Wisconsin Advocacy Beat

You're Invited! 2nd Annual State of Women's Heart Health Webinar

2012-01-27T08:56:00.001-06:00

Did you know that more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined? Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood- but we can each do our part to learn about our risk factors, make changes, and share the truth with others.

So, kick of American Heart Month by joining us for a national discussion on the State of Women’s Heart Health! You’ll hear from some of our nation’s leading health experts about the latest heart disease and stroke research and prevention efforts. _________________________________________________

WHO: You!

WHAT: A national webinar with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, cardiologist Dr. Nanette Kass Wenger, and fellow survivor-advocates to learn about the new Million Hearts initiative and some of the latest advances in women’s heart research.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 at 5:30-6:30 pm EST (4:30-5:30 pm CST)

WHERE: Your computer

HOW: Register today! You will receive a confirmation email with log-in details. __________________________________________________

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!

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

The Morning Blend AHA Appearance: What is Hands-Only CPR?

2012-01-18T10:54:00.006-06:00

Sharron Coffie and Jay Matz from the American Heart Association

Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012

So what do you do if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse and is unresponsive? Nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually, and many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors. The American Heart Association tells us more about hands-only CPR. Head to http://www.handsonlycpr.org/ for more information!
To watch video: http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/137431733.html

Last Chance to Register for Heart on the Hill Lobby Day: Sign-up by Friday!

2012-01-11T14:59:00.006-06:00

The American Heart Association and Mended Little Hearts of Wisconsin have teamed up to ensure all Wisconsin newborns are tested for life-threatening heart defects prior to hospital discharge. Join us on February 9, 2012 for the Wisconsin Heart on the Hill Lobby Day in Madison to educate your legislators on this very important issue.

Heart on the Hill

Thursday, February 9, 2012

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Inn on the Park and Wisconsin State Capitol

Join other advocates to speak with Wisconsin legislators in a strong, unified voice about the importance of early detection of heart defects, heart disease and stroke. Attend workshops and training and then put your skills to the test when you meet with your state legislators. Light breakfast and lunch will be included. There is no cost to attend. Registration closes this Friday: Register NOW!

For questions, contact Debbie at 608-221-8866 ext. 2337 or debbie.hansen@heart.org.

Nationwide Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Would Prevent Thousands of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Cases of Diabetes

2012-01-11T09:58:00.002-06:00

January 9, 2012

Study adds to the collection of RWJF-funded research briefs, journal articles and other resources related to sugar-sweetened beverage taxes.

A nationwide, penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, cases of diabetes and premature deaths, helping avoid billions of dollars in medical costs over 10 years, according to a study published today in Health Affairs. This is the first major study to predict how specific health problems and financial costs could be directly affected by such a tax.

Researchers calculated that a penny-per-ounce tax would reduce overall consumption of sugary drinks by 15 percent among adults ages 25 to 64. They also estimated that, between 2010 and 2020, it would prevent 2.4 million diabetes person-years (a measure that combines how many people have diabetes with how long each of those people lives with the disease), 95,000 cases of coronary heart disease, 8,000 strokes and 26,000 premature deaths. Their calculations indicate the change would help the nation avoid more than $17 billion in medical costs during those 10 years.

A penny-per-ounce tax would mean an extra 12 cents per can or 20 cents per bottle, a price increase of about 15 percent to 25 percent.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
http://www.rwjf.org/childhoodobesity/product.jsp?id=73809&cid=XEM_573955

January 2012 EVP Letter- You're the Cure; Advocacy Efforts

2012-01-05T12:24:00.008-06:00

January 2012

Dear Friend of Heart:

Thirty years ago, the American Heart Association developed a new strategy to amplify the voices and improve the lives of millions of Americans struggling with heart disease and stroke. Harnessing the passion of amazing volunteers from every corner of the country, we took to the steps of the Capitol and began advocating for legislation to improve the lives of heart and stroke patients.

Armed with American Heart Association science, these passionate volunteers used their personal stories to give faces and names to the fight against two of our nation’s leading killers. These coordinated efforts have led to major lifesaving changes, including doubling the NIH budget for biomedical research from 1998 to 2003 and the passage of statewide clean indoor air laws across the country. These kinds of victories save lives and change lives for millions of people, and would not be possible without extraordinary volunteers leading the charge.

Our volunteers have many faces, and many reasons for joining the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Some of them are survivors. Some have lost loved ones to heart disease or stroke. But all of them have shown an unwavering commitment to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

One of these extraordinary individuals is Stevie Nelson, a Minnesota resident whose life changed when he suffered a stroke on April 22, 1998. One year later, Stevie began his quest to improve outcomes for stroke patients through volunteerism. He has lobbied at both the local and federal level for stroke funding and has seen first-hand how his personal testimony can effect change.

“Being a volunteer gave me a new mission, a new purpose in life,” Nelson said. “My goal is to pass my knowledge on so others can lead healthier lives. Some of the things I have fought and advocated for have come into law. Just knowing I played a part in that is a great feeling.”

Because of Stevie, and millions of others like him, we have celebrated many victories in the three decades we’ve been advocating for lifesaving public policies. But our work is not done. Heart disease is still our nation’s No. 1 killer, and stroke is No. 4. I encourage you to join our amazing corps of volunteers by signing up for our You're the Cure network at http://www.yourethecure.org/. You can learn more about our work and meet more of our volunteers by watching our 30th Anniversary celebration video, or by visiting http://www.heart.org/ and clicking on Advocate.

Being a You’re the Cure advocate gives you the opportunity to lend your voice to our legislative efforts. It’s fast, it’s simple and it’s free.

And with this one simple step, you can help the American Heart Association make the next 30 years better than the last.

Warm regards,

Kevin D. Harker
Executive Vice President, Midwest Affiliate

America’s Health Rankings

2011-12-13T11:34:00.002-06:00

Recently, the Partnership for Prevention, of which American Heart Association is an active member, and United Health Foundation released its annual report: America’s Health Rankings. The report, which includes a “one pager” on the health status of each state, calls out an alarming increase in the rate of obesity and also provides important information on tobacco use, high blood pressure prevalence, etc. Follow this link to view the report on Wisconsin.

Key findings of the report include:

Obesity has increased 137 percent from 11.6 percent of the adult population in the 1990 Edition to 27.5 percent in the 2011 Edition; meaning today, more than one in four Americans are considered obese. Obesity continues to be one of the fastest growing health issues in our nation and America is spending billions in direct health care costs associated with poor diet and physical inactivity.

Smoking has been one of the biggest health battles for decades. In the past year, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 17.9 percent to 17.3 percent of the adult population, the lowest in 22 years (from a high of 29.5 percent in the 1990 Edition). But tobacco use is still estimated to be responsible for one out of five deaths annually (approximately 443,000 deaths per year).

Children living in poverty are challenged by lack of access to health care, limited availability of healthy foods, constrained choices for physical activity, limited access to appropriate educational opportunities and stressful living conditions. The number of children in poverty has increased for the last five years. A steady increase has occurred, from 17.4 percent of children reported in the 2007 Edition to 21.5 percent of children in the 2011 Edition.

Lack of health insurance coverage increased from 16.0 percent in the 2010 Edition to 16.2 percent in the 2011 Edition, and has increased more than two full percentage points since the 2001 Edition (13.9 percent to 16.2 percent).

Diabetes diagnosis is significantly higher than it was five years ago. According to the report, 8.7 percent of American adults have been told by a physician that they have diabetes. A recent report from the CDC estimates that the number of Americans with diabetes will range from 1 in 5 to 1 in 3 by 2050. This means a large number of people are either at risk for diabetes or are unaware they have the disease and are not being medically managed.

Turn the White House Red!

2011-12-08T09:56:00.001-06:00

25,000 signatures. That's what we need in the next 30 days (ends Jan. 4, 2012) for the White House to consider our petition to illuminate the building in red to honor National Wear Red Day® and American Heart Month.

The truth is we need you, our supporters, to show the White House how important it is to remember women who died from heart disease, celebrate women who have survived, and educate everyone on our No. 1 killer of women.

Every signature makes a difference, so sign up and share with colleagues, friends and family today! There are a few steps, but with your help we can get there!

1. Visit our special petition page.
2. Create an account (we know, what a pain!)
3. Watch for a verification email.
4. Sign the petition.
5. Share with family, friends, and colleagues to encourage their support too!

Make a Difference Now.

U.S. Rep. Lois Capps Reintroduces The HEART For Women Act

2011-12-07T09:01:00.001-06:00

November 30, 2011

U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., today reintroduced vital legislation aimed at improving the cardiovascular health of millions of women nationwide.

The HEART for Women Act would require the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on the quality of and access to care for women with cardiovascular disease. It would also ensure that new and experimental drug and medical device safety and efficacy data reported to the federal government is classified by gender, race and ethnicity. Additionally, the legislation would expand eligibility for funding to all 50 states for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN screening program for low-income, underinsured and uninsured women.

“While we have made great progress in the fight against heart disease it remains the number one killer of American women, needlessly claiming the lives of far too many of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters,” Capps said. “Unfortunately not enough people — including health professionals — recognize that heart disease poses such a serious and unique threat to women, and far too many women pay a terrible price for that lack of knowledge. My legislation addresses this critical health issue by ensuring more women have access to screening for heart disease, filling the critical knowledge gaps by ensuring that healthcare professionals are informed about the risks of cardiovascular disease in women, and supporting increased data collection to identify new treatments for women.”

American Heart Association President Gordon Tomaselli, M.D., said the measure would make a major impact. “With nearly 422,000 women’s lives lost each year from heart disease and stroke, we applaud U.S. Representative Lois Capps for introducing legislation that will help improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the number one killer of women. The HEART for Women Act seeks to eliminate cardiovascular inequities and reduce death rates from this largely preventable disease,” Tomaselli said.

“Women have a greater risk of heart disease than men. It is imperative to provide access to proper cardiovascular disease care for all women through passage of the HEART for Women Act. The HEART for Women Act is vital to the health of all women and is must-pass legislation,” said Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W., president and chief executive officer of the Society for Women’s Health Research.

“We need to know how drugs, treatments and devices affect women living with heart disease if we are going to decrease morbidity and mortality caused by heart disease, the number one killer of women. This bill will shine a light on how well the FDA reports research results stratified by sex, race and ethnicity,” said Lisa M. Tate, chief executive officer of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Every minute, someone’s wife, mother, daughter or sister dies from heart disease, stroke or other forms of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. More than one in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease, including nearly half of all African-American women and 34 percent of white women. More than 90 percent of primary care physicians do not know that more women die each year from these diseases than men, according to an American Heart Association survey.
The HEART for Women Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this year by Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and has received strong bipartisan support. In addition to the American Heart Association, Society for Women’s Health Research and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, the bill is also supported by more than 40 other organizations. For more information, visit yourethecure.org .

