bad News: The anticipated House vote on the Child Nutrition Act was delayed last week.

The Good News: We still have a chance to get the bill passed by the end of the month! Tell your Representative to finish the work on the Child Nutrition Act NOW!

Are you ready for September 23rd?

2010-09-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

September 23rd marks the six-month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law- and for the 81 million Americans living with heart disease or stroke, and the millions more at risk, it is definitely a date to take note of. That's because a number of new health care protections, which will help improve patients' access to affordable care, will take effect that day.

Do you know what this means for you?

If not, you're not alone. That's why the American Heart Association is here as a resource for patients and their families. As an informed consumer, it is critical for you to understand what's changing and what options are available to you in order to access and afford the quality care you need and deserve.

By visiting our website, www.heartsforhealthcare.org, you will find:

1. Information about the patients protections taking effect this week, such as:

- Eliminating lifetime caps on coverage and restricting annual limits

- Prohibiting coverage denials to children based on pre-existing conditions

- Allowing young adults (under age 26) to remain covered under their parent's plan

- Providing preventative services for free under new health plans (and in Medicare starting January 1)

- Prohibiting insurance companies from rescinding coverage if you get sick

2. A series of short videos featuring AHA experts who answer your fellow volunteers' questions about the health care law and the new protections mentioned above.

3. Links to other resources to provide you with additional information and tools to learn about the protections and options available to you.

The American Heart Association has long recognized that ensuring patients have access to the care they need is critical to our mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. We hope you will seek out the information you need to learn about how the new law will affect you, so you can take full advantage of these new consumer provisions and patient protections.

Let's Flood the Fax Machines on Capitol Hill

2010-09-14T10:14:00.001-04:00

August Recess is over and Congress is back in action this week- which means it's time for the House of Representatives to resume its work to get the Child Nutrition Act passed.

Today, the American Heart Association is running an ad in Politico, to help stress the importance of prioritizing action on the Child Nutrition Act this month. Now, we need your help to ensure every Representative sees the ad and gets the message: It's crunch time for childhood obesity!

Will you fax the ad to your Representative today?

We've made it easy! Just follow the simple steps below:

1. Download and print a copy of the AHA's Child Nutrition Act ad.
2. Write a personal message on a cover sheet for your fax, including your name and address.
3. Fax the ad to your Representative (you can find their fax number on their website).
4. Let us know you faxed the ad by reporting your action!

The Senate has already passed the Child Nutrition Act, so it is up to the House of Representatives to make healthier classrooms and cafeterias a reality for our kids this year.

But time is ticking. Before our Representatives' attention shifts to the upcoming elections, we need to ensure they devote their attention to the health of our kids. By getting the ad in front of your Representative today, you can help keep the pressure up until the job is done.

Thank you for your continued work to fight for healthy kids!

We Want to Hear Your Story!

2010-09-01T14:04:00.003-04:00

With implementation of the new health care law underway, making health care coverage more accessible and affordable to millions of Americans, we want to hear your health care story!
By sharing your personal story about the new health care reforms that have benefitted you or your family, you can help educate your fellow heart disease and stroke patients about the new coverage options and protections that may be available to them as well.

Do you have a child with a pre-existing condition who is now eligible for coverage?

Have you encountered problems with lifetime caps in the past- which are now prohibited?

Are you a young adult (under 26 years old) who can now stay covered under your parent’s plan?

Have you put off preventative care in the past because you couldn’t afford it?

Are you or someone you know enrolled in the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan?

Are you a senior who has recently received a rebate check to make it easier to purchase prescription drugs?

Have you had your insurance policy cancelled after you got sick, which is now prohibited?

If you fit any of the profiles above, let us know! Your story won’t be used without your consent, but as opportunities to share patient stories come up, whether it is on the web, through the media, or at events, we’ll be able to reach out to you to discuss your interest in helping further.

Get Answers to Your Questions about the New Health Reform Law

2010-09-01T13:29:00.004-04:00

If you’re like most Americans, you have questions about how the new health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act, will affect you and your family. A number of new protections and reforms take effect on September 23rd, the six-month anniversary of the law. The American Heart Association has launched a series of brief videos in which AHA experts will answer some of the most common questions posed by patients and consumers about the new law. To view these videos, visit http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/.

It’s important that all consumers know about the new protections afforded to them in their dealings with their insurance companies. The following insurance reforms are among those that take effect starting with health insurance plan years beginning on or after September 23rd (for many Americans, this will be January 1, 2011):

Children under age 19 can no longer be denied insurance coverage because they have a preexisting medical condition;

Health insurance plans can no longer cancel coverage when an individual becomes sick (except in rare cases of fraud);

Young adults without their own employer-provided health insurance are able to stay on their parents’ policy until age 26;

Lifetime caps on insurance coverage are prohibited;

Annual dollar limits on coverage are being phased out, beginning this year. For plan years beginning after September 23rd, 2010, annual dollar limits lower than $750,000 will be prohibited;

New private health plans and some existing health plans are required to cover evidence-based preventive screenings and services at no additional cost to the consumer;

New private health plans and some existing plans are prohibited from requiring individuals to get prior approval before seeking emergency care at a hospital outside of their plan’s network and they can no longer charge higher co-pays or deductibles for emergency care received at an out-of-network hospital; and

New Preexisting Condition Insurance Plans are available in every state to provide health insurance to individuals who have a preexisting medical condition and have been uninsured for at least six months.

The new videos launched by the American Heart Association provide more information about many of these new provisions of the law. In the videos, AHA CEO Nancy Brown, AHA President Dr. Ralph Sacco, AHA Past President Dr. Clyde Yancy, and AHA Chief Science Officer Dr. Rose Marie Robertson answer questions about these new protections. To watch the videos, visit http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/.

New Campaign Promotes Healthy Lifestyles in Houston

2010-08-30T13:22:00.000-04:00

Today, it’s extremely important to have adequate information about caloric content at the point of purchase to make healthier, more informed choices and to combat increasing obesity rates. The Houston DINEs (Dining Information & Nutrition Education) campaign provides this type of information and more to residents in Houston, Texas.

The campaign, launched July 2010, is spearheaded by spokesperson Dr. James T. Willerson, and The Biggest Loser contestants Cherita and Victoria Andrews, a mother/daughter duo who successfully lost over 250 lbs combined because of their awareness about the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles. Houston DINEs believes that if residents, similar to Victoria and Cherita, are educated about healthier food options, they will be able to make healthier life choices.

You’re the Cure advocates have been contacting their city council members to raise awareness among legislators as well. Advocates recognize that city leaders can do a lot to promote healthy lifestyles and need to be part of the solution to combating obesity in Houston.

As the campaign continues forward, follow all of the latest news and tips on the Houston DINEs blog- http://www.houstondines.blogspot.com/

Keep up the good work Houston!

Progress in Policy!

2010-08-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

The American Heart Association has launched a new interactive online report highlighting major federal, state and local policy victories for FY ’09 – ’10. Progress in Policy outlines advances in legislative and regulatory issues that benefit heart disease and stroke patients and their loved ones – health reform, research and prevention funding, tobacco control, emergency cardiac care and stroke systems of care.

