You're the Cure: Great Rivers Affiliate

We've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:58:00 +0000

The You’re the Cure blog has a new name and a new home. The You’re the Cure blog is now The Pulse and can be found on the new YouretheCure.org.

Why the change?

The Pulse will still cover the content that you are used to seeing here, but so much more! You will have unprecedented access to not only federal heart and stroke articles, but also content that is specific for your state. You will be able to comment and discuss topics with other blog readers from your state and across the country.

Really enjoyed an article and want others to see it? The Pulse blog will let you share articles and post on your social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to being the home of The Pulse, the new Yourethecure.org takes heart and stroke advocacy to the next level. On one site, you’ll be able to easily access information about our issues, take action on state and federal alerts, RSVP for events in your community, and read inspirational stories from advocates like you.

How can you start enjoying all these new features? All you need to do is sign-up to enjoy the new yourethecure.org.

Ohio Pulse Oximetry Advocacy Day!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Join us for a special You're the Cure at the Capitol: Pulse Oximetry Advocacy Day on November 13, 2012.

Make plans to join us at the Statehouse in Columbus on November 13th to meet with your legislators to urge their support of pulse oximetry screenings for all Ohio newborns!

We can all do our part to protect future advocates - Register Now!

Pulse oximetry testing will ensure that every newborn baby in Ohio receives a simple, non-invasive blood oxygen test that help to determine if the child has an undiagnosed Critical Congenital Heart Defect (CCHD). Congenital heart defects are a leading birth defect in the United States and the No. 1 killer of infants with birth defects.

Register NOW and let your voice be heard on this important issue.

It's Back to School Season: What Are Ohio's Kids Learning?

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Ohio's kids can learn a lot at school. History. Math. Smoking?

It's hard to believe, but our kids may be learning about tobacco use where you'd least expect it--on school grounds. While school buildings must be smoke-free inside, surprisingly, tobacco products can still be used on school property in Ohio. We must set a better example for our kids!

Last year, with your encouragement, the Ohio Board of Education passed a resolution for 100% tobacco-free schools. They recognized the importance of preventing tobacco use at an early age. While some schools already had a 100% tobacco free policy and others have since passed (or are considering) a 100% tobacco free policy, Ohio can still do better.

Let's ensure that all Ohio students have the benefit of 100% tobacco free schools! Send your message now in support!

We owe it to our kids to model healthy behaviors where they do most of their learning - at school!

September Is National Childhood Obesity Month

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Celebrate by walking and bicycling to school!

Every person in the US can be an important part of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by taking small steps (think walking and bicycling to school!) that add up to a big difference: eating more balanced meals and snacks, engaging in physical activity more regularly and sharing your personal plan and commitment with family and friends of all ages. We encourage you to use Childhood Obesity Month to get ready for Walk and Bike to School Day (October 3) and Month (the whole month of October). Read More.

Tobacco Label Ruling Could Stall Fight for a Smoke-Free Nation

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:30:00 +0000

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following comments on the August 24, 2012 ruling by the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit against the use of tobacco warning labels:

“With today’s decision, the judges have thrown out one of the best tools we have to force smokers to face the consequences of their choice, and stop the industry from addicting a new generation. The court has, in effect, insulted the intelligence of all Americans by implying we cannot distinguish the meaning of graphic tobacco warning labels.

As the Surgeon General reported recently, the decline in smoking is stalled, and more young Americans are using tobacco products. Each of the 1,200 Americans who die from tobacco-related diseases every day are being replaced by two smokers under the age of 26. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that 45.3 million adult Americans smoked cigarettes. In the U.S., about one-third of smoking-related deaths are linked to heart disease and stroke.

Graphic tobacco labels would help us stop this tragic trajectory. Research indicates that these vivid images are very effective in heightening awareness about the dangers of smoking and halting tobacco use.

Smoking kills. The gravity of that statement is often dismissed until we are confronted with the terrible effects of tobacco addiction. The American Heart Association sincerely hopes this decision is overturned on appeal, so we can move closer to making our nation 100 percent smoke free.”

Why Do We Work For a Smoke-Free Kentucky?

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:45:00 +0000

As our kids settle into the school year, let’s do what we can to ensure that we give them every opportunity for a healthier future, free from exposure to secondhand smoke in public places. According to the US Surgeon General, there is NO safe amount of exposure to secondhand smoke. Even if you already live in a smoke-free community, raise your voice now for those in Kentucky who don’t.

There are 23 states (plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) that have already taken measures to safeguard their citizens from secondhand smoke in public places by enacting comprehensive smoke-free laws that protect everyone, including bar and restaurant employees.