# # #

Contact: Kanika M. Lewis
Communications Manager, Media Advocacy

http://newsroom.heart.org/pr/aha/u-s-rep-lois-capps-reintroduces-219935.aspx

December 2011 Legislative Update

2011-12-05T14:44:00.005-06:00

Your involvement in our advocacy network has made a significant difference in fighting for heart health in Wisconsin this year. From educating legislators on the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s Clean Indoor Air Law, to fighting for funding of heart health programs like Farm to School, to fighting to protect physical education in Wisconsin, we’ve shared many wins in a challenging political environment. Our advocacy efforts make a greater impact with legislators because the message comes from the heart -- from people whose families have been touched by heart disease or stroke, or have a personal stake in this fight to save lives. Thank you for your dedication to this fight! We look forward to working with you again in the new year and wish you and your family a happy holiday!

We hope you enjoy this update and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions. Together we can build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Anne, Melissa and Nicole ___________________________________________________

Legislation

We, along with the WI Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the WI Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO), both 911 professional organizations, have requested a Legislative Council Study Committee be created to review 911 best practices. Typically Legislative Council receives 80-90 requests for study committees and approves 10-15. Please stay tuned regarding how you can help make sure our request is approved.

We continue to work with Mended Little Hearts to ensure all newborns have access to pulse oximetry screening prior to hospital discharge. Pulse oximetry screening helps detect critical, life-threatening congenital heart defects which otherwise may go undetected. We are planning a lobby day on February 9 to help educate legislators about pulse oximetry screening and the need for all newborns to be tested. Please watch your email for more details.

The worksite wellness legislation (SB 164/AB 220), authored by Senator Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Murtha (R-Baldwin), has not moved in the past month. It is still in the Joint Finance Committee, and concerns have been raised regarding the cost of the legislation. If you are interested in contacting your legislators in support of the legislation, please use this link to download talking points. Once you have talked with your legislators office, please let us know by e-mailing Anne.Simaytis@heart.org so we can see how many offices have heard from us!

Legislation to prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor (AB 93), authored by Rep. Bies (R-Sister Bay), passed the full Assembly in October and currently awaits a public hearing in the Senate Public Health Committee.

The PE waiver legislation (SB 95), authored by Senator Olsen (R-Ripon) and Rep. Kestell (R- Elkhart Lake), passed the Senate and the Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature.

We continue to watch for legislation that would weaken the Smoke-free law, but to date nothing has been introduced. We will let you know immediately if anything is circulated.
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Making a Difference Under the Dome

We are planning a Heart on the Hill lobby day for February 9, 2012. New research indicates performing pulse oximetry screenings on newborns is effective at detecting life-threatening heart defects which otherwise can go undetected by current screening methods. Join us in Madison on February 9, 2012, to educate legislators about this screening and ask them to support legislation ensuring all newborns are tested prior to hospital discharge. Follow this link to register NOW! The deadline to RSVP for this free event is January 13. Advanced registration is required.
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Upcoming Events

You’re the Cure Volunteer Leader Program Kicks off in January
Are you passionate about making heart-healthy changes in Wisconsin and across the country? Consider becoming one of our volunteer leaders. Help us recruit and train new advocates, continue to build relationships with your legislators and be our go-to volunteer for your area of the state. Learn more about becoming a volunteer leader in Wisconsin on one of our upcoming informational conference calls. This 30 minute call will explain the YTC Leader program and answer any questions you may have. RSVP is required to attend one of the calls. Call times and registration can be found at this link: YTC Leader RSVP. Contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org or 414-227-1410 with questions.

Go Red For Women Girlfriends Challenge Participants Needed!
We are now accepting applications for the annual Go Red For Women Girlfriends 12-Week Challenge in Madison! The challenge, now in its third year, will focus on following three teams of three greater Madison area women on their 12-week journey to becoming heart healthy. Challenge participants will commit to a series of wellness screenings and assessments with help from a team of UW Health specialists and provided with support to make healthy changes in their lives, follow a guided healthy eating plan and use resources and tools from the American Heart Association’s Go Red BetterU program. The challenge will kick off during American Heart Month, February 2012.

To qualify, women must meet the following criteria:
• Be at least 18-years-old
• Live in or near the greater Dane county area
• Have at least one area of their health in which they would like to improve, such as weight, blood pressure, fitness, or smoking
• Be willing to participate in a 12-week program that will include free consultations with medical professionals, dieticians and fitness trainers
• Have access to a computer and the Internet
• Be willing to blog about their experience during the 12 weeks of the program
• Serve as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement

Madison area women interested in applying should visit www.uwhealth.org/gored and return the completed application no later than January 4, 2012. Applicants will be selected by a committee based on a variety of criteria. For additional questions please contact GRFW.Madison@heart.org or call 608-221-8866.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EVP

2011-12-02T08:46:00.000-06:00

December 2011

Dear Friend of Heart:

Our Scientific Sessions was held last month in Orlando, Fla. This international conference showcases ground-breaking research and clinical trials with 22,000 medical professionals. The news is then fed to the media where it will reach millions more. A huge undertaking, Scientific Sessions is critical to learning more about the causes of cardiovascular diseases and how to better diagnose, treat and prevent them.

The conference will lead to developments in science that will touch every community across the country and abroad. Such outcomes would not be possible without volunteers and partners who share our vision of what an investment in research, science and education can mean to everyone.

Can you imagine a world free of heart disease and stroke? Erica Chapman can. She is a survivor who works in our West Michigan office. As a congenital valve replacement patient, she had her first surgery at four days old. Now in her 30s, she’s had another operation to update her current aortic valve, and will require further surgery in the next 15-20 years. Erica knows from the research we fund today that the next surgery will probably use mainly non-invasive techniques, for which she is grateful. She is amazed at the vision researchers have for her procedures.

With your help, we can make those visions a reality. Consider making a personal gift or including the American Heart Association in your will or estate plan. You will leave a legacy that will fund research and education, benefiting patients like Erica long after you’re gone. To learn more, visit www.heart.org/plannedgiving

I also want to take a moment to reflect on how the gifts and efforts of so many have improved and saved lives in 2011. We were able to fund research that may someday save the life of someone you know. We educated hundreds of thousands of people about their health and risk factors. And we worked hard to teach millions of Midwesterners critical CPR skills, educate legislators in our 11 states on our policy priorities, and improve hospital patient care processes so that a supportive and effective system will be in place when you or your loved one is in need.

None of this vision would be possible without you and your support. In short, you are helping to save lives. At this season of giving, I want to thank you for your involvement from the bottom of my heart.

Warm regards,

Kevin Harker
Executive Vice President, Midwest Affiliate

Go Red For Women Girlfriends Challenge Launches in Madison

2011-11-30T13:04:00.002-06:00

We are now accepting applications for the annual Go Red For Women Girlfriends 12-Week Challenge! The challenge, now in its third year, will focus on following three teams of three greater Madison area women on their 12-week journey to becoming heart healthy. Challenge participants will commit to a series of wellness screenings and assessments with help from a team of UW Health specialists and provided with support to make healthy changes in their lives, follow a guided healthy eating plan and use resources and tools from the American Heart Association’s Go Red BetterU program. The challenge will kick off during American Heart Month, February 2012.

To qualify, women must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18-years-old

Live in or near the greater Dane county area

Have at least one area of their health in which they would like to improve, such as weight, blood pressure, fitness, or smoking

Be willing to participate in a 12-week program that will include free consultations with medical professionals, dieticians and fitness trainers

Have access to a computer and the Internet

Be willing to blog about their experience during the 12 weeks of the program

Serve as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement

Madison area women interested in applying should visit www.uwhealth.org/gored and return the completed application no later than January 4, 2012. Applicants will be selected by a committee based on a variety of criteria. For additional questions please contact GRFW.Madison@heart.org or call 608-221-8866.

Celebrating 30 years of AHA advocacy success

2011-11-21T09:13:00.002-06:00

The AHA Advocacy Department celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, which makes it the perfect time to look back on our many accomplishments. Thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers and public officials, the AHA and a dedicated network of You're the Cure advocates has brought about lasting change in local, state and federal policy.

We've accomplished great things in tobacco control, research and public health funding, childhood obesity prevention, nutrition promotion, systems of care, CPR training and AED placement, and quality healthcare access. And we're just getting started!

We invite you to watch our new video below and share it with friends, family, and colleagues and ask them to be a part of the cure! Here's to the next 30 years!

http://youtu.be/s1xYwLSFS0s

"My son almost died" — Nicholas’s Story

2011-11-18T12:53:00.012-06:00

Early detection saves lives, my son is living proof.

Nearly 7 years ago, when our third child was born, we counted his fingers and toes and made sure he was a “normal baby.” He passed all his newborn screenings – except a new blood pressure test to check his heart. Even though he failed the screening 2 times during the 48 hours we were in the hospital, we were offered the option to go home. However, I chose to stay the extra night. Good thing. Nicholas failed the blood pressure test a third time and an echo-cardiogram was ordered before we headed home. Throughout the painfully long exam, with my baby screaming the entire time, I knew, in my gut, something was wrong.

We were discharged to wait at home for the results and two hours later we got a call from our doctor. “Are you sitting down? There is something wrong with Nicholas’s heart.” We returned to the children’s hospital immediately.

When we got there, we were told to go directly to the intensive care unit (ICU), where the cardiologist repeated the echo-cardiogram and further examined Nicholas. That’s when he told us our baby boy had a coarctation of the aorta - a narrowing of his aorta which cut-off blood flow to the lower half of his body. Had it not been discovered, it would have resulted in multiple organ failure and possibly death. Thankfully, because of these screenings, we were able to get Nicholas the life-saving surgery he needed.

In his first three days of life, Nicholas visited three hospitals, had his first helicopter ride, and had heart surgery. Our story is one of many, and we’re thankful to be one of the lucky ones.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect. Even with early detection, many families face lifelong challenges, multiple surgeries, developmental delays and many life-and-death decisions. But at least they have a chance. There are still babies who go home, not knowing they have a heart defect, that don’t survive to get the care they need.

Earlier this fall, based on new research from national experts, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recommended Pulse Oximetry Screening be performed on all newborns. Pulse oximetry screening is a simple, non-invasive test that, when performed on newborns in the delivery center, is effective at determining life-threatening heart defects. It is an exciting first step in the early detection and early treatment of congenital heart defects, but there is still much work to be done here in Wisconsin. Despite the prevalence and seriousness of congenital heart defects, there are currently no screening requirements at birth. Families can be discharged only to have their child become critically ill or even die shortly after returning home.

I am writing for your help to make screening the law, ensuring quality and uniformity so that each baby, wherever he or she is born, has equal access to this simple, life-saving tool. There are three easy ways you can get involved in this fight!

Pledge your support for Pulse Oximetry screening: I support Pulse Ox!

Have you or someone you know been affected by a congenital heart defect? Share your story with us.

Ask your friends and family to join the fight by asking them to join our You’re the Cure network.

Thank you for fighting to ensure all newborns have access to early screening and detection of congenital heart defects, thereby ensuring they too are one of the lucky ones , like my Nicholas.