The articles, videos and photos in this interactive report provide an insider’s view of the remarkable work of our You’re the Cure advocates, volunteers and staff including those who met with lawmakers, testified at state capitol and congressional hearings and responded to alerts and calls to action with thousands of calls and emails to their representatives. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we have moved closer to our goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% and reducing death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20% by the year 2020.

National Physical Activity Plan Provides Roadmap for Community Change

2010-08-23T14:34:00.003-04:00

The American Heart Association is one of 15 chairs leading implementation of the National Physical Activity Plan -- an effort to motivate people in every community to become and stay physically active, and to remove the barriers that may stand in their way.

Released this past spring, the Plan focuses on increasing physical activity in places where Americans live, work, learn and play through environmental and policy change. It unites professionals across sectors – in medicine and public health, transportation and urban planning, business, education and recreation – to help individuals integrate physical activity into their daily lives.

“The Plan aims to create a national culture that supports physically active lifestyles. Its ultimate purpose is to improve health, prevent disease and disability, and enhance quality of life,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Most people know that physical activity is a key to good health. But getting moving is often easier said than done. The National Physical Activity Plan provides a roadmap to help put Americans on the path toward healthy living.”

The Plan is a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and initiatives that aim to increase physical activity in all segments of the American population. The Plan is the product of a private-public sector collaborative. Hundreds of organizations are working together to change our communities in ways that will enable every American to achieve the recommended physical activity levels of 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes for children.

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan is comprised of recommendations that are organized in eight societal sectors. AHA is a co-leader of the Business and Industry sector of the implementation plan. Components of this part of the plan include:

Identifying and summarizing best practices and model interventions in the workplace, establishing the Plan as an industry leading “go-to” resource, and evaluate effective physical activity interventions in the workplace. The Business and Industry Sector will also develop and implement an integrated communications and outreach plan in order to engage, inform and inspire business and industry leaders to champion physical activity intervention best practices in their own organizations, throughout their industries, and in their local communities and the group will work on developing legislation and policy agendas that promote employer-sponsored physical activity programs while protecting individual employees’ and dependents’ rights. The AHA will also help support strategies in other sectors of the Plan. Communities across the nation are already taking action to make the healthy choice, the easy choice.

The American Heart Association has been driving efforts to increase physical activity in the workplace with the Start! Friendly-Fit Companies program. Now, more employers and workers are creating a healthier environment on the job to improve physical activity with comprehensive workplace wellness programs. Such programs boost productivity and reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs. The Start! program intends to reach out to other communities to start a legacy of physical activity for all Americans. www.startwalkingnow.org.

AHA also supports efforts to boost physical activity among children. The association strongly backs the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act, federal legislation that would ensure children are receiving quality physical education. This policy requires the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to make physical education a priority in the schools’ curriculum. Locally, AHA is aggressively pursuing state policies that would require that children receive physical education as part of a well-rounded curriculum.With more walking and biking paths, comprehensive workplace wellness programs and school and community partnerships, we can build physical activity into the lives of all Americans and dramatically reduce risk factors for chronic diseases. For more information on how to get involved please visit the National Physical Activity Plan web site: http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/.

August Recess Challenge!

2010-08-16T10:04:00.004-04:00

Senators heard your message: they did the responsible thing for our kids and passed the Child Nutrition Act before adjourning for recess.

But now that Members of Congress are beginning their August Recess, we need to make sure the House of Representatives doesn’t forget they have unfinished business on Capitol Hill- Passage of the Child Nutrition Act!

Our Representatives need to see that when schools and Congress are back in session this fall, millions of kids will be counting on them to take action to make cafeterias and classrooms healthier places.

So, help us show them! Deliver the Child Nutrition photo petition to your Representative today- either virually, or in-person. It's easy!

1) Virtual delivery: Click here to send our Child Nutrition photo petition link to your Rep. Don't foget to personalize your message and encourage family and friends to take action too!

2) In-person delivery: You can print off a copy of the Child Nutrition photo petition to drop-off at your Representative's district office. Just visit your Representative's website to find the district office closest to you and stop-by with your petition copy in hand. Don't forget to include a personal note on the back, including your name and address.

With one out of three kids in this country struggling with childhood obesity, the need to provide our kids with healthier options is immediate. The Child Nutrition Act will strengthen nutrition standards for school meals and expand opportunities for physical activity- but we will only see these provisions become a reality if the House of Representatives passes the bill.

Thank you for doing your part to keep the health of our kids at the forefront of your Representative’s mind during August Recess!

New York Hikes Cigarette Tax to Highest in Nation

2010-08-02T14:08:00.005-04:00

Dressed in red on March 15, New York You’re the Cure advocates met with over forty legislative offices to voice their support for increasing the state’s cigarette tax- and their show of support worked!

Starting on July 1, the state’s cigarette tax increased by $1.60, making the total tax per pack $4.35, the highest in the nation. It is estimated this will encourage over 100,000 adult smokers to quit and prevent over 170,000 kids from ever beginning this deadly habit. The budget bill also includes language to curb cigarette tax evasion. And to encourage smokers to kick the habit rather than switch to lower priced tobacco products, the budget also includes the following:

-Increases the tax on other tobacco products - like cigars, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco - from 46 percent to 75 percent of wholesale price;
-Increases the tax on snuff from $0.96 per ounce to $2.00 per ounce; and
-Imposes a tax on "little cigars" at a rate equivalent to the cigarette tax rate.

Numerous volunteers from throughout the state also helped secure this victory by writing letters to their local papers and calling their legislators to express their support for a high cigarette tax. Congratulations to New York You’re the Cure advocates for achieving this important legislative victory, and helping New York become the highest tax per pack state in the nation!

News from the Hill- Appropriations Process is Underway

2010-08-02T10:03:00.003-04:00

Congressional appropriators have begun deciding how federal budget resources will be spent in the year ahead, including making decisions about funding for research and prevention programs. It can be a long and confusing process, and we wanted to give you a sense of how things will unfold.

In mid-July, a House of Representatives subcommittee approved their version of the bill that sets funding levels for many of the programs important to the American Heart Association. A comparable Senate subcommittee and the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved their version of the funding bill last week. The full House Appropriations Committee has yet to take action. Eventually, Members from the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be assigned to a conference committee to work out any differences between their two bills. That final negotiated bill will have to be approved by the full House and Senate before it can be sent onto the President for his signature.

It is expected that this process will not be completed until late 2010 or even early 2011, but there will be opportunities for you to continue taking action to help secure the highest funding levels for heart disease and stroke research, prevention and treatment programs. Though many of the proposed funding levels have not been made public, we do know that thanks to your help, the House Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee each approved $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health, which supports heart and stroke research. This is lower than the amount we requested, but in this challenging fiscal environment, it’s a step in the right direction. When the need arises to remind lawmakers that fighting heart disease and stroke must be a priority, you can expect to hear from You’re the Cure!