You can help Kentucky become the next smoke-free state by simply sending your message now—just click!

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, and more than half of them don’t have it under control. The newest edition of CDC Vital Signs focuses on uncontrolled high blood pressure and the numerous opportunities to treat this serious health risk.

Key points of the CDC Vital Signs report on uncontrolled high blood pressure include:

• About 67 million adults have high blood pressure.

• More than half (36 million) have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

• Nearly 22 million know they have high blood pressure, but still don’t have it under control.

• 16 million take medicines, but still don’t have their high blood pressure under control.

• High blood pressure is a major risk factor of heart disease and stroke, two of the nation’s leading causes of death.

Healthy Foods Under $1 Per Serving

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Eating healthy on a budget can seem difficult; but it can be done! Being creative can help you stick to your budget and incorporate nutritious foods into your diet. Try to incorporate some of these healthy foods under $1 into your weekly menu planning.

Apples (raw with skin)
Great for: Snacks, green salads, main dish salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large apple
Nutrition Info per serving: About 116 calories, 5.4g fiber, 17% Daily Value for vitamin C, 7% Daily Value for potassium

Baby Carrots (raw)
Great for: Snacks, casseroles, stews, veggie platters and side dishes
What's a serving? 8-10 baby carrots (3 oz)
Nutrition Info per serving: About 30 calories, 2.5g fiber, 234% Daily Value for vitamin A

Oranges (fruit 2-7/8” diameter)
Great for: Snacks, green salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large or extra large orange
Nutrition Info per serving: About 70 calories, 3g fiber, 138% Daily Value for vitamin C, 7% Daily Value for potassium

Pears (raw)
Great for: Snacks, as an appetizer with cheese, green salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large pear
Nutrition Info per serving: About 133 calories, 7g fiber, 16% Daily Value for vitamin C, 8% Daily Value for potassium

Yogurt (plain, low fat or fat-free)
Great for: Smoothies, yogurt parfait, dips and dressings
What's a serving? A 6-ounce container is usually a serving.
Nutrition Info per serving: (for 6 ounces of fat-free plain yogurt): 95 calories, 10g protein, 34% Daily
Value for calcium, 12% Daily Value for potassium

Broccoli
Great for: steamed as a side dish, tossed in salads, mixed in brown rice or whole wheat pasta dishes
What’s a serving? 1 cup raw, ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving (1 cup chopped raw broccoli): 31 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 11% Daily Value for vitamin A, 135% Daily Value for vitamin C

In Just One Class Period, We Can Teach Delaware's Students to Be the Next Generation of Life Savers!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 +0000

It’s back to school time and that means…Pop Quiz!

True or False: Sudden cardiac arrest usually occurs in a hospital setting.

Answer: False. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death and, unfortunately, about 88% of sudden cardiac arrests occur at home. This makes it likely that a loved one who has been trained in CPR will mean the difference between life and death.

Question: For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, chances of survival decrease by ____ percent.

Answer: Chances of survival decrease by 7-10%. That's why it's important that we all learn how easy---and critical---it is to take action.

As our kids settle into the new school year, let's ensure they also learn the skills necessary to become the next generation of life savers--in just one class period!

Your homework assignment? Take a moment now to let our decision makers know you support CPR training for Delaware's students!

Healthy Labor Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Labor Day usually signifies the end of summer so let's make the most of the long weekend! Keep it healthy at your picnics and parties. Grilling is a great option. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables still available - corn, squash, peaches, and melon.

And, don't forget to stay physically active! By exercising as little as 30 minutes a day you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Have a Happy and Healthy Labor Day!

150 New Heart-Healthy Recipes!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:30:00 +0000

What's for dinner tonight? Are you cooking at home? Be sure to use nutritious ingredients. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. We can reduce heart disease by promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle.

For suggestions and ideas to plan your weekly meals, check out our 150 new heart-healthy recipes at www.heart.org/healthyrecipes!

Air Pollution and Heart Disease, Stroke

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Whether you live in a city where smog forecasts are routine or in a less populated place, tiny pollution particles in the air can lead to big problems for your heart.

Pollution can come from traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires or even cooking with a wood stove. One of the most common indoor sources is smoking — a danger to the person lighting up and to those nearby. LEARN MORE about the effects, risks, and precautions that can help heart patients and others.

American Stroke Association Launches Facebook Page

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Please welcome the newest member of our Facebook community, The American Stroke Association! Like their page and give a shout out to a stroke survivor!

The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 4 killer and a leading cause of serious disability.

Let's work together to end stroke!

Preventing Heart Disease - At Any Age

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

You’re never too young— or too old — to take care of your heart.