With Heart,
Amy Basken Mother of a Congenital Heart Defect Survivor
American Heart Association Wisconsin Advocacy Committee Member

November 2011 Legislative Update

2011-11-08T09:49:00.010-06:00

The legislature has been busy the last couple of weeks and we’ve seen movement on some of our issues. We hope you enjoy this update and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions.

As the holiday season approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to give thanks a bit early. THANK YOU for your continued involvement, interest and passion in our advocacy efforts this year. It is because of volunteers like you we are able to work toward our mission and goal of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

We can’t spell CURE without “U”!

Anne, Melissa and Nicole
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Legislation

We continue to work with Mended Little Hearts to ensure all newborns have access to pulse oximetry screening prior to hospital discharge. Pulse oximetry screening helps detect critical, life-threatening congenital heart defects which otherwise may go undetected. Currently only a quarter of the hospitals in the state perform pulse oximetry screenings on newborns, covering a third of the births. Our goal is to ensure all newborns have access to the screening. For more information contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org.

The worksite wellness legislation (SB 164/AB 220), authored by Senator Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Murtha (R-Baldwin), passed through committee as amended in both the Senate and Assembly in October. The amendment limits eligibility to small employers (50 or fewer employees) and to new worksite wellness programs (vs. existing or expanding). It also decreases the total credits available per year. Our next step is to gain approval from the Joint Finance Committee and the full Senate and Assembly. For more information contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org

Legislation to prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor (AB 93), authored by Rep. Bies (R-Sister Bay), passed the full Assembly in October and currently awaits a public hearing in the Senate Public Health Committee. The legislation was amended in committee to also prohibit to the sale or giving of nicotine products to minors.

The PE waiver legislation (SB 95), authored by Senator Olsen (R-Ripon) and Rep. Kestell (R- Elkhart Lake), passed the Senate along party lines in late October and passed through the Assembly by a vote of 54-38 last week. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

As you recall, thanks to the massive response from our You’re the Cure network in sending messages to legislators, we were able to amend the bill to ensure students still receive the majority of their credit - 1 full credit - from physical education courses and are only allowed to opt out of .5 credit if they participate in sports. Thank you for your help in this HUGE defensive victory!!!

As you know, physical education is an important priority for the mission of the American Heart Association. We know that learning healthy habits early like eating right and exercising is an important step in the fight against obesity – a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Read our statement on the passage of this bill.

We continue to watch for legislation that would weaken the Smoke-free law, but to date nothing has been introduced. We will let you know immediately if anything is circulated.
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Making a Difference Under the Dome

We are looking for businesses that may be interested in applying for the worksite wellness tax credit. If you know of a small employer that is considering starting a worksite wellness program and could benefit from this tax credit, please ask them to contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org.

Become a Volunteer Leader! Are you passionate about making heart-healthy changes in Wiscosnin and across the country? Consider becoming one of our volunteer leaders. Help us recruit and train new advocates, continue to build relationships with your legislators and be our go-to volunteer for your area of the state.Sound great? Contact Anne Simaytis to find out more at anne.simaytis@heart.org or 414-227-1410.
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October Highlights

Our Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Fort Atkinson Heart Walks were all successful and raised much needed funding for heart disease and stroke research. Each breakthrough made brings us one step closer to creating lives free of heart disease and stroke. At the American Heart Association, we believe that learning more about the causes of cardiovascular diseases, as well as how best to diagnose, treat and prevent them, is the fundamental building block in reducing disability and death from our number one and number three killers.

Thank you to everyone, including Wisconsin Advocacy Committee member Jen Engel pictured at the right with Bucky Badger, who joined us at one of the walks and supported our fundraising efforts.
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Upcoming Events

Our Wisconsin Advocacy Committee will meet in mid-November to discuss our public policy agenda. The committee is an interactive group that helps us develop and implement our policy agenda. It meets three times a year in Madison and meets via conference call as issues emerge. If you are interested in joining our Wisconsin Advocacy Committee, please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org

American Heart Association Recognizes Efforts on Bill Affecting PE in Schools

2011-11-04T09:26:00.004-05:00

Senate Bill 95 passes legislature and provision maintains 1 credit of PE to graduate

MADISON, WI: The American Heart Association releases the following statements in regards to passage of legislation (SB 95) today. The bill has a provision that high school students will receive the majority of their physical education credit - 1 full credit – as a graduation requirement. The legislation does also allow for students to waive out of 0.5 credits if they participate in sports to instead complete additional core subjects.

“Maintaining 1 full credit of PE for graduation will provide important baseline knowledge of physical activity and fitness that may not always part of their sports experience,” said Melissa Horn, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association.

According to the Department of Health Services, one in four Wisconsin high school students are overweight or obese and nationwide the obesity rate for kids has nearly tripled since 1963. Because of these increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

An earlier version of the provision in the bill would have entirely eliminated the PE credit graduation requirement. The American Heart Association worked closely with lawmakers to restore the 1 full credit. ”The alarming rise in childhood obesity in our state and nation make it all the more important that our kids receive this educational information early, which will help them lead healthier, longer lives with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers,” said Horn.

About the American Heart AssociationFounded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

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*For information or questions on this legislation, please contact:

Melissa Horn, Government Relations Director Melissa.Horn@heart.org (314) 952-4742

High sodium: It's not just a food problem. It's a heart problem.

2011-11-02T12:28:00.002-05:00

High blood pressure? Isn’t that something only old people have to worry about?

Not anymore. Nowadays, high blood pressure affects people of all ages. In fact, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 Americans will develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes, beginning as early as childhood for some.

So what’s contributing to the problem? Sodium levels. While we can control the salt we put on our food, we can’t control the salt that’s already in it. When over 75 percent of the sodium in our diet comes from processed and packaged foods sold in grocery stores and served at restaurants and schools, it’s hard for even the most health-conscious among us to stay within the recommended daily sodium intake.

But you can help do something about it. From now until November 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking the public for feedback on whether it should take measures to reduce sodium levels in our food- and we need you to speak up! Share your thoughts today about the need to address excess sodium in the packaged and prepared foods that we eat.

Of course, it’s not just about healthy food. It’s about healthy hearts. Lowering the sodium we consume can have significant cardiovascular benefits, so it is critical for consumers and health advocates alike to stress the importance of sodium reduction to the FDA. Send your message today!

Thank you for your help,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

PS- Don’t forget to personalize your message! Whether you are a parent, medical professional, survivor, or someone with heart disease or stroke risk factors, your personal concern is important to share with the FDA.

Tobacco's TRICKS and Wisconsin Kids

2011-10-31T10:12:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about Snus, Strips, and Sticks? Well, they're just some of Big Tobacco's new tricks - marketed to our youth.

Today's tobacco industry is evolving for the 21st century, innovating products and finding new ways to hook nonsmokers while keeping existing customers addicted. The products may be changing but their goal remains the same -- to profit from a deadly addiction.

This Halloween, take some time to educate your friends and family about the dangers of these new products. Take our quiz to see if you can tell which products are tobacco and which are candy:

Pop Quiz: Learn more about the Tobacco Industry's New Tricks NOT Treats (Answers can be found below)

As you know, the American Heart Association continues to advocate to ensure all tobacco is treated the same when it comes to how they are priced and sold in Wisconsin. And we’ve made some progress this fall! Representative Bies authored a bill that passed the Assembly prohibiting the purchase of tobacco products on behalf of a minor (AB 93) and at the end of September the Department of Revenue issued a letter to end illegal manufacturing of cigarettes in “roll your own” (RYO) businesses.

But there is still a lot more to do to ensure these candy flavored products stay out of the reach of kids. Which is why we need your help to educate parents this Halloween and recruit others to join the fight against big tobacco!

These tricks are intended for our Wisconsin kids, so be sure to spread the word to keep them out of our children’s hands this Halloween and year round! Visit our blog at www.heartofwisconsin.blogspot.com for more information.

For the Pop Quiz Answers, follow this link.

Thank you for helping to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Bill Passes Assembly in Effort to Curb Youth Access to Tobacco Products

2011-10-26T12:07:00.003-05:00

Madison, Wis.—Oct. 26, 2011—In response to the Assembly passage of AB 93, Tuesday, which makes it illegal for adults to purchase non-cigarette tobacco products for minors, the American Cancer Society, SmokeFree Wisconsin, American Heart Association and the American Lung Association issued the following joint statement:

“We would like to thank Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay), author of AB 93, and the state Assembly for taking action to reduce youth access to all tobacco products.

“Research shows 80 percent of adult smokers become addicted before the age of 18, and youth who use smokeless tobacco are also more likely to become cigarette smokers later in life. By working to curb youth tobacco use – still the number one cause of preventable death in Wisconsin – our state can save lives and money. This bill is a step in that direction. We urge the Senate to take action and pass this common sense public health measure quickly.

“Making it illegal for adults to purchase any tobacco products for minors is an important first step toward combatting the growing threat of smokeless and spitless tobacco products marketed to youth. Some of these evolving new products come in flavors like chocolate, wild cherry, sour apple and watermelon; a sure sign the tobacco industry is targeting youth.

“We look forward to working with lawmakers, including Representative Bies, to further reduce youth access to tobacco products and to prevent kids from a lifetime of tobacco addiction.”

Eric’s Story

2011-10-25T08:30:00.003-05:00

In July of 2007, Eric Sarno of Madison was training for the World Amateur Championships. Eric had every intention of qualifying for the World Amateur Championships as a tri-athlete when he had a hemorrhagic stroke. Eric was only 36 years old.

Ultimately, Eric has recovered very well, with a few challenges that will always remain. Since his stroke, Eric has been able to return to work full-time and has started training to compete in triathlons again. Eric was fortunate to have access to quality medical care quickly and is a member of the Wisconsin Advocacy Committee where he works tirelessly to raise awareness about stroke, advocate for research funding and work to ensure Wisconsin’s stroke care is the best it can be.

This year on World Stroke Day, Saturday, October 29, we celebrate Eric and the thousands of other Wisconsin residents who have survived a stroke. We also remember the thousands who were not fortunate to survivor their stroke.

Send a message to your legislators to make sure they are supporting policies that reduce the threat of stroke.

The American Stroke Association has joined other international organizations to urge people globally to reduce the threat of stroke on World Stroke Day this year. One of every six people worldwide has a stroke. Stroke is the second-leading cause of death in the world behind heart disease. In the United States, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of one every three to four minutes.

Explore other ways you can reduce your risk of stroke by using American Heart Association and American Stroke Association tools and resources:

Learn your stroke risk
Learn the warning signs of stroke and TIA

Track and control your No. 1 modifiable stroke risk factor: High Blood Pressure
Online tracker
Printable tracker
High Blood Pressure Risk Calculator

Take your medicine
Live a healthy lifestyle
Make a new life resolution

Join or start a stroke support group

Make sure you share these resources with your legislators on celebration of World Stroke Day!