American Heart Association’s Successful Federal Advisory Committee Appointments

2010-08-01T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Effective Health Care Stakeholders Group, which develops evidence on the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of different treatments and healthcare interventions of importance to the Medicare, Medicaid and State Child Health Insurance programs;
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee, which advises the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS on whether medical items and services are “reasonable and necessary” for Medicare coverage; and
The Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, which advises the FDA commissioner on the regulation of tobacco products. The committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence and health issues relating to tobacco.

Happy Anniversary to Medicare

2010-07-30T13:58:00.002-04:00

Forty-five years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law, establishing the foundation for today’s Medicare, which provides more than 44 million seniors and people with disabilities with guaranteed health care benefits and higher quality care than ever before.

"The signing of Medicare forged a promise with older Americans -- that those who have contributed a lifetime to our national life and economy can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and the security of reliable medical insurance," wrote President Obama in a Presidential proclamation issued today, which proclaims July 30, 2010 as the 45th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.

This year's passage of the Affordable Care Act represents another step forward for the Medicare program. The law ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will continue to receive their guaranteed benefits and will provide new benefits and lower costs, including closing the prescription drug coverage gap, eliminating co-pays and cost-sharing for most preventive screenings and providing greater coordination of care among providers.

Meet Kenny Taylor

2010-07-29T14:41:00.003-04:00

Kenny is an active You’re the Cure advocate in Austin, Texas. As a heart disease survivor and successful businessman in the community, he is committed to helping others make positive changes in their lives and speaking out on their behalf. Kenny first experienced heart disease in 2003 when he suffered his first pulmonary embolism in, and then most recently in 2008. The latest embolism was more advanced because it actually led to the enlarging of the heart. The first organization Kenny turned to was the American Heart Association. "You’re the Cure is a message that resonates loud and clear with me, it’s a constant reminder that I control my destiny regarding my health and well-being. As a result of the resources and confidence that the American Heart Association has instilled in me, there are many positive life changes I have made,” he said.

As a You’re the Cure advocate, Kenny has been involved in state and federal policy initiatives. He finds delivering public testimony the most fulfilling action to impact lawmakers. While the Texas Legislature was out of session last year, Kenny was able to provide written testimony to the House Education Committee in support of strengthening physical education standards in Texas. Kenny says, “being able to deliver our message in a variety of ways is helpful and rewarding to me as a volunteer.”

Kenny not only volunteers his time as an advocate, but also as a Power to End Stroke ambassador. In his role as an ambassador, Kenny proactively shares his story with others and strives to educate his audience on prevention of heart disease and stroke by highlighting resources available from the American Heart Association. This past year, Kenny had the opportunity to work with the Power to End Stroke Gospel Tour. AHA held auditions for the tour in each city, and the winner was allowed to open for Grammy award winning artist Kirk Franklin. Kenny tells us, “I had the pleasure of speaking at the auditions and sharing my story to all of the contestants – around 500. It was enjoyable to let the contestants know they were competing for more than just sharing the stage with Kirk; if they won they would be part of an event that would educate and improve thousands of lives."

What is the message Kenny wants to share with others? Getting involved is easy, convenient, and anyone can do it. Thank you, Kenny Taylor, for all you do as a volunteer for the American Heart Association!

New Preventive Benefits Coming Soon

2010-07-20T11:44:00.002-04:00

If all Americans took the recommended steps to improve their cardiovascular health, the number of heart attacks could be cut by two-thirds and the number of strokes by a third. The American Heart Association encourages individuals to learn about Life’s Simple 7 steps to improve their heart health, http://mylifecheck.heart.org/. But far too few individuals benefit from access to screening tests or counseling on adopting healthy behaviors. The good news is that the Affordable Care Act requires new private health insurance plans and Medicare to provide recommended preventive services for free, beginning soon.

It’s never too late to make better choices for health, and the American Heart Association has adopted a challenging new goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by 2020. The first step to improving your health is to know your risk, and the new preventive benefits made available by the Affordable Care Act will help ensure that more Americans have access to the screening and counseling they need to do just that. Among the screening tests and preventive services that will be required to be covered with no co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles are the following services aimed at preventing heart disease and stroke:

-Blood pressure screening;
-Tests to screen for high cholesterol and diabetes;
-Screening for obesity and counseling from health professionals to promote sustained weight loss;
-Counseling on the use of daily aspirin;
-Tobacco cessation interventions, such as counseling or medication to help individuals quit.

The new rules implementing these provisions of the Affordable Care Act were issued in July by the Obama Administration. For those covered by new health plans, these new benefits will start with plan years beginning after September 23, 2010 (for many Americans, this will mean that this new benefit will begin January 1, 2011). For Medicare beneficiaries, free coverage of these preventive benefits will begin January 1, 2011. Also beginning on January 1, 2011, Medicare will cover an annual, individually tailored wellness visit for Medicare beneficiaries.

To learn more about these new preventive benefits, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/law/about/provisions/services/index.html.

Lincoln, Miller Call on President to Make Child Nutrition Legislation a Priority

2010-07-13T15:34:00.004-04:00

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Congressman George Miller (D-Calif.) , Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to make child nutrition reauthorization a top legislative priority this year. Read the full text of the letter below...

July 13, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama
President
United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

We write to you today regarding the pending reauthorization process for Federal child nutrition programs that we are currently leading in Congress. The support you have provided along with the First Lady’s passion on this issue has been greatly appreciated. As our process moves forward, it is important to highlight the path ahead and the additional steps that must be taken to ensure a successful legislative outcome. To that end, we respectfully request your assistance in ensuring that a strong reauthorization is delivered to your desk for signature before the programs expire on September 30.

As you know, child nutrition programs were extended for one year last fall. Prior to, and since that time, our respective Committees have worked closely together and with your Administration in order to develop reauthorization legislation that mirrors many of your recommendations to address two of the greatest threats to the health and security of America’s children: hunger and obesity. This year represents our best opportunity to see those efforts enacted into law.

Additionally, since last fall both chambers have been actively engaged in a bipartisan fashion to move forward legislation and maintain political momentum for the reauthorization process. In the House of Representatives, a bipartisan majority of 221 members of Congress sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi in strong support of reauthorizing child nutrition programs this year. In the Senate, a bipartisan majority of 53 senators sent a letter to Senate leadership urging swift passage of the child nutrition bill that was unanimously approved by the Agriculture Committee at the end of March.

Despite strong support and the popularity of child nutrition programs, our respective chambers continue to face challenges to enacting reauthorization legislation, the biggest of which is time. There are precious few legislative work weeks available between now and September 30th. Given these circumstances, your assistance in making this legislation a top priority for your Administration and communicating that priority to the leadership in the House and Senate is absolutely critical to ensuring that both chambers are able to send you a full reauthorization this year.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who has been a forceful advocate for child nutrition within the Administration, put it best when he recently testified before Congress. “The bottom line from my perspective is that I can’t think of anything more important than getting [child nutrition] done this year…If we don’t do this this year, this is not going to get any easier. It’s going to get much, much tougher in the future.” We could not agree with Secretary Vilsack more, and Congress and the Administration must work collectively in order to pass the best bill possible and avoid another extension of current law.