Preventing heart disease (and all cardiovascular diseases) means making smart choices now that will pay off the rest of your life.

Lack of exercise, a poor diet and other bad habits can take their toll over the years. Anyone at any age can benefit from simple steps to keep their heart healthy during each decade of life.

Read more to find out how you can keep your heart healthy during each decade of life.

CDC Releases New Vital Signs Report on Walking

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Six in 10 adults now get physically active by walking

Sixty-two percent of adults say they walked for at least once for 10 minutes or more in 2010, compared to 56 percent in 2005, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, less than half (48 percent) of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey. The Vital Signs report notes that increases in walking were seen in nearly all groups surveyed. Walkers were defined as those who walked for at least one session of 10 minutes or more for transportation, fun or exercise. In the West, roughly 68 percent of people walk, more than any other region in the country. People living in the South had the largest increase in the percentage of people who walk, up by nearly eight percentage points from about 49 percent in 2005 to 57 percent in 2010. READ MORE

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Despite Congress being on August Recess, Farm Bill negotiations will be taking place throughout the month, as the House and Senate attempt to reach an agreement that can be voted on before the current bill expires on September 30th.

Unfortunately, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), which provides fresh produce snacks to kids in low income elementary schools, remains at risk, both in terms of the program’s funding and integrity. The House bill has proposed slashing funding for the program by 1/3 and aims to open up the program beyond fresh fruits and vegetables to include frozen, dried, and canned.

Read this Washington Post article for more info.

New You're the Cure Website Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Come September, things are going to look a little different at YoureTheCure.org... and we couldn't be more excited about it! As many of you told us in our advocate survey this year, you want to stay connected and get involved in new ways – like through videos and social media – and you want to know that your actions are really having an impact.

We listened, and we've made some big changes. In just a month, we're launching the next generation of the You're the Cure website, and it's centered around you (yes, you!). The new site will be customized for every advocate based on what issues matters most to you, where you live, who is a part of your community and how you want to stay plugged in to make an impact.

New Health Coverage Protections for Kentucky!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Almost One Million Kentuckians with Pre-Existing Conditions Gain Protection from Insurance Denials under Health Care Law

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Affordable Care Act, approximately 980,000 Kentuckians under the age of 65 who have a pre-existing health condition will gain significant new protections from insurance company coverage denials, according to a report released today by the consumer health organization Families USA. These Kentuckians, who are at risk of denials of health coverage, constitute more than one in four (27.3 percent) non-elderly people in the Commonwealth.

Starting in 2014, the law will prohibit insurance companies from denying health coverage to people because of pre-existing conditions; from charging discriminatory premiums based on health status; and from denying payment for treatment of pre-existing conditions.

“Almost one million Kentuckians will now have peace of mind and security for their families because they can no longer be denied health coverage just because their doctor diagnosed a health problem,” said Jodi Mitchell, Executive Director of Kentucky Voices for Health.

Learn more at Kentucky Voices for Health.

AHA and Laerdal Extend Their Joint Commitment to Community CPR

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:45:00 +0000

The American Heart Association is proud to announce that Laerdal has awarded us a $1.85 million grant to be used over the next four years to fund various CPR Anytime™ projects, as well as support Community CPR Manager positions through our AHA affiliates.

Since 2007, nearly 1 million CPR Anytime kits have been distributed through the work of the Alliance. Thanks to the diligence of the Community CPR Managers and the support of affiliate and Alliance partners, 146,000 kits were placed during fiscal year 2012, resulting in the best year of end-user sales of CPR Anytime kits. With a research-proven training multiplier of 2.5 people trained per kit, we can estimate that almost 2.5 million people have been trained in lifesaving CPR skills through CPR Anytime.

Our Strategic Alliance with Laerdal has been key to many AHA successes, both domestically and internationally. We want to express appreciation to our partner for their continued commitment and dedication to our mission. Our work with Laerdal, through global CPR Anytime programs and innovative technologies such as eSimulation, helps the AHA extend its reach to diverse audiences, increasing the number of people trained in CPR and advanced life support and ultimately, increasing the number of lives saved through these interventions.

Scheduling Your Summer Recess Visits

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Each congressional office has a preferred method for scheduling meetings, so it is best to make a direct call to find out how that particular office operates when it comes to constituent meetings.

Just follow the steps and tips below…

1) Identify the closest district office to you using the Member’s website and call the office to ask for a meeting. Make sure you have the following information ready before making the call:

• A few dates you have available to offer to the scheduler

• The names and contact information for other advocates who may be attending with you

• The topic(s) you want to discuss

2) Identify yourself as a constituent and AHA advocate and ask to speak with the scheduler.