Thank you for building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Action Alert! Don't Let Congress Cut Research Funding

2011-10-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Funding for medical research is critical to our fight against heart disease and stroke, yet the budget for research conducted through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could be cut if Members of Congress don’t act soon.

We need you to help by telling lawmakers that funding for research saves lives!

So many of the prevention and treatment techniques you know today are a result of NIH-funded research. The development of cholesterol-lowering drugs that help significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke for many Americans, bypass surgery to assist those suffering from a blocked artery, the use of Aspirin to prevent blood clots that could cause a stroke… all of these were discoveries that resulted from NIH funds, and all of them are currently saving lives!

Tell your legislators that we can’t afford cuts to NIH funding, halting discoveries of new treatments for those affected by heart disease and stroke. We must continue to make progress in the fight against these devastating diseases that threaten the lives of far too many of our loved ones.

Send a message today- let lawmakers know that "Research Saves Lives"!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You’re the Cure.

First Lady to lead walk along Old Abe Trail Friday

2011-10-12T23:18:00.001-05:00

Published in THE HERALD Chippewa.com

Anyone looking for some exercise Friday morning can join First Lady Tonette Walker out on the Old Abe Trail for a two-mile walk.

As part of her “Walk with Walker” fitness initiative, Walker will visit Chippewa Falls to take in the scenic trail and enjoy the changing season.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the beautiful fall colors that I’ve heard are so radiant in Chippewa Falls,” Walker said in a press release.

As part of Walk with Walker, the first lady will visit recreation trails and parks across the state, promoting tourism and health and fitness. She will be joined Friday by Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett.

Anyone is welcome to attend the walk, starting at 10 a.m. at the Old Abe Trailhead on 97th Avenue and Highway S. There is no cost for participation.

Read more: http://chippewa.com/news/local/article_4dd2375c-f41b-11e0-b83d-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1aZUDJvta

Roll-Your-Own (RYO) Issue Call

2011-10-10T08:42:00.000-05:00

Our partners at Health First Wisconsin will host a conference call on Tuesday, October 11th at 10am to discuss the actions taken by Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue ensuring that tobacco retailers – particularly RYO shops – are adhering to state law. This call will briefly review what has happened (enforcement actions, shops closed, etc) and what we should expect to happen (lawsuit, some type of injunction). Additionally, we will review potential actions for coalition members to engage in to support efforts to observe these businesses and the potential health risks they pose.

Subject: Review of Action on RYO in Wisconsin
Tuesday, October 11th
10am (expected to last 30-45 minutes)

Call-in Information:
Phone: (218)862-1001
Access Code: 167573#

Please contact Melissa Horn, AHA Government Relations Director at melissa.horn@heart.org or 1-608-221-8866 ext 2336 with questions.

October 2011 Legislative Update

2011-10-04T10:52:00.004-05:00

Happy Fall everyone! There are six months left in this legislative session, and we have much to accomplish in that short timeframe. We hope you enjoy this update and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions. Together we can build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Anne, Melissa and Nicole

Legislation

We are working with Mended Little Hearts on legislation to ensure all newborns have access to pulse oximetry screening prior to hospital discharge. Pulse oximetry screening helps detect critical, life-threatening congenital heart defects which otherwise may go undetected. Pulse oximetry screenings are non-invasive, painless, and take approximately one minute to perform. We are currently meeting with legislators to find one willing to introduce the legislation. For more information contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org.

The worksite wellness legislation (SB 164/AB 220), authored by Senator Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Murtha (R-Baldwin), had a public hearing in the Senate and Assembly in September. Concerns were raised in the Senate regarding the overall scope of the legislation, and therefore an amendment is being drafted to scale it back. The amendment will limit eligibility of the credit to small employers and new worksite wellness programs (vs. existing or expanding). It will also decrease the total credits available. While we prefer the original version of the legislation, we also support the amendment. Our goal is to help more employers create quality, culturally sensitive worksite wellness programs for their employees, and the amendment moves us in that direction.The PE waiver legislation (AB 130/SB 95), authored by Senator Olsen (R-Ripon) and Rep. Kestell (R- Elkhart Lake), did not move in September, but we do anticipate movement this fall. Please stay tuned.

Legislation to prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor (AB 93), authored by Rep. Bies (R-Sister Bay), had a public hearing in the Assembly in September. The American Heart Association submitted testimony in support of the legislation and asked for additional changes to be made to further curb youth access to tobacco in Wisconsin. Watch video coverage from the hearing or view our testimony here. Be sure to look for action alerts in the month of October as we continue to let our legislators know about these misleading products.

We continue to watch for legislation that would weaken the Smoke-free law, but to date nothing has been introduced. We will let you know immediately if anything is circulated.

Making a Difference Under the Dome

We are recruiting families who have been affected by a congenital heart defect to help us with the pulse oximetry legislation. If you or someone you know was born with a serious heart defect please consider sharing your story with us. If you would like to actively become involved in this issue, please contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org. Our goal is to ensure all newborns have access to this life saving screening prior to hospital discharge.

September Highlights

On September 23rd, the Department of Revenue issued a letter to end illegal manufacturing of cigarettes in “roll your own” (RYO) businesses. Clarifying this part of the law is one step towards ending misleading marketing practices of tobacco distributors in Wisconsin. The bottom line is that no matter how it is packaged, there is no safe cigarette. If you haven’t already taken action to thank the administration and let your legislators know about this issue, please follow this link: Send a Message to Thank Wisconsin for Closing of Loophole for Roll-Your-Own Cigarettes

In addition, we had some exciting news! Wisconsin was chosen to receive funding to fight obesity and prevent heart disease through two different grants:

Million Hearts Campaign: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with several key initial partners, launched Million Hearts, an initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Wisconsin was selected as one of 10 states to receive funding to empower people to make healthy choices through initiatives around preventing tobacco use and reducing sodium and trans fat consumption. Read more about Million Hearts on our blog.

Community Transformation Grant: The Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, a unit of University Health Services at UW–Madison, announced last week that they have received a $23.5 million federal grant to fund 10 Wisconsin communities for projects that save lives and money -- including preventing tobacco-use, promoting physical activity and nutrition, and detecting obesity and heart disease early. The award, called the Community Transformation Grant, is granted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read more on our blog.

Upcoming Events

October is National Farm to School month! In 2010, Wisconsin passed legislation that included a statewide Farm to School coordinator and grant program. The legislature approved this year’s budget to include a coordinator position, but grants are still needed to implement efforts statewide. Read more about the Farm to School movement in Wisconsin here and find out what’s happening in your community here.

Heart Walk season in Wisconsin is winding down. Heart Walks are our premier fundraising event and is a great way to help support the life-saving mission of the American Heart Association. Heart Walks provide a great opportunity for us to inform participants about our advocacy efforts. We need advocates like you to help us staff the event, gather signatures for petitions, and recruit new You’re the Cure members. Please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org if you’re interested in helping at our Madison or Milwaukee Heart Walk.

Fall Wisconsin Heart Walks:
October 8 - South Central Heart Walk (Madison)
October 16 - Milwaukee Heart Walk

Make a donation to the American Heart Association.

Wisconsin Receives $23.5 Million Grant for Healthy Transformation

2011-10-03T08:51:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Wisconsin’s Clearinghouse for being awarded a Community Transformation Grant. For more information on this award, please contact Julie Swanson at jswanson@uhs.wisc.edu

September 27, 2011

MADISON, Wis -- The Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, a unit of University Health Services at UW–Madison, announced today that they have received a $23.5 million Federal grant to make it easier for Wisconsin residents to be and stay healthy.

The project will address public demand for proven prevention strategies that decrease obesity and tobacco use across Wisconsin. It will also increase early screening for chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. The award, called the Community Transformation Grant, is granted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Wisconsin’s public health movement rallied around this application, and will be a powerful force in creating a healthier Wisconsin going forward,” said Tom Sieger, UHS director of prevention services, “The grant will help improve the overall health and well-being of Wisconsin residents, lower the rates of life-threatening chronic diseases, and bring down healthcare costs for us all.”

The award will be spread over five years with be distributed to local community-based coalitions in 10 Wisconsin cities and a statewide coalition of public health partners including the YMCA, Health First Wisconsin, UW Department of Nutritional Sciences, the Wisconsin Cancer Council, and many others.

"YMCAs across the state of Wisconsin are thrilled to collaborate and help make this healthy transformation happen for Wisconsin” said Carrie Wall, President and CEO of the YMCA of Dane County. “Not only does the Y help kids move more and educate them about making healthy choices, but we are also committed to working with community leaders to institute policy and systems changes that increase physical activity and improve access to healthy foods."

For more than 35 years, the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources has advanced public health and prevention efforts in the state through accurate, up-to-date information, training and technical assistance to help Wisconsin youth, families, schools and communities in the promotion of healthy practices and the prevention of injury and disease.

In keeping with the Wisconsin Idea, the organization strives to make information about environmental strategies, research-based programs, and new technologies and practices available to residents beyond the university and throughout the state.
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MILWAUKEE BIKE EVENT POSTPONED

2011-09-30T08:47:00.002-05:00

In light of the tragedy that happened this morning on the Hoan Bridge and out of respect for the individual and their family, the Milwaukee Bike Ride has been postponed. I will keep you updated. Please contact me if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Chris Larson
State Senator, District 7
**

Tuesday, October 4 from Noon to 1 p.m.

Senator Chris Larson, Representatives Jon Richards and Christine Sinicki, Milwaukee Common Council and County Board members, and bike enthusiasts from around Milwaukee will come together on October 4 from Noon to 1 p.m. to bike from the Humboldt Park Pavilion to Discovery World.

The ride will illustrate the considerable safety concerns bikers face while biking on city streets if they wish to get from Milwaukee's South Shore suburbs to Downtown or Milwaukee's Eastside neighborhoods.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently conducting a feasibility study on including a bike and pedestrian lane as part of the Hoan Bridge reconstruction. The proposed project would be the last major piece to complete a trail network, which runs from Downtown Chicago through Milwaukee and up to Sheboygan. Having a bike and pedestrian lane on the Hoan will provide our neighbors wishing to travel North and South with a direct route that is also safer for pedestrians, bikers and motor vehicles.

Representatives from the DOT, the governor’s office, and members of the press have also been invited to join the ride. A press conference will take place after the ride at Discovery World around 1:15 p.m.

Maps of the bike route are shown below. The map on the left is the route for north of the Hoan Bridge, while the Map on the right is for south of the Hoan Bridge.

There's still no safe cigarette

2011-09-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

Let your legislators know there’s still no safe cigarette

If it looks like a cigarette, is smoked like a cigarette, and still causes heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases - it’s a cigarette. On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue reached that same conclusion by announcing that Roll-Your-Own (RYO) cigarette shops and machines will be required to have their products taxed at the same rate as pre-packaged cigarettes. This is great news, as Roll-Your-Own machines have popped up across the state enticing buyers and attracting youth by advertising low prices.

Thank the administration for clarifying this law and let your legislators know there is still no safe cigarette, no matter how it’s made.