Given the difficult political environment and partisanship within Congress today, child nutrition reauthorization represents one of our best opportunities to enact legislation that enjoys broad bipartisan support. Our children, and their families, deserve nothing less than our strongest leadership to see that bipartisanship passed into law. Through our combined efforts and with a strong push from you, we can maximize the likelihood of Congress passing, and you signing into law, this critically-needed legislation before the programs expire.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to continuing to work with you on this important priority.

Sincerely,

Blanche Lincoln & George Miller

You're the Cure in North Carolina!

2010-07-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

On June 2, 30 You’re the Cure advocates in North Carolina descended upon the General Assembly in Raleigh to share an important message to their legislators- investing in measures to improve the health of our citizens will save the state money and insure a healthier North Carolina.

Advocates came from far across North Carolina to attend You’re the Cure at the Capitol State Lobby Day. The event kicked off on June 1, with an afternoon training at the American Heart Association headquarters in North Carolina. Advocates heard from state experts on the topics they would be discussing with their legislators the next day. Peg O’Connell, director of the NC Alliance for Health Tobacco Committee, spoke on the importance of investing in an educational campaign to address stroke disparities in Eastern North Carolina.

Stroke is currently the 4th leading cause of death in North Carolina and for the first time since 2000, the number of stroke deaths increased in North Carolina between 2007 and 2008. Since 2008, North Carolina has run a media campaign that has shown statistically significant results in raising awareness about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and get a patient immediate care.

Advocates used this information to ask the state legislature to continue to fund this incredibly important campaign. In addition, advocates spoke out about the need to test children’s fitness in schools and provide healthy foods in cafeterias. “I love Lobby Day!” says Yolanda Dickerson, a long-time You’re the Cure volunteer. “Lobby Day gives advocacy a face! It makes a difference to legislators when they meet advocates face to face.” On the day of the event, the association also sponsored a press conference at the General Assembly that honored “Heartsavers.” Heartsavers are ordinary citizens who performed CPR in a time of need and helped save a life. Thanks to all our volunteers in NC for all their hard work!

Ohio’s fight against childhood obesity

2010-07-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

A year ago, top Ohio business leaders took notice of the problem of childhood obesity and joined forces with the American Heart Association to curb the trend. On November 17, two bills (one in each chamber) were introduced with bipartisan support. The Healthy Choices for Healthy Children campaign had begun in earnest.

After introduction, You’re the Cure (YTC) advocates connected with advocates from the Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD) as the key proponents for quality physical education. Together, advocates supported the bills with media advocacy, letters to the editor and even a press event, resulting in great coverage! Legislators heard loud and clear that the You’re the Cure network cared about this issue, including passionate testimony from Great Rivers Affiliate Board Chairperson Joe San Filippo and physical education teacher and YTC advocate Melissa McCarthy.

Opposition was fierce in the final days before the bill‘s passage. While there is always compromise with legislation, advocate support of the bill ensured a much stronger bill, and on June 18, Governor Strickland signed the bill into law. The bill sets standards for beverages and snack items sold outside of the school lunch program; addresses physical education and physical activity by requiring physical education teachers are certified in the area; requires the state to adopt performance indicators to further improve quality and to increase daily physical activity for students; and also requires aggregate Body Mass Index (BMI) reporting to monitor the trend of childhood obesity and evaluate the effectiveness of the bill.

Since its introduction, it has been an amazing journey. Dedicated Ohio You’re the Cure advocates made sure the bill maintained key elements in the fight against childhood obesity.

AHA to Assist Communities Engaged in Obesity Prevention

2010-07-07T14:38:00.003-04:00

The American Heart Association will help communities develop evidence-based strategies to combat obesity under the Department of Health and Human Services Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant program. The association has been awarded a grant to provide technical assistance to government-funded communities to improve health behaviors among local residents.

“This initiative will have a dramatic impact on our ability to create community environments that promote physical activity and healthy eating as obesity rates continue to spiral upward in many areas of the country,” said Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO. “This is an epidemic that must be addressed with community-based interventions that will make it easier for local residents to make healthier choices where they live, learn, eat and play.”

Using a strategic and technical assistance consulting model, the association will offer expertise in obesity policy prevention strategies to help communities lay the groundwork for a sustained initiative that will change environments beyond the goals of the CPPW program. Support will include an assessment of community activities, development of specific campaign plans, coaching and training sessions.

The CPPW program was launched last year to reduce risk factors, prevent chronic disease and promote wellness in both children and adults. This is the first federal government grant awarded to the American Heart Association. In order to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans, the association recognized the need to consider additional funding streams to support specific programs that will facilitate behavior change.

“The American Heart Association has successfully initiated policies and programs on the community level to combat obesity and this grant will supplement our efforts to reach a larger segment of the population,” said Brown. “We strongly believe that Americans can reduce their risk for heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses with improved access to healthy foods and areas that promote physical activity.”

Important Hearing on Child Nutrition

2010-07-01T16:09:00.005-04:00

The House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on HR 5504, an important bill to improve the nutritional quality of meals in schools today. The bill insures that all school children receive healthy and notorious meals year round, not just on school days. On top of that, the bill also sets nutritional standards for food sold outside of cafeterias in our schools. Food sold outside of school hours or in vending machines on school grounds need to be held to the same nutritional standards that food sold in the cafeteria during lunch is.

You’re the Cure advocates and volunteers were on hand during the hearing to show support for the bill. Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Vice President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and member of the American Heart Association’s National Advocacy Coordinating Committee, testified in support of the bill. According to Dr. Sanchez, “The health of America’s children depends on a prescription for healthy food and more physical activity. This bill can play a significant role in improving the health of America’s children, reversing the childhood obesity epidemic, reducing the burden of diabetes, heart and other chronic diseases and demand for expensive medical care, and finally, improving the readiness, willingness, and ability of our future civilian and military workforce – to compete and defend our nation.”

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of military readiness during the hearing. Paul D. Monroe, Major General in the United States Army spoke about how the current obesity crisis crippled the ability of the military to recruit new soldiers. General Monroe stated, “Obesity is the leading medical reason young adults are not qualified to serve. Obesity rates among children and young adults have increased dramatically in recent decades.”

You can play an important role in advancing this important piece of legislation. Click here to send a life saving message to your legislator that you support improved nutrition for America’s children!

American Heart Association’s Successful Federal Advisory Committee Appointments

2010-06-30T13:43:00.000-04:00

During the past year, the American Heart Association secured the appointments of volunteers to several federal advisory committees to help address the needs of heart disease and stroke patients. These committees include:

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Effective Health Care Stakeholders Group, which develops evidence on the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of different treatments and healthcare interventions of importance to the Medicare, Medicaid and State Child Health Insurance programs;

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee, which advises the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS on whether medical items and services are “reasonable and necessary” for Medicare coverage; and

The Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, which advises the FDA commissioner on the regulation of tobacco products. The committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence and health issues relating to tobacco.

New Health Insurance Resources Launch July 1st

2010-06-30T10:59:00.002-04:00

Have you or a loved one had a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or other pre-existing medical condition and been without health insurance coverage for at least six months? If so, you may be eligible for a new insurance program, called Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans, that was created by the new health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act, and begins in many states starting July 1st.