3) Once you are connected to the scheduler, again identify yourself as a constituent and AHA advocate- and ask to request a meeting with the Senator/Representative when he/she is back in the district this summer to discuss heart disease and stroke-related issues.

4) While some offices will take meeting requests over the phone, some schedulers may ask you to submit the request in writing (fax or email). If so, ask the scheduler what information should be included (dates*/issue info/etc.). Other offices have online meeting request forms, which the scheduler can direct you to.

5) Don’t forget the follow-up! If you have to leave a message, or have not heard back from the scheduler with a confirmed meeting date and time after submitting your written or online request, make sure to follow-up. Many offices are flooded with requests, so it will take some patience and persistence to secure your meeting.

West Virginia Kids Deserve Better!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Did you know that an astonishing 21% of West Virginia’s high school students are already smoking and an additional 2,600 become new smokers each year? Our kids deserve better!

We know that every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes decreases smoking among our price-sensitive youth by about 7%. It also encourages adult smokers to quit, reducing adult smoking rates by about 4%. West Virginia’s current cigarette tax is 55 cents per pack, 44th in the nation and well below the national average of $1.49 per pack.

We lose nearly 4,000 West Virginians prematurely each year from tobacco use, the most preventable cause of death. That's 4,000 too many.

In addition, tobacco use costs West Virginia more than lives--approximately $2 billion annually from both direct healthcare costs and lost productivity.

It’s time to get serious about preventing today’s kids from becoming tomorrow’s addicted smokers. Urge your lawmakers to support an increase in West Virginia’s tobacco tax in the next session!

2012 August Recess

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Although Members of Congress spend much of their time working in our nation’s capitol, they have several dedicated in-district work sessions throughout the year. These recess breaks allow members to return home to their districts and connect with constituents – and in fact – may be your best opportunity to get a Member-level meeting. Congressional recesses provide a great opportunity for You’re the Cure advocates to continue to deliver our message, “protect the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from the sequester”. Personal outreach is one of the most effective tools in influencing elected officials. This is particularly true during an election year.

August Recess Dates
The House and Senate will be in recess from August 4-September 9, 2012. Please note that the political conventions also occur during this time, and members will not be available during their parties’ convention. The Republican convention is August 27-30, and the Democratic convention is Sept 3-6.

Smoke-Free KY Statewide Tour Ending at Fancy Farm!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition has been touring across the state this week, with stops in Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Somerset, and Bowling Green. The coalition has been speaking to the media, Smoke-Free Kentucky supporters, and reaching out to legislators, urging them to join 23 other states in passing a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law that covers all indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

Please join us on the last stop of the tour on Saturday, August 4th and help rally for the right to breathe smoke-free air! We'll be at Fancy Farm from 10am - 4pm (CDT) Fancy Farm Picnic, St. Jerome Catholic Church, State Route 339 North, Fancy Farm KY.

PA Advocacy Day Scheduled for Feb 4, 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Save the Date for 2013!

The American Heart Association invites you, your family and friends to join us for our annual Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania Advocacy Day

Monday, February 4, 2013

Spend the day with AHA and other advocates like you. You and your group will meet with legislators to generate support for our most pressing policy issues.

We’ll give you the tools and the resources – all you have to do is show up!

More information will be forthcoming as we get closer to the date.

Click HERE to RSVP

For more information, contact:

Kim Ross, (717) 730-1706

kim.ross@heart.org

Jen Ebersole, (717) 730-1766

jennifer.ebersole@heart.org

Melissa Brown

melissa.brown@heart.org

P.S. Please forward to your friends, family, and colleagues and invite them to join you in making a difference on February 4th!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.

2011-2012 Year in Review for West Virginia Advocacy

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:30:00 +0000

February 24 was Tobacco Free Day at the Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. What a day it was - a record 900 RAZE youth tobacco coalition members descended upon the capitol to bring a tobacco-free message to lawmakers from across the state. A small but mighty force in the crowd for the day was a group of two dozen American Heart Association advocates who joined in the tobacco-free message and also talked with legislators about HB 4327 to require pulse oximetry screening for newborns.

West Virginia – Leading the Way

Along with WV’s “Heart Moms,” we celebrated passage of House Bill 4327, also known as “Corbin’s Law.” This bill mandates pulse oximetry testing for all newborns. Pulse oximetry is a simple, inexpensive, painless bedside test to determine pulse rate and the amount of oxygen in a newborn baby’s blood, which can help detect a critical congenital heart defect before a baby is released from the hospital.

Additionally, we worked to continue building the case for increasing West Virginia’s tobacco taxes to decrease use rates and provide funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. We are optimistic regarding the passage of a tax bill in the 2013 session.