Roll-Your-Own machines allow users to quickly transform loose tobacco into regular cigarettes, much like the popular build-a-bear machines vend stuffed animals for kids. By calling the cigarettes “smokes” and packing them into boxes instead of cartons, these cigarettes sold for up to half the price of name brand products.

Clarifying this part of the law is one step towards ending misleading marketing practices of tobacco distributors in Wisconsin. The bottom line is that no matter how it is packaged, there is still no safe cigarette. In fact, research shows that tobacco use in any form increases the risk of heart attack, fatal stroke, certain cancers and other chronic diseases.

Please take a moment to send a message to thank the administration for clarifying this law and let legislators know there is still no safe cigarette, no matter how it’s made.

Thank you for your help on this important health issue.

American Heart Association Praises Closing of Loophole for Roll-Your-Own Cigarettes

2011-09-23T12:17:00.004-05:00

(MADISON, Wis.) The American Heart Association applauds the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for announcing today that Roll-Your-Own (RYO) cigarette shops and machines will be required to have their products taxed at the same rate as pre-packaged cigarettes. The packaging will also need to carry a Wisconsin tax stamp. These machines and shops allow smokers to build their own cigarettes by pulling loose tobacco from bins.

“There is no safe tobacco containing cigarette. Our bodies cannot tell the difference between a cigarette that was rolled by a machine in a factory and a cigarette that was rolled by an employee, a smoker or a child in a convenience store; smoking that cigarette increases your chances of heart disease and stroke, period. Tobacco dispensed from a machine carries the same deadly toxins as tobacco in pre-packaged cigarettes. From a health standpoint, there is no difference between these products, so it makes sense that the Department of Revenue treats these products equally, notifying them that the same laws apply” says Dr. Hardeep Ahuja, a Family Practice Physician and Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology in Menomonee Falls and an Advocate for the American Heart Association.

As RYO cigarettes have become an increasingly popular option, court cases have followed. Numerous judges have ruled these shops and machines qualify as “manufacturers” and should be subject to the same taxes as the companies producing name-brand and generic cigarettes.

Lower prices have given RYO cigarette shops and machines a competitive advantage, which has lead to their proliferation across the state. The lower price point makes these cigarettes more attractive to children. Also, unsupervised or poorly supervised machines make these cigarettes easier for kids to obtain.

Jen Engel, volunteer advocate and national spokeswoman for the American Heart Association sees this move as a positive first step. “Hopefully, by removing the price advantage, the state can curtail a practice that preys on low income individuals and children, as well as take away the perception that rolling cigarettes is in any way safer.”

The U.S. Surgeon General has called smoking the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States and has reported that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. To learn how smoking tobacco or breathing second-hand smoke affects your heart health, please visit www.heart.org.

Read the Department of Revenue statement here

CDC New Website About Congenital Heart Defects

2011-09-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

This week, the CDC shared a new website to help educate the public about congenital heart defects (CHD), the most common type of birth defect. Check it out here: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/index.html

Are you a CHD survivor, or a caregiver for a CHD survivor? Share your story with us! (link for the share your story with us text: http://www.yourethecure.org/register.aspx?Page=shareyourstory

New public-private sector initiative aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in five years

2011-09-13T15:49:00.002-05:00

September 13, 2011

Million Hearts focuses on improving aspirin use, blood pressure, cholesterol control and tobacco prevention

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with several key initial partners, today launched Million Hearts, an initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Currently, cardiovascular disease costs $444 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity in Americans. Building on work already underway thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Million Hearts will help improve Americans’ health and increase productivity.

Million Hearts is focused on two goals:

·Empowering Americans to make healthy choices such as preventing tobacco use and reducing sodium and trans fat consumption. This can reduce the number of people who need medical treatment such as blood pressure or cholesterol medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

·Improving care for people who do need treatment by encouraging a targeted focus on the “ABCS” – Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management and Smoking cessation – which address the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

“Heart disease causes 1 of every 3 American deaths and constitutes 17-percent of overall national health spending,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “By enlisting partners from across the health sector, Million Hearts will create a national focus on combating heart disease.”

By empowering Americans to make healthy choices and improving care, Million Hearts strives to achieve the following specific goals:

Indicator/Baseline/ 2017 goal:

Aspirin use for people at high risk- baseline 47%; 2017 goal 65%
Blood pressure control- baseline 46%; 2017 goal 65%
Effective treatment of high cholesterol (LDL-C)- baseline 33%; 2017 goal 65%
Smoking prevalence- baseline 19%; 2017 goal 17%
Sodium intake (average)- baseline 3.5g/day; 2017 goal 20% reduction
Artificial trans fat consumption (average)- baseline 1% of calories/day; 2017 goal 50% reduction

from our existing health investments,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “If we succeed in achieving our Million Hearts goals, 10 million more Americans with high blood pressure will have it under control, 20 million more Americans with high cholesterol will have it under control, and 4 million fewer Americans will smoke by 2017.”

“The treatment of heart disease and stroke account for about $1 of every $6 spent on health care in this country,” said Donald Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “By shifting our focus from paying for how much care is provided to how to get the best health for Americans and putting more tools into the hands of health care providers and patients, CMS can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and avoidable human suffering.”

Several partners from the private sector will work to achieve the Million Hearts goals by:

·Improving Americans’ diets, reducing tobacco use, and improving medication adherence through community innovations.

Specifically, these private sector initiatives include:

o The American Heart Association will help monitor progress of the initiative’s goals and provide consumers with access to their heart health management tools, including Heart 360, My Life Check, and the Heart Attack Risk Calculator.

o Walgreens will engage its more than 26,000 health care providers to support the Million Hearts initiative’s prevention goal by providing blood pressure testing at no charge in consultation with a Walgreens pharmacist or Take Care Clinic Nurse Practitioner.

o The Y is aiming to expand coverage of the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program as well as the successful National Diabetes Prevention Program and CDC’s Healthy Communities Program to better address risks for diabetes, heart attacks, and stroke.

o America’s Health Insurance Plans and its members will amplify their ongoing commitment to reduce cardiovascular disease, which includes community-based collaborations to reduce the burden of obesity and other risk factors for heart disease (UnitedHealthcare), beneficiary fitness programs (WellPoint), initiatives to reduce ethnic and racial disparities in cardiovascular health (Aetna) and programs to better manage chronic disease (Cigna).

o The American Pharmacists’ Association and the American Pharmacists’ Association Foundation will encourage its more than 62,000 members to engage in the Million Hearts Campaign by raising awareness with their patients and their communities.

o The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and the Alliance for Patient Medication Safety will encourage state pharmacy associations and their members to engage in the Million Hearts Campaign throughout the year with many activities planned for American Pharmacists Month in October and beyond.

o The National Community Pharmacists Association will encourage all 23,000 independent community pharmacies to become involved in the Initiative and continue to raise awareness through their publications and social media outlets.

Participation and commitment from private partners are expected to grow in the coming months; major national associations like the American Medical Association and American Nurses Association have already committed their constituencies to this important work.

In addition, HHS will target more than $200 million in new and refocused investments to achieve the goals of Million Hearts:

o Today, CDC is announcing $40 million for chronic disease prevention programs to health departments across the country.

o The Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and Inspection Service are launching efforts to identify opportunities to reduce sodium in food in order to put more control into consumers’ hands.

o CDC is announcing a $2 million Pharmacy Outreach Project to team up with pharmacists to provide additional advice and support to patients diagnosed with high blood pressure.

o CMS is announcing $85 million in Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases grants awarded to 10 states. These awards support prevention programs for Medicaid beneficiaries of all ages.

o CDC is announcing $4.2 million in funds to seven national networks of community-based organizations to support, disseminate and amplify the reach of the Community Transformation Grant program. Later this month, CDC will announce another $100 million in grants to communities across the country focused on reducing smoking, improving nutrition, and promoting blood pressure control.

o The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will align all available resources to support improved outreach and provision of comprehensive health care to people with mental and substance use disorders.

HHS will also achieve the goals of Million Hearts by:

·Enhancing focus on cardiovascular disease prevention

o Federal agencies and private sector partners will focus and align measurement strategies which will both improve ABCS care and simplifying reporting for providers. For example, the Physician Quality Reporting System, which provides bonus payments, and in the future, payment reductions, based on the reporting of quality information by eligible professionals, CMS plans to enhance its focus on the ABCS.

o Beginning in 2012, HRSA will require all community health centers to report annually on the ABCS measures to track and improve performance, including new measures for 2012 for aspirin use and cholesterol screening. These efforts will help to improve ABCS care for more than 20 million patients.

· Focusing HIT efforts to prevent heart attacks and strokes

o Ongoing HIT improvements will increase focus on cardiovascular prevention and give providers improved tools for their delivery of lifesaving ABCS care. Regional extension centers, which reach nearly 100,000 primary care doctors, and Beacon Communities will reach more than 100 million patients within the next few years.

· Improving the delivery of ABCS care through clinical innovations, including:

o Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). A network of 53 Medicare-funded organizations nationwide to improve healthcare quality at the community level, QIOs will work with physician offices, clinics and other providers to create Learning & Action Networks focused on achieving the elements of ABCS as part of each QIO’s tasks and goals.

o Learning from Local Innovators (Healthcare Innovations Exchange). The HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Healthcare Innovations Exchange supports efforts to identify and disseminate innovative efforts to improve health care led by local communities and leaders.

For further information on the public and private support of the Million Hearts initiative, please visit: http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about-mh.shtml.

For more information about the Million Hearts initiative and to access cardiovascular disease risk assessment tools visit millionhearts.hhs.gov. Million Hearts is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

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Top 10 myths about cardiovascular disease

2011-09-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

How much do you know about your heart's health? It's easy to be fooled by misconceptions. After all, heart disease only happens to your elderly neighbor or to your fried food-loving uncle, right? Or do you know the real truth - that heart disease affects people of all ages, even those who eat right? Relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to your heart. Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans each year than any other disease. So let's set the record straight on common myths.

"I'm too young to worry about heart disease." How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries.

"I'd know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs." High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because you don't usually know you have it. You may never experience symptoms, so don't wait for your body to alert you that there's a problem. Check you numbers with a simple blood pressure test.

"I'll know when I'm having a heart attack because I'll have chest pain." Not necessarily. Although it's common to have chest pain or discomfort, a heart attack may cause subtle symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back. Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn your risk of heart attack!

"Diabetes won't threaten my heart as long as I take my medication." Treating diabetes can help reduce your risk for or delay the development of cardiovascular diseases. But even when blood sugar levels are under control, you're still at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That's because the risk factors that contribute to diabetes onset also make you more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

"Heart disease runs in my family, so there's nothing I can do to prevent it." Although people with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, you can take steps to dramatically reduce your risk. Create an action plan to keep your heart healthy by tackling these to-dos: get active; control cholesterol; eat better; manage blood pressure; maintain a healthy weight; control blood sugar; and stop smoking.