The exact terms and conditions of the coverage will vary depending on which state you live in. Enrollment in about half the states begins July 1st, with the remaining states beginning enrolling people in their plans later this summer.

Although these new plans may not be a feasible option for everyone, they could be a more affordable insurance option for individuals who’ve had difficulty getting coverage in the individual insurance market because of their medical condition. These plans are intended to provide transitional coverage to those who are currently uninsured until January 2014, when additional insurance options and assistance with paying premiums will be made available through state-based health insurance marketplaces called exchanges.

To help you learn more about these new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans or other insurance options that may be available to you, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new website, www.healthcare.gov. The new site is aimed at helping consumers navigate the maze of health care coverage options, both private and public, and better understand what the new health reform law means for them.

AHA Volunteers in Action!

2010-06-28T17:10:00.001-04:00

Recently, AHA You’re the Cure advocate Scott Kneser testified in front of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee about the importance of funding for the National Institute of Health.
But for Scott, this isn’t just an abstract issue. For Scott, NIH funding and research helped save his life. Scott has a genetic heart condition and in 2005 went to the Mayo Clinic and I had a cardiac procedure called a septal myectomy that was done in order to improve the blood flow to his heart. Doctors implanted a cardiac defibrillator inside Scott. The procedure was possible because of government funding.
Here is some of Scott’s testimony.
“My battle with heart disease began in 1982, when I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy with Mitral Valve Prolapse and a heart murmur. In layman’s terms, the main pumping chamber of my heart was enlarged and I had a valve that did not close properly. This condition caused blood to leak from my mitral valve and diminished my blood flow, creating a decrease in my activity level.In 2005, I became more symptomatic and experienced increased fatigue during normal activity, like climbing stairs. My doctors determined that I needed a type of surgery called Septal Myomectomy. During this procedure, my surgeon went through my aortic valve and carved out the enlarged section of muscle on my septum, which separates my heart’s chamber, to improve my blood flow.Also, at this time, I had an implanted cardiac defibrillator placed in my chest to regulate my irregular heartbeats that were discovered during an EKG. This amazing device, a result of your investment in the NIH, keeps me alive by regulating my heart beat. If I have more than five consecutive irregular heartbeats, the ICD “shocks” my heart back into a normal rhythm. I can even hold a magnet over my ICD, which uploads data on my heart. This data is transmitted to my cardiologist via the telephone…
Despite these advances, there is no cure for heart disease and stroke. Heart disease remains our Nation’s No. 1 killer and stroke is still the No. 3 cause of death. Thanks to NIH research, there are survivors like me. But, to bring us closer to a cure, it is critical for Congress to increase funding for NIH heart research--now at only 4% of the budget--and stroke research—still at just 1% of the budget.”
You don’t have to travel to Washington DC to be an advocate like Scott- just click this link to send a life saving message to your legislator.

http://www.researchsaveslives.org/takeaction.aspx

AHA Past President Gardner attends White House Ceremony

2010-06-23T11:40:00.001-04:00

AHA Immediate Past-President Timothy Gardner, M.D. stood up for heart disease and stroke patients young and old at the White House on Tuesday. The ceremony highlighted important regulations to implement provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that will help protect Americans from medical bankruptcy.

“These regulations will provide needed relief to families and individuals who have to make heart-wrenching decisions as they consider treatment options for life-threatening conditions,” said Gardner. “These insurance reforms will remove barriers that prevented some children and adults with heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses from getting affordable, quality care.”

Some of the highlights of the new regulations:

No Discrimination against Children with Pre-Existing Conditions.
Eliminating Lifetime Limits on Insurance Coverage- Prohibits insurers from imposing lifetime limits on benefits.
Regulating Use of Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage
No More Insurance Cancellations- Insurers can no longer cancel a person’s coverage because they become sick.

These new consumer protections will help ensure that health coverage is more affordable and available for heart disease and stroke patients.

Let's Celebrate!

2010-06-22T13:50:00.003-04:00

Let’s celebrate! Today is the one year anniversary of the signing of historic legislation which gave the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products. Starting today tobacco manufacturers will no longer be able to label cigarette packages as “light”, “low”, or “mild”.

Unfortunately, many tobacco manufacturers are still using deceptive techniques to imply that some cigarette packages are safer. The manufacturers of Marlboro are using colored packaging to reinforce the message that certain packages are “light”. The New York City Department of Health has released advertisements to educate the public about these deceptive techniques- Check it out here!

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/smoke/smoke.shtml

You’re the Cure advocates should be proud of the work that we all did to pass this historic legislation. There are still major hurdles ahead, and we should all still push for smoke-free air legislation and higher tobacco taxes. However, today take time to pat yourself on the back for this historic success.

FDA Tobacco Implementation and State/Local Anti-Tobacco Highlights

2010-06-22T13:37:00.002-04:00

Advocates and volunteers of the American Heart Association are making great strides to pursue a tobacco-free America. Since enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009, many provisions of the law have been implemented. For example, in September 2009, candy flavored cigarettes designed to entice kids to start smoking were banned. In June 2010, the sale of tobacco products to minors became a federal offense for the first time. The law now prohibits cigarette manufacturers from making misleading health claims about their products, banning terms like “light” and “low tar” in their marketing. The association continues to shape implementation of the law through regulatory comments submitted to FDA officials.

The association advocates for providing funding and insurance coverage for programs to help tobacco users quit, and increasing cigarette taxes to discourage tobacco use. In the past year, the association has worked with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on expanding coverage of tobacco cessation counseling to all Medicare beneficiaries.

The association continues to find success in efforts to ensure everyone the right to breathe smoke-free air. Kansas and Michigan both passed strong smoke-free air laws that will cover almost all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Elsewhere, seven states have increased tobacco excise taxes to reduce the rate of smoking. The average state cigarette tax is now $1.42 per pack. Other state successes supported by the association include:

-New York passed legislation June 21 that will give the state the highest cigarette tax in the country. The new law adds $1.60 in state taxes to every pack sold starting July 1. The average price of cigarettes in New York City will be even higher, nearly $11 a pack.

-In South Carolina, the Legislature voted May 13 to override the governor’s veto and increase the cigarette tax from 50 cents to 57 cents a pack. This is a huge accomplishment for South Carolina, which has the lowest cigarette tax in the nation and had not increased it since 1977.

-In New Mexico, the cigarette tax was increased by 75 cents after the governor signed legislation to make cigarettes $1.66 a pack.

-Washington and Utah passed $1.00-a-pack increases in their cigarette tax.
-Hawaii raised its cigarette tax by 40 cents a pack.

Healthy Kids?

2010-06-17T10:49:00.002-04:00

Do you know how many kids are struggling with childhood obesity in the U.S.? Or what percentage of schools provide physical education? I think you’ll be shocked to learn the answers .

Take the AHA’s online Healthy Kids Quiz to test your knowledge about the health of our kids and to learn what you can do to make a difference.