"I don't need to have my cholesterol checked until I'm middle-aged." You should start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. Children in these families can have high cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk for developing heart disease as adults.

"Heart failure means the heart stops beating." The heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, not heart failure. With heart failure, the heart keeps working, but it doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles or persistent coughing and wheezing. During cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness and stops normal breathing.

"This pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my heart." Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of peripheral artery disease, which results from blocked arteries in the legs caused by plaque build-up. The risk for heart attack or stroke increases five-fold for people with PAD.

"My heart is beating really fast. I must be having a heart attack." Your heart rate speeds up during exercise or when you get excited, and slows down when you're sleeping. Most of the time, a change in your heartbeat is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of arrhythmia, an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can last long enough to impact how well the heart works and require treatment.

"I should avoid exercise after having a heart attack." No! As soon as possible, get the help you need by joining a cardiac rehabilitation program or consulting your healthcare provider for advice on developing a physical activity plan for you.

September 2011 Legislative Update

2011-09-06T10:17:00.003-05:00

It’s September. Kids are heading back to school and legislators are heading back to the capitol. The pace in Madison will pick up this fall, and we need your help convincing legislators to support heart healthy policies. Please continue to take action on our action alerts. Every voice counts, and we cannot do it without you!

Legislation
In August, Senator Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Murtha (R-Baldwin) introduced legislation to provide incentives for employers to create or expand worksite wellness programs. Senate Bill 164 was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health chaired by Senator Pam Galloway (R-Wausau). The Assembly companion, Assembly Bill 220, was referred to the Assembly Health Committee chaired by Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale). We are hopeful for a public hearing in both the Senate and Assembly committees in September.

In general, the worksite wellness legislation creates a tax credit to help employers offset some of the cost of creating worksite wellness programs. Worksite wellness program is defined in the legislation as a health or fitness program that is provided with health risk assessments and includes one or more of the following services: smoking cessation, weight management, stress management, worker injury prevention program, health screenings, nutrition education, health or fitness incentive programs, vaccinations and employee physical exams. The intent of the legislation is to help employers create comprehensive, quality wellness programs. For more information about this proposal or to find out how you can help, please contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org.

Senator Olsen (R-Ripon) and Rep. Kestell (R- Elkhart Lake) introduced legislation (AB 130/SB 95) that would, among other things, allow students to waive out of physical education courses if they participate in extracurricular, seasonal sports activities. The Senate version passed through committee in June and was amended so students could waive out of .5 credit instead of the full 1.5 credits needed to graduate. The Senate bill awaits a full Senate floor vote. The Assembly version was also amended in committee down to the .5 credit waiver, but failed as a full bill to pass out of committee and its future is undetermined. We anticipate movement on this issue this fall. Please stay tuned.

Rep. Bies (R-Sister Bay) introduced legislation to prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor. AB 93 was introduced in May and awaits a hearing in the Assembly Public Health Committee. We are hopeful the bill will get a public hearing this fall.

We continue to look out for any legislation that would weaken the Smoke-free law, but to date nothing has been introduced. In June, we released polling data that showed 75% of the population supports the law and Governor Walker issued a statement he would not support a repeal. We will continue to educate legislators on the importance of this law for heart health and will let you know should anything come up that would weaken it in any way.

Making a Difference Under the Dome
The worksite wellness legislation is a fantastic proposal, and we need your help convincing legislators it’s a good investment. We are hopeful to have a public hearing in both the Senate and Assembly Committees in September, and we need advocates like you to testify in support of the legislation. If you are interested in providing oral or written testimony in support of worksite wellness, please contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org. She will help you draft testimony and prepare for oral testimony.

Last session the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross teamed up to pass legislation requiring high schools to offer instruction in CPR and the use of AEDs. The legislation gives schools great flexibility in how they implement the instruction, but does require it to begin this school year. Contact your school board member, Superintendent or Principal and ask how they will be implementing the CRP/AED instruction. For more information, contact Nicole Hudzinski at nicole.hudzinski@heart.org.

August Highlights
Our Wisconsin Advocacy Committee met in Madison on August 24 to discuss our public policy agenda for the year. We also met with staff from Senator Herb Kohl’s Madison and DC offices to discuss our federal priorities— National Institute of Health (NIH) and Medicare/Medicaid funding.

Our Wisconsin Advocacy Committee is an interactive group that helps us develop and implement our policy agenda. It meets three times a year in Madison and meets via conference call as issues emerge. If you are interested in joining our Wisconsin Advocacy Committee, please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org.

Upcoming Events
We have several Heart Walks throughout the fall. Heart Walks are our premier fundraising event and is a great way to help support the life-saving mission of the American Heart Association.

Heart Walks provide a great opportunity for us to inform participants about our advocacy efforts. We need advocates like you to help us staff the event, gather signatures for petitions, and recruit new You’re the Cure members.

If helping to staff the event isn’t for you, you could also consider creating or joining a heart walk team. Heart Walk teams raise money to help us fulfill our mission. Money raised helps put up-to-the-minute research in doctor’s hands, funds groundbreaking pediatric heart and stroke research, and trains more than 9 million health professionals and others each year in emergency cardiovascular care.

Please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org if you’re interested in staffing a Heart Walk or creating a heart walk team.

Fall Wisconsin Heart Walks:
September 17 - Marshfield Heart Walk
September 17 - Green Bay Heart Walk
September 24 - Eau Claire Heart Walk
October 1 - Sheboygan Heart Walk
October 1 - Fort Atkinson/Whitewater Heart Walk
October 8 - South Central Heart Walk
October 16 - Milwaukee Heart Walk

Make a donation to the American Heart Association.

'The Last Heart Attack' airs on CNN

2011-09-01T17:40:00.001-05:00

In a new CNN documentary, Sanjay Gupta investigates whether diet and the latest diagnostic tests are enough to prevent every heart attack. In this medical journey of discovery, Dr. Gupta talks to former President Clinton, cutting-edge doctors, AHA CEO Nancy Brown and additional guests. Gupta also puts his own heart under the microscope as he offers practical advice and hard science to show how heart disease and heart attacks could be prevented.

Watch The Last Heart Attack.

Our Fight for Healthier School Meals Continues…

2011-08-03T08:58:00.001-05:00

Last Year: You’re the Cure advocates took as strong stand for healthier school meals for our kids by sending over 25,000 messages to Congress in support of the Child Nutrition Act. Our voices helped ensure the bill, which establishes the framework for the National School Lunch and National School Breakfast programs, was passed and signed into law by the President before the end of the 111th Congress.

This Year: Under the Child Nutrition Act, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed updated national school meal standards for the first time since 1994 and asked for the public to weigh in. You’re the Cure advocates sent over 30,000 comments to the USDA in April in support of the proposed standards, which ensure school meals include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit the sodium and unhealthy fats served to our kids at school.

Today: As the USDA works to review all of the public comments and finalize the standards, some Members of Congress are now trying to stop USDA’s efforts to improve school meals. That’s why we need your help once again. Please send a quick message to your Representative today to ask him/her to support the USDA’s efforts to finalize strong nutrition standards for school meals. With your help, millions of kids will be enjoying nutritious school meals in 2012.

August 2011 Legislative Update

2011-08-02T09:31:00.005-05:00

It’s August!

Summer is wrapping up, the stores are gearing up for “back to school” sales and your advocacy team is in planning mode for fall legislative priorities.

Thank you to those of you who took action on our You’re the Cure e-mail alerts in July. We were so happy to celebrate Wisconsin’s 1 year anniversary of our statewide smoke-free law with you and continue to talk with legislators about keeping our law intact. Keep clicking on those action alerts as we move on to additional priorities that promote physical activity and wellness in the workplace, schools, and communities.

Thank you for being a You’re the Cure advocate. We hope you enjoy our latest update and continue to advocate for heart healthy policies in Wisconsin.
Anne, Melissa and Nicole
_______________________________________________________
Legislation

Great news!!! Senator Terry Moulton (R- Chippewa Falls) and Representative John Murtha (R- Baldwin) circulated legislation last week to provide incentives for employers to create or expand worksite wellness programs. AHA has a long history of participating in worksite wellness programs, and we support policies that encourage employers to offer comprehensive, culturally sensitive programs. An action alert was sent out last Thursday regarding this proposal. If you have not taken action yet, please follow this link to do so. The deadline for cosponsorship is August 5. In other efforts to get people moving, we will soon begin working on legislation promoting physical activity in communities through joint use agreements. Many communities lack safe, adequate places for children and their families to exercise and play. Joint use agreement policies create a simple, burden-free way for schools and other public facilities to open their doors to the community after hours without concerns about lawsuits and other liability risks. Stay tuned for more information.

Rep. Bies (R-Sister Bay) introduced legislation to prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor. Assembly Bill 93 was introduced in May and awaits a hearing in the Assembly Public Health Committee. We continue to work with legislators to address loopholes regarding other tobacco products and how they are defined, regulated and sold in Wisconsin.

Senator Olsen (R-Ripon) and Rep. Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 130/ Senate Bill 95) that would, among other things, allow student to waive out of physical education courses if they participate in extracurricular, seasonal sports activities. The Senate and Assembly Education Committees amended the legislation, allowing students to receive only .5 credits for extracurricular sports participation instead of the full waiver of 1.5 physical education credits. This legislation passed in the Senate Education Committee as amended, but failed in the Assembly Education Committee. Stay tuned as we track further movement on this issue. _______________________________________________________
Making a Difference Under the Dome

August Recess
As federal legislators head back to the state for their August Recess, the American Heart Association tries connect with them and their district offices to speak about the importance of passing policies that build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This August we are specially looking to talk to our state’s national legislators about:

The need to protect Medicare and Medicaid for the millions of heart disease and stroke patients who depend on that coverage to access and afford the care they need.

Support for regular, quality physical education in our nation’s schools through the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act (S.576/H.R.1057).

The vital role National Institutes of Health research plays in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

The importance of preserving programs that help build walk-able and bike-able communities, like Safe Routes to School.

If you are interested in attending one of these meetings please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org or by phone at 414-227-1410.

Volunteers Needed

Wisconsin’s many fall Heart Walks are a great opportunity to let more people know about our advocacy efforts and get more people to join our fight. We are looking for a few volunteers to join us at upcoming heart walks to help get petition cards signed and recruit new members for You're the Cure. Send us a note to let us know you can help at one of the Heart Walks this fall.

See the Upcoming Events section for a complete list of our upcoming Heart Walks.
_______________________________________________________

July Highlights

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary of Wisconsin going smoke-free! View photos and videos from celebration events from across the state and share your thoughts on the law at http://www.wibettersmokefree.com. _______________________________________________________

Upcoming Events

August is Heart Walk and Physical Inactivity Awareness Month! Physical inactivity is a leading component in increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. But by exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk. That’s why The Start! Heart Walk (italics) is the American Heart Association's premiere event for raising funds to save lives from this country's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - heart disease and stroke. Designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, the Start! Heart Walk creates an environment that's fun and rewarding for the entire family. This year, more than 1 million walkers will participate in nearly 350 events. Your participation will help us raise even more in our fight to save lives. Walk with friends, family, coworkers or strangers you'll bond with along the way. Visit our website to learn more.

The Most Powerful Voices Gospel Concert will be held on August 6 during African World Festival at the Henry Meier Festival Grounds. The event raises voices and awareness about a major health problem for African Americans - the risk of stroke. The power is in your hands to prevent and overcome stroke. Visit our website for more information on ticketing and a full list of the event’s performers.

Join AHA at the Madison Mallards game the evening of August 11th! A local survivor will be throwing the first pitch and we will also have an area for game attendees to learn more about our local events and programs. We will also have a special demonstration of Hands Only CPR. Contact Anne Simaytis if you are interest in volunteering at this event at Anne.Simaytis@heart.org.

Fall Wisconsin Heart Walks

August 20 - Fox Cities Heart Walk

August 28 - Janesville Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk

September 17 - Marshfield Heart Walk

September 17 - Green Bay Heart Walk

September 24 - Eau Claire Heart Walk

October 1 - Sheboygan Heart Walk

October 1 - Fort Atkinson/Whitewater Heart Walk

October 8 - South Central Heart Walk

October 16 - Milwaukee Heart Walk

Make a donation to the American Heart Association.

CLOCK IN FOR A HEALTHIER HEART: WORKSITE WELLNESS LEGISLATION

2011-08-01T08:50:00.002-05:00

Wouldn’t it be great if your employer offered new programs or more ways for you to be heart healthy?

Senator Terry Moulton of Chippewa Falls and Representative John Murtha of Baldwin think so! They are circulating legislation to create a new tax credit for employers that create or expand worksite wellness programs. Please follow this link to email your legislators and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation to potentially make your workplace more heart-healthy. The deadline to co-sponsor is August 5.

Worksite wellness programs can consist of many services, including smoking cessation programs, stress management programming, fitness centers, weight loss programs and exercise classes. Each is designed to help employees make better lifestyle choices and promote activities that maximize their potential for health and well-being, including healthy hearts.

The American Heart Association has a long history of participating in worksite wellness programs, and we support policies that encourage employers to offer comprehensive, culturally sensitive programs.

Help make Wisconsin’s workforce healthier by emailing your legislators and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.

Thank you for building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

1 Year Later, 75% of Wisconsinites Support the Smoke-free Air Law

2011-06-30T12:59:00.001-05:00

Majority say the law has made going out to bars and restaurants more enjoyable

The state’s smoke-free air law is more popular now than ever before, according to a new poll released Thursday. The poll, conducted by the nationally recognized polling firm Public Opinion Strategies, found 75 percent of people support or strongly support the law, up from 69 percent in 2008 when the legislature was still debating the issue.

What’s more, fully 64 percent say the law has made going out to bars and restaurants more enjoyable while an overwhelming 91 percent say they go out to eat and drink the same or more often now that the state is smoke-free.

The smoke-free air law is also popular across the political spectrum with 66% of Republicans, 74% of Democrats and 80% of independents supporting it.

Wisconsin implemented its law July 5, 2010.

“People in Wisconsin waited a long time for this law. It’s great that they so clearly support it and are willing to support their favorite bars and restaurants through the change,” said Maureen Busalacchi, Executive Director of SmokeFree Wisconsin. “Even better, is the fact employees are enjoying improved health because of the law.”

Earlier this year the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee released a study comparing bartender health before and after the smoke-free air law took effect and found a substantial reduction in the percentage of bartenders who reported smoking-related respiratory health symptoms including, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and sore throats after the state went smoke-free.

The UW Milwaukee survey also found an overwhelming 72 percent of bartenders support the smoke-free law.

Similarly, a University of Wisconsin Madison study showed a 92 percent reduction in harmful indoor air pollutants inside bars and restaurants in the two months after going smoke-free. These “small particulate” pollutants are known to lodge deep into lung tissue and artery walls triggering asthma and contributing to heart disease and lung cancer, according to the study.

“I love it” said Bunnie Johnson, 62, a bartender and waitress at the now smoke-free Tippy Toe Inn in rural Vernon County. Johnson, who suffers from mild asthma, says the law has greatly improved her health.

“I used to cough half the day away. Now I almost never cough and I’m never sick. It’s made a big difference,” said Johnson.

Experiences like Johnson’s contribute to the overwhelming 85 percent of poll respondents who believe secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard and the 75 percent that say having smoke-free bars and restaurants is important.

Seventy-eight percent also believe the law is working well.

According to the latest compliance figures from the Department of Health Services, less than one percent of businesses have been reported for violating the law.

An economic analysis comparing five Wisconsin cities that had smoke-free ordinances before the state law to those without found no economic impact from being smoke-free. In fact, virtually every smoke-free community reported an increase in the number of Class B alcohol licenses after the ordinances took effect and employment remained strong despite the recession.

“Keeping people healthy and at work or able to go out with friends after work, benefits everyone,” said Gail Sumi, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society. “Clearly Wisconsin’s year old smoke-free law is working well and will continue to protect public health for years to come.”

Twenty-nine states have passed similar comprehensive smoke-free air laws including bars and restaurants.

The survey of 500 Wisconsin voters was conducted June 15 and 16th and has a margin of error of +/- 4 points. The poll was commissioned by SmokeFree Wisconsin, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the American Lung Association.

Statewide Smoke-free Air Highlights:

75% of Wisconsin voters surveyed say they support the statewide smoke-free air law

91% say they go out the same or more often now that bars and restaurants are smoke-free

64% of respondents go out to bars or restaurants at least once a week

85% agree that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard

85% believe having smoke-free bars and restaurants is important

78% say the law is working well

66% of Republicans, 74% of Democrats and 80% of Independents support the law

The full poll can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/1yrsmokefreepoll

A video of bar owners across the state sharing their thoughts about the law can be seen at: http://bit.ly/smokefreebars

Success! Governor Walker Vetoes Philip Morris Tax Break

2011-06-29T12:54:00.002-05:00

Success!!! Thanks to your help in sending emails and making phone calls over the last week, Governor Walker vetoed a part of the state budget yesterday that would have made smokeless tobacco products made by Philip Morris cheaper and more appealing to Wisconsin kids.

Follow the link below to send a thank you to the Governor for stopping tobacco giant Philip Morris and keeping tobacco away from our kids:

Thank the Governor for his veto

The vetoed provision would have changed the way Wisconsin taxes smokeless tobacco from one based on a percentage of the products’ price—which automatically increases with inflation—to one based on the products weight. This weight-based taxation effectively would have lowered the price of many of the most popular premium products like Copenhagen and Skoal produced by Phillip Morris, which together account for roughly half of the teenage smokeless tobacco market.

Read more about smokeless tobacco use in Wisconsin here

We know that tobacco use in any form is bad for your heart health. That’s why this victory is so important for Wisconsin kids, families and all of you dedicated to creating healthy lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Thank the Governor for his veto

Thank you again for taking action!

Breaking News: Governor Decides to Veto Philip Morris Tax Cut

2011-06-24T15:43:00.010-05:00

Great News!!!

Thanks to your help in sending emails and making phone calls over the last week, Governor Walker has decided to veto a part of the state budget that would have made Philip Morris’s smokeless tobacco products cheaper and more appealing to Wisconsin kids.

View AHA's joint statement with leading health groups here

The vetoed provision would have changed the way Wisconsin taxes smokeless tobacco from one based on a percentage of the products’ price—which automatically increases with inflation—to one based on the products weight. This weight-based taxation effectively would have lowered the price of many of Philip Morris’s most popular premium products like Copenhagen and Skoal, which together account for roughly half of the teenage smokeless tobacco market.

Numerous economic studies have shown the tremendous impact price has on youth tobacco use. It’s estimated that for every 10 percent increase in the price of tobacco there is a six to seven percent decrease in underage users.

According to the 2010 Department of Health Services Youth Tobacco Survey, nearly 20 percent of Wisconsin high school kids report having tried smokeless tobacco and a study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse found smokeless tobacco use among the nation’s teenagers is increasing even as smoking rates hit a record low.

Wisconsin currently spends an estimated $2.8 billion annually on tobacco-related health care costs, including $480 million direct from taxpayers through Medicaid.

Smokeless tobacco contains two to three times the amount of nicotine found in a cigarette. Smokeless tobacco users face upwards of 50 times greater risk of developing gum and cheek cancer as well as significantly higher rates of cancers of the larynx and esophagus.

The veto was supported by a broad coalition of health and medical organizations including the Wisconsin Medical Society, the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Dental Association and the Children’s Health Alliance.

Should Wisconsin kids pay the price for Big Tobacco profits?

2011-06-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

We don’t think so.

The Wisconsin’s legislature approved a budget yesterday that gives a tax break to tobacco giant Phillip Morris making their products more affordable and appealing to kids. Ask the Governor to veto this tax break from the budget by following the link below:

Tell the Governor you don't want our kids paying for Big Tobacco's profits

Nearly 20 percent of the state’s kids say they’ve tried moist tobacco. Of the kids that get hooked, most use Phillip Morris tobacco products. These products are often fruit flavored and packaged similar to popular brands of candy.

Tobacco use, in any form, is bad for your health and increases your risk for heart disease, cancers, and other chronic diseases. Specifically, smokeless tobacco contains two to three times the amount of nicotine found in a cigarette.

The last thing we should be doing is making these tobacco products more affordable and likely to hook teens.

Tell the Governor you don’t want our kids paying for Big Tobacco’s profits!

Thank you for your help in protecting kids from tobacco.

Another View: Physical education crucial in fighting obesity

2011-06-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

Jun. 20, 2011, GB Press Gazette

As a physician, all too often I see young adults who developed obesity during childhood.

Some of them now have type 2 diabetes in their early 20s. This means they have several decades in the prime of their lives to struggle with a serious, chronic disease.

This is a preventable disease, as are other obesity-related ones, like heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. That's why it is critical to increase physical activity in and outside of school and to teach our youth to make healthy food choices early.

With 25 million American kids — nearly one in every three young people — overweight or obese, our youngsters are at risk of living shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.

Obesity's impact is even more problematic for racial and ethnic minority populations. According to recent studies, nearly 40 percent of African-American girls and 37 percent of Hispanic girls ages 2-19 are considered overweight or obese. And nearly 42 percent of Hispanic boys and 33 percent of African-American boys ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese.

To address the obesity challenge among children, especially youth from diverse ethnic backgrounds, we need to encourage our children to get plenty of exercise during summer outside of school.

But the school setting also is a crucial place for healthy exercise. Since students spend a great amount of time in school, it is important to emphasize the role schools play in promoting lifelong physical activity habits.

Currently, only 4 percent of elementary and 8 percent of middle schools provide daily physical education. And 22 percent of schools do not require students to take any physical education classes at all.

If we want to improve our children's well-being, quality physical education must be an integral part of the school day. Beyond its health benefits, physical education also can help boost academic achievement.