Right now, Congress is working on the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization, which is a big opportunity to improve nutrition and physical activity in our nation’s schools. So, we must do our part to urge our legislators to act now and make the health of our kids a priority.

Take the quiz, learn the facts, and help join the AHA’s fight for healthier kids today!

NC State Lobby Day a Success!

2010-06-08T15:34:00.000-04:00

On June 2nd, 30 You’re the Cure advocates in North Carolina descended upon the General Assembly in Raleigh to share an important message to their legislators- investing in measures to improve the health of our citizens will save the state money and insure a healthier North Carolina.

Advocates came from far across North Carolina to attend You’re the Cure at the Capitol State Lobby Day. The event kicked off on June 1st, with an afternoon training at the American Heart Association headquarters in North Carolina. Advocates heard from state experts on the topics they would be discussing with their legislators the next day. Peg O’Connell, director of the NC Alliance for Health Tobacco Committee, spoke on the importance of investing in an educational campaign to address stroke disparities in Eastern North Carolina. Stroke is currently the 4th leading cause of death in North Carolina and for the first time since 2000, the number of stroke deaths increased in North Carolina between 2007 and 2008. Since 2008, North Carolina has run a media campaign that has shown statistically significant results in raising awareness about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and get a patient immediate care. Advocates used this information to ask the state legislature to continue to fund this incredibly important campaign In addition, advocates spoke out about the need to test children’s fitness in schools, and provide healthy foods in cafeterias.

The day of the event, the Heart Association also sponsored a press conference at the General Assembly that honored “Heartsavers”. Heartsavers are ordinary citizens who performed CPR in a time of need and helped save a life.

Thanks to all our volunteers in NC for all their hard work!

American Heart Association and EPA Host Briefings on the Dangers of Air Pollution and Health

2010-06-07T16:22:00.001-04:00

The American Heart Association, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, held two informational briefings to educate congressional staff, media and others about the effects of air pollution and how it can contribute to cardiovascular disease. “Breathe Cleaner, Live Longer,” held May 21 on Capitol Hill, was the first seminar. Association volunteers Arden Pope, Ph.D., and Robert Brook, M.D., discussed their pollution study that appeared in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Their study linked air pollution, cardiovascular disease and death, and they discussed how people with high cardiovascular risk should limit their exposure. The second seminar, “Air Pollution –A Matter of the Heart,” held at the EPA building June 7, revealed facts and statistics on polluted air and its link to cardiovascular disease. Presentations were conducted by several EPA senior scientists and other environmental health science experts.

Deliver a Lunch Tray to Your Legislators!

2010-06-02T18:24:00.004-04:00

Right now, your Members of Congress are in their home districts for Memorial Day recess (May 31st-June 4th), and you can help keep the pressure on Congress in our fight for healthier kids.

All across the country, advocates are "serving-up" lunch tray petitions to their Senators and Representatives, to urge them to pass the Child Nutrition Act this year- and we need you to join in the action! Make sure your legislators are receiving this important message by following the steps below:

1) DOWNLOAD and PRINT your lunch tray petition!
2) PERSONALIZE your petition with a note and your contact information
3) DELIVER a copy of the petition to your Senators and Representative by dropping-by their district offices (you can find the office closest to you by visiting your Members' websites)- OR by faxing a copy into their offices.
4) REPORT BACK to let us know you have delivered your lunch tray petition
5) SHARE this message with family and friends and urge them to deliver their petition too

The health of our kids is too important to accept inaction on the Child Nutrition Act this year. Thank you committing to make this important delivery during the recess period!

WI Passes Bill to Help Educate Students about CPR and AEDs

2010-06-02T08:44:00.003-04:00

On May 10, 2010, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a piece of legislation that requires school boards and school operators to provide high school students instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardio-cerebral resuscitation (hands only) and information on automated external defibrillators (AED). This life saving legislation will be in effect beginning the 2011 school year.

You’re the Cure advocates were fully engaged in support of the bill, sending nearly 500 messages into their legislator’s offices! Advocate Mike Uttech of Green Bay, WI, played a crucial role in securing leadership for the bill. Mike knows the importance of CPR and AED education, having suffered cardiac arrest while on a treadmill at his local health club. Mike’s life was saved by lay rescuers using CPR and an AED. Thanks to their efforts, he recovered well enough to attend a Green Bay Packers football game three days later! Jack Simono, another You’re the Cure advocate and survivor from Two Rivers, WI, also stepped up to help secure leadership for the bill in the state legislature.

At the public hearing for the bill, Mike Uttech shared his story and was joined by yet another You’re the Cure advocate, Jill Rasmussen, a director at a YMCA , who’s considered a hero for saving a life on a racquetball court with CPR and AED.

You’re the Cure advocates were instrumental in the passage of this crucial legislation. Congratulations to Wisconsin for this outstanding success to help get high school students the education they need to save lives!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-02T08:33:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, June 22 marks the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s historic signing of the bill giving the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products. The signing of this legislation was an incredible moment after more than a decade of work among You’re the Cure advocates and others, and it’s only fitting we should celebrate!

Many of the provisions of the new law take effect on this one-year anniversary. Larger, stronger warning labels will now be required on smokeless tobacco packages and advertisements. Misleading health claims like ‘light’, ‘low’, and ‘mild’ will be prohibited on smokeless tobacco and cigarette products. Several provisions aimed at deterring children from tobacco use also take effect on June 22nd. Selling tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 becomes a federal violation for the first time, and there will no longer be sales of cigarette packages containing fewer than 20 cigarettes.

As of June 22nd, America’s kids will be better protected from a lifetime of tobacco addiction and the cardiovascular effects that could come with it. It’s truly a day to celebrate. Happy Anniversary!

12-year-old making 4th trip to D.C. to address lawmakers about stroke

2010-05-28T12:06:00.005-04:00

Check out this great article on You're the Cure Advocate Michelle Ballasiotes from The Agusta Chronicle!

By Tom Corwin

There are not many preteens wrestling with a career choice between therapist and lobbyist but, Michelle Ballasiotes has experience in both. She is making her fourth trip to Washington, D.C., to speak today at a briefing on pediatric stroke for members of Congress sponsored by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and other groups.
The 12-year-old Evans girl suffered a stroke before she was born, which left her with extensive weakness on her right side that required physical and occupational therapy until about a year ago.
"It's never going to be gone completely," Michelle said, noting that her right calf is measurably smaller than the left.
One thing that is not difficult is speaking out on stroke, said her mother, Mary Kay. "She's just passionate about helping other stroke victims and getting more research done," she said. "And without the awareness there isn't going to be any research."
It helps that Michelle likes Washington, Mary Kay said.
"She likes to do it because she likes to spread the word and help other people," she said. "She feels so at home in Washington."
Michelle says she has thought about making advocacy her career.
"It's been between occupational therapy and a lobbyist, but I'm not sure," she said.
"We have many years to change her mind," Mary Kay joked.
It is a testament to her ability as an advocate, however, that she is one of only three speakers invited to the briefing by the heart association.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-05-24/12-year-old-making-4th-trip-dc-address-lawmakers-about-stroke?v=1274752237

Advocates Raise Awareness about Pediatric Stroke on Capitol Hill

2010-05-27T13:43:00.006-04:00

On Tuesday May 25, 2010, the American Heart Association, and other pediatric stroke groups hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill. The event helped raise awareness about the occurrence of stroke in infants and children and educate the audience of congressional staff about the need to increase research funding and improve access to quality care for these young patients.

Sue Nelson, Vice President of Federal Advocacy with the American Heart Association joined three You’re the Cure advocates in delivering this important message. Michelle Ballasiotes, a 12-year-old stroke survivor and life-long AHA volunteer, spoke about the challenges of her day-to-day life, and the importance of investing in research. In addition to Ballasiotes, Dr. Steve Roach, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurology and Vice-Chair of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Jessica Spear, co-founder of Brendon’s Smile and a parent of a stroke survivor, shared their expertise and personal story.

Although stroke is often viewed as occurring primarily in the elderly, it also strikes infants, children, young adults and can even occur before birth – and with equally devastating results. Special thanks should go to these three amazing volunteers for speaking up about this important issue!

AHA's CEO issues statement on new dependent coverage regulation

2010-05-12T09:25:00.003-04:00

The American Heart Association applauds the Administration for issuing regulations today that will allow young adult children to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. In addition to helping more young people obtain the care they need to remain healthy, this new law affords important protections for young adults with congenital heart defects or other pre-existing conditions. Children and adults with congenital heart disease face many challenges in finding affordable and adequate health care coverage. As a result, some young people delay necessary treatments or skimp on medications to avoid costs, often with serious medical consequences. This new rule will allow many young adults to remain covered under their parents’ medical plans until they are better established and able to afford coverage on their own or get coverage through an employer.

To learn more about the dependent coverage regulation, visit the Health and Human Services Department's resources.

Heart Disease and Air Pollution: New Study Shows Link

2010-05-10T16:19:00.002-04:00

Most of us already know that air pollution is detrimental to our health. But did you know that it could trigger serious cardiovascular conditions and even premature death? A new American Heart Association scientific statement found that evidence connecting air pollution to chronic cardiovascular conditions “substantially strengthened,” and that people should reduce their exposure. Air pollution is recognized as a modifiable risk factor for heart disease.

Breathing in polluted air for just few hours or weeks can increase risk for heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeats and cardiovascular death, especially in susceptible individuals. And long-term exposure can further increase cardiovascular risk and reduce life expectancy by several months to a few years.

So what can you do to reduce your risk? The association has outlined steps that government and individuals can take including creating “green” spaces and encouraging “walkable” neighborhoods when air quality standards are at a safe level. Other ideas include checking your local EPA and National Weather Service Air Quality Index ratings at www.airnow.gov, which let you know when pollution levels are too high to exercise or spend a lot of time outdoors.

To grab the attention of Congress about this life-threatening issue, AHA and the Environmental Protection Agency are co-sponsoring a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease. The association also plans to monitor opportunities at the state and federal level to decrease the amount of particulate matter air pollution. Additionally, AHA has been working with local offices and individuals to identify more than 200 Start! Walking Paths in communities across the country. Find a local walking path at startwalkingnow.org.

To learn more about how you can speak up for heart-healthy communities, visit www.yourethecure.org.

American Heart Association and Partners Launch the National Physical Activity Plan

2010-05-03T13:41:00.000-04:00

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown joined forces with several prominent national fitness groups to announce the launch of the National Physical Activity Plan. The plan, announced May 3 in Washington, will encourage Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines at work, at home and in their communities.

Brown discussed the association’s role as co-leader of the business and industry sector, to help identify and disseminate best practice models for physical activity in the workplace. “The American Heart Association recognizes worksites for prioritizing the health and wellness of their employees,” said Brown. “These programs have had a significant return on investment, improving the employee’s health and the company’s bottom line with increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and reduced healthcare costs.” Among those who joined Brown at the National Press Club announcement were leaders from the YMCA, the American Council on Fitness, and the International Health, Racquet, and Sports Club Association.

The association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies program (www.startwalkingnow.org) commends worksites for their progressive leadership in stressing the importance of health and wellness among employees and providing the tools to make it happen.

For more information, visit www.physicalactivityplan.org.

AHA’s Recommendations to the Childhood Obesity Task Force

2010-05-01T16:21:00.001-04:00

The American Heart Association was asked to provide expert recommendations to support President Barack Obama’s Childhood Obesity Task Force action plan: Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation. The report, which came out in May and is a key part of the first lady’s “Let’s Move Campaign,” calls for a united effort to ensure the nation’s children have the resources they need for a healthy future. The association outlined four key objectives in the report, including federal, state and local efforts to ensure access to healthy, affordable food; increased physical activity in schools and communities; healthier foods in schools; and the empowering of parents with information and tools to make good choices for their families. In particular, the association stressed the need to address health inequities by reaching vulnerable communities and urged the task force to establish key benchmarks such as body mass index to measure progress. As the first lady and the Obama administration move forward to implement the new interagency plan, the association will continue to do its part to support the effort.

Get Out and Act!

2010-04-30T14:20:00.002-04:00

The weather is finally nice here in the Northeast, so I want to step out from behind my computer for a bit and get outside! You can do the same in your fight against heart disease and stroke. You've been sending valuable messages to lawmakers online, but now you're ready to take the next step? We have some ideas for you here!

Meeting in-person with your lawmaker: These meetings are often brief, and AHA staff can provide information for the lawmaker to look over when they have more time. These meetings have the greatest impact when the issue is humanized for the lawmaker, so be sure to share your first-hand knowledge of why this issue deserves their attention. Survivors, loved ones, health care professionals all provide compelling personal stories that magnify the importance of the sought-after policy change.

Drop-by Visit: To stop at a lawmaker's office and speak with them or a staffer and/or leave materials for the lawmaker to look over. You can do this even without and appointment!

Attend Lawmaker Events: Appearing at your lawmaker's public events and asking specific questions about heart and stroke issues helps keep our cause front and center on their agenda. It can also force a lawmaker to address an issue and give us a response!

Phone-banking: Calling a list of people, generally in your local area, to speak with them regarding the issues. You could also help by making calls to lapsed networkers encouraging them to reengage.

Phone calls to lawmakers: The purpose is to alert the lawmaker to the issues and inform them about why they should support the upcoming legislation. Be clear, brief, and educated. Mention upfront that you are a constituent.

Door-to-door canvassing: Going around your neighborhood, knocking on doors to engage the residents in conversation about our issues and inviting them to become engaged in You're the Cure.

So are you ready to take your action offline? Contact your local staff partner and they'll help you get started!

Action Needed on NEW Schools Act

2010-04-29T13:55:00.002-04:00

Today’s kids need our help to stay healthy. With increasing demands on schools, parents and families, it’s becoming harder to ensure our children to maintain healthy lifestyles, complete with regular physical activity and proper nutrition.

It’s something we’re all concerned about, and now’s the time to turn that concern into real action!

Last week, the Nutrition Education and Wellness in Schools Act (NEW Schools) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representative and we need your help to build support for the bill.

Please ask Representative to become a co-sponsor of the NEW School Act today!

Currently there is no accountability and insufficient guidance for schools to follow through with implementing their wellness policies. To help address that gap, the NEW Schools Act would:

Ensure school districts' plans to reach their physical activity and nutrition goals are actually implemented
Ensure parents and other key stakeholders are informed and involved in the process of developing and achieving school wellness goals
Ensure schools have access to the necessary information and resources to make progress toward their wellness goals, and
Increase funding for schools to enhance their nutrition education and promotion programs

With Congress currently working on school nutrition policy, our voices are more critical than ever. With your help, we can push for improvements to the school environment that will foster healthy, active kids.

Urge your Representative to join you in being a champion for healthy kids by co-sponsoring the NEW Schools Act.

House Passage of FIT Kids Praised by Champions

2010-04-29T10:37:00.004-04:00

On April 22nd, the American Heart Association joined other champions of the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids) for an event on Capitol Hill to celebrate the passage of the bill by the U.S. House of Representatives!

You’re the Cure advocate and AHA spokesman Dr. Robert DiBianco (far right), a cardiologist from Maryland, praised the House for taking action and stressed the need for a renewed focus on the health of our kids. He said, “Sadly, more and more of our kids have become more inactive than ever before. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that the childhood obesity epidemic is largely due to a decline in regular physical activity and a diet high in empty and fat-laden calories. One of the most important ways to address this issue is through strong physical education programs in our nation’s schools.”

The AHA and Dr. DiBianco were joined by the bill’s Congressional champions, Representatives Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.N), as well as Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.), fitness guru Richard Simmons, and fellow supporting organizations.

With the help of advocates like you, the AHA will be continuing to work to advance the FIT Kids Act, to help ensure our kids have access to regular, quality physical education for healthy, active lifestyles.

Check out video highlights of the event at www.youtube.com/amheartadvocacy

State Spotlight! Maine and Virginia Pass Telemedicine Bills

2010-04-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

As we mark Stroke Month in May, it is important to take a look at the great progress that is being made in states around the country to improve stroke treatment and care. Recently, Maine and Virginia passed important legislation that will help improve patients’ access to timely, medical expertise through telemedicine. Telemedicine enables medical professionals to use information technologies to deliver critical care to patients from a distance. Congratulations to Maine and Virginia advocates on these important stroke policy successes!

Maine- As part of a campaign to develop a stroke system of care for their rural state, the AHA/ASA’s Maine You’re the Cure team, and its partners, knew passage of the telemedicine bill was a critical part of improving stroke treatment in the state. Thanks to the work of dedicated staff and advocates, such as Shawn and Andrea Withers, who have worked tirelessly for years to raise awareness with lawmakers about the need to address stroke in the state, the bill (LD 1073) passed the legislature with great support. Passage of the bill was a major step in enabling community hospitals and their physicians to collaborate with a major stroke center with 24-hour telemedicine consultation service and receive reimbursement for providing the service as physicians would in “face to face” patient consultations.

Virginia- Recognizing the need to make telemedicine services more accessible and affordable to Virginians, AHA/ASA advocates teamed up with state Senator William Wampler to see the telemedicine bill, SB 675, through the legislature and signed into law this year. The new law requires health insurers in the state to provide reimbursement for services provided through telemedicine. Dr. Nina Solenski, a stroke neurologist at the University of Virginia, led the team of dedicated You’re the Cure advocates to ensure the bill’s success. Dr. Solenski met with key legislators, provided testimony, and even mobilized and motivated others in her community and on the Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force, which she chairs, to act too! Hundreds of emails and phone calls were generated by advocates to support the bill.

Dashing Salt From our Diets

2010-04-28T16:21:00.002-04:00

A recent report from the Institute of Medicine urges the government to reduce the amount of sodium that manufacturers and restaurants are allowed to add to food and beverages.

The report highlights what has long been recognized as a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. Reducing the amount of sodium in our diets will save thousands of lives from heart attacks and strokes, not to mention the billions of dollars in health care costs.

AHA President Clyde Yancy was quoted in a recent USA Today article about this report, saying that “sodium contributes to most people’s high blood pressure, and for some it may be the primary driver.” He also noted that we’ve ignored advice on sodium in the past because Americans are “driven by convenience, and sodium makes a fast-food lifestyle very easy. To change, we would need to live and eat differently.”

The report has already sparked some action, with 16 companies and restaurants in the New York area have pledged to cut the amount of salt in bacon, flavored rice, and other products. This is a great start, but more will need to be done to address the silent killer that high sodium diets have become.

What are you doing to reduce sodium in your diet?

House Passes FIT Kids Act! Send a Thank You Note to Your Representative

2010-04-22T16:55:00.002-04:00

All the action we asked you and other You’re the Cure advocates to take this week has paid off! The U.S. House just passed the FIT Kids Act, which brings us another step closer to helping improve the health of our nation’s kids. This bill would establish a framework for schools to closely look at the quality and quantity of PE they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the PE their kids are receiving.

Before we start pushing for the bill in the Senate, let’s take a minute to thank the Representatives who voted in favor of the legislation. You can find out more information and send a message to your Representative through our web site.

And, of course, we’d like to thank you once again for your activism. Your involvement in advocating for this legislation will go a long way to ensure our kids are getting quality physical education in their schools, which will help them grow into healthier and smarter adults.

Keep an eye out for future updates on this issue, but please take a minute to thank your Representative today.

FIT Kids Vote - Now 24 Hours Away

2010-04-20T15:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we wrote about the FIT Kids Act, and the fact that Congress will be voting on it tomorrow.

This bill will establish a framework for schools to look at their physical education programs, both in terms of quality and quantity, and will give parents a better understanding of the level of activity their children are receiving at school.

So few kids get the exercise they need at school, and some kids get none, so it's critical to do everything we can to increase physical education within our nation's schools.

If you haven't taken action yet, please do so today by using the link below:

http://www.capitolconnect.com/yourethecure/fastaction.aspx?AlertID=16407

Thank you for your activism....and we hope you'll share this action with others on Facebook, Twitter or other social networks!

Action Needed: FIT Kids Vote in 48 Hours

2010-04-19T15:22:00.002-04:00

The Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act is on the move!

In 48 hours, the House of Representatives will vote on the FIT Kids Act, which promotes increased quality physical education (PE) in our nation's schools.

Which means... It's time to act!

Urge your Representative to vote YES in support of FIT Kids!

Currently, only 3.8% of elementary, 7.9% of middle, and 2.1% of high schools provide daily PE- and shockingly, 22% of schools do not require students to take any PE at all. But with childhood obesity greatly impacting the health of our nation's kids, we must expect more.

The FIT Kids Act would help us take a step in the right direction by establishing a framework for schools to closely look at the quality and quantity of PE they are providing, and to supply parents with that information to better understand the PE their kids are receiving.

The vote on Wednesday is a critical hurdle in advancing the bill, so we need your quick action today!

Send your email now to let your Representative know you are counting on his/her support of quality PE.

Thank you for stepping up for healthy, active kids!