To reach this goal, the American Heart Association has joined with other health organizations to support the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act, bipartisan legislation that strengthens physical education programs and raises awareness about the importance of physical activity throughout the country.

It would require that all schools include the quantity and quality of physical education in annual report cards sent to parents and look at developing innovative ways to increase physical activity in our schools.

That is not too much to ask. Our future depends on the health and welfare of the next generation.

Sherita Hill Golden is a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. For more information, visit www.fitkidsact.org.

To view this article: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110620/GPG0602/106200527/Another-View-Physical-education-crucial-fighting-obesity

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Praises New Graphic Warning Labels

2011-06-22T14:08:00.000-05:00

June 21, 2011

New cigarette warning labels unveiled today by the Food and Drug Administration will help give us the momentum needed to eradicate tobacco use in our nation. For the first time in 25 years, cigarette warning labels have been dramatically altered to graphically demonstrate the specific, serious health risks associated with smoking and these warnings will not only tell smokers how bad tobacco use is, but also direct them to smoking cessation resources that can help them quit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 45 million Americans smoke cigarettes, about 20 percent of the population, and one in five high school students still smoke. The new health warnings represent an aggressive and welcome approach to reducing smoking rates that have leveled off in recent years as tobacco companies continue to launch campaigns to entice new smokers and maintain current customers.

The American Heart Association strongly believes that the graphic depictions of smoking-related diseases on cigarette packages will drive home the message that tobacco use is an equal opportunity killer, affecting smokers and nonsmokers alike. In the U.S., about one-third of smoking-related deaths are linked to heart disease and stroke. Cigarette smoking causes about 443, 000 premature deaths each year and about 49, 000 of these deaths are due to secondhand smoke. Undoubtedly, the new graphic health warnings will heighten awareness about the dangers of smoking and more importantly, encourage smokers to quit and discourage smoking initiation. We’re confident that the new labels will move us closer to our goal of making the nation 100 percent smoke-free.

http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/CigaretteWarningLabels/default.htm.

For more information, visit www.heart.org.

FDA Announces Final Cigarette Health Warnings

2011-06-21T09:23:00.006-05:00

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Food and Drug Administration:
This morning, the FDA announced the nine cigarette health warnings required to appear on every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States and in every cigarette advertisement. This bold measure is aimed at making sure that every American understands the dangers of smoking.

The warnings represent the most significant changes to cigarette labels in more than 25 years and will affect everything from packaging to advertisements. Manufacturers are required to place them on all cigarette packs, cartons and ads by no later than September 2012.

Each warning is accompanied by the phone number 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a smoking cessation resource, so it will be seen at the time it is most relevant to smokers, increasing the likelihood that smokers who want to quit will be successful. Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, responsible for 443,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It costs our economy nearly $200 billion every year in medical care and lost productivity.

The introduction of these warnings is expected to have a significant public health impact by decreasing the number of smokers - resulting in lives saved, increased life expectancy and improved health status.

» Watch the event live at 11:30pm CT and 12:30pm CT at WhiteHouse.gov/live
» Tweet at the Twitter Town Hall with Dr. Howard Koh, the Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS, and Dr. Lawrence Deyton, Director of the Center for Tobacco Products @FDATobacco at 2:30 PM
To participate and ask questions, simply follow along at the hashtag #cigwarnings and make sure to tag your Twitter questions with #cigwarnings.

For More Information
» Visit FDA's Cigarette Health Warning Webpage
» Read the Press Release
» Read the Frequently Asked Questions
» Read the Consumer Update

Get Active with Dad this Father's Day!

2011-06-17T10:18:00.003-05:00

This Sunday is Father's Day. How are you going to spend it? Get Active with Dad! There are many ways that you can help celebrate Father's Day and that are beneficial to your heart. Check out some of our favorites!

Editorial: Phy ed should remain in regular school curriculum

2011-06-14T15:19:00.001-05:00

Published June 02, 2011, 11:59 AM in the River Falls Journal

Companion bills in the Wisconsin Legislature would allow high school students to skip physical education courses if they take part in seasonal or extracurricular sports.

Companion bills in the Wisconsin Legislature would allow high school students to skip physical education courses if they take part in seasonal or extracurricular sports.

We agree with the American Heart Association that the bill is a bad idea.

Participation in any sport can be important for some athletes, but sports programs have distinctly different goals than physical education.

Research indicates that daily physical education should be the goal of every individual. By providing physical education classes, students are exposed to a variety of lifelong wellness and health experiences that can encourage continued physical activity for years to come.

Physical education is an important part of each student’s well-rounded education program.
If our state and nation are serious about turning back childhood obesity, physical education needs to be part of the solution.

If our nation wants to prevent higher rates of disease, and the high costs associated with treating those diseases, physical activity and educational programs are important.

According to the American Heart Association, one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese — nearly triple the rate in 1963.

Many of these children are showing early signs of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, according to the AHA.

Without an increased focus on reversing physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits, our nation may see the first generation of children with a shorter life expectancy than their parents. That’s a distinction we can live without.

Wisconsin would do well if it placed more emphasis, rather than less emphasis, on such educational goals. We would urge lawmakers to avoid giving phy ed the boot and work toward solutions that will help ensure the future health of our state’s citizenry.

Election could be held today
The Journal’s online poll question this week asked: In the July Senate recall election between Shelly Moore and Sheila Harsdorf, have you already decided, or not, on whom to vote for?

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the response was: YES, I’ve decided on one candidate and nothing will change my mind, 91.3%; No, I’m undecided and will be watching the news, debates and campaigning before casting my vote, 8.7%.

To vote, go to www.riverfallsjournal.com.

Look for a new question Friday.

State Budget Committee Votes to Give Tax Break to Philip Morris USA

2011-06-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

The following joint press statement was released today by American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Smoke Free Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Health Association.

Vote follows Committee’s decision to double cuts to tobacco prevention program

Madison, Wis.—June 1, 2011—The Joint Finance Committee voted Tuesday, 13-3, to change taxation on smokeless tobacco products from one based on price—where the tax automatically follows inflation—to one based on weight, which would make some smokeless tobacco much less expensive and give a competitive edge to the tobacco giant Philip Morris USA. The vote to give Philip Morris USA a tax break comes almost immediately following the Committee’s decision to double cuts to the state’s popular and effective Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
In response to the change, Gail Sumi, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society, Maureen Busalacchi, Executive Director of Health First Wisconsin – Home of SmokeFree Wisconsin, and representatives from a coalition of health groups issue the following joint statement:

“Yesterday’s vote coupled with the committee’s decision to double cuts to the state’s successful and popular Tobacco Prevention and Control Program is devastating to the health of Wisconsin and sets the state up for a future with more needless addiction and higher health care costs.

“Instead of taking a stand against the number one cause of preventable death in Wisconsin, our leaders have turned their backs on the health of our youth. The tobacco giant Philip Morris USA already targets our kids by the bright packaging of their smokeless tobacco products and their candy-like flavors such as grape, cherry and apple. According to Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, two of UST/Altria’s smokeless brands, Skoal and Copenhagen, make up for half of all smokeless tobacco use among kids. These are the very brands our leaders voted to reduce taxes on.

“By providing a tax break to Philip Morris USA to make the company’s hazardous products cheaper, the Committee is allowing these products to become even more appealing to youth. Numerous studies have shown tobacco prices have a significant effect on smoking rates, especially among price-sensitive teenagers.

“Smokeless tobacco contains two to three times the amount of nicotine found in a cigarette and its users face upwards of 50 times greater risk of developing gum and cheek cancer as well as significantly higher rates of cancers of the larynx and esophagus.

“Wisconsin already spends $2.8 billion annually on tobacco-related health care costs. Roughly $500 million of that is picked up by taxpayers in the form of Medicaid. At a time when Medicaid costs are dramatically increasing, our leaders should consider reducing these numbers through prevention, instead of making decisions that will only amplify these costs in the long run. Saddling future generations with the weight of increased addiction due to decreased tobacco taxation will harm the state’s physical and fiscal health.

“We do want to thank JFC members Rep. Robin Vos, Rep. Dan Meyer and Rep. Daniel, LeMahieu who voted against this short-sighted and irresponsible amendment. We urge the full Legislature to reverse this provision and protect Wisconsin’s kids from the cancer-causing dangers of smokeless tobacco.”

The change in taxation of smokeless tobacco products is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2012.

Cuts to Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

2011-05-19T12:54:00.001-05:00

State Budget Committee Doubles Previously-Approved Cuts to Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Program to sustain 20 percent reduction under omnibus measure

Madison, Wis.—May 19, 2010—The state budget committee dramatically changed course Wednesday voting to double its cuts to Wisconsin’s popular Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. The move was part of a larger omnibus amendment and comes less than two weeks after the committee voted in favor of a modest 10 percent reduction.

“The committee’s decision is more than disappointing, it’s detrimental to Wisconsin’s long term physical and fiscal health,” said Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of Health First Wisconsin – Home of SmokeFree Wisconsin. “Smoking related illness claims more than 7,000 lives in Wisconsin each year and costs the state more than $2 billion annually in health care costs—roughly $500 million of which comes directly from taxpayers through Medicaid. We understand the state is facing difficult economic times but this program is proven to save money and save lives.”

Since 2000 the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program has helped more than 150,000 Wisconsin smokers quit, has cut the state’s youth smoking rate by more than half and has reduced the adult smoking rate to an all-time low of 20 percent. This success comes through a comprehensive approach combining youth education with easily accessible cessation services like the popular QuitLine.

“Clearly this program works and Wisconsin has made substantial progress lessening its tobacco burden. Unfortunately, past progress does not guarantee future success,” said Gail Sumi, government relations director, Wisconsin American Cancer Society. “These cuts put Wisconsin on the same path as states like Florida and Massachusetts, which slashed their tobacco control programs only to see their smoking rates climb.”

Every one percent increase in Wisconsin’s smoking rate results in $641 million of additional long-term health care costs, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Additionally, the dramatic funding cut is not what voters want. A poll commissioned this month by various public health groups found an overwhelming 75 percent of voters support programs aimed at reducing tobacco use.

“Voters get it and lawmakers should too; investing in long-term health programs like tobacco control and prevention saves lives and money,” said Busalacchi. “Hopefully, we can work with the rest of the legislature to restore funding and prevent future losses.”

This is the second substantial cut to the Tobacco Prevention and Control program in as many years. The program currently receives $6.9 million annually, a 55 percent reduction from its 2009 budget of $15 million.

For more information on the survey mentioned above visit: http://healthfirstwi.org/tobacco/resources.php

Save Physical Education in Wisconsin Schools! Immediate Action Needed

2011-05-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

We need your help to ensure all students in Wisconsin have access to comprehensive physical education in school. Yesterday, members of both Education Committees held a joint hearing on a bill that would allow Wisconsin high school students to skip physical education courses if they participate in extracurricular sports (Senate Bill 95 / Assembly Bill 130). Volunteers with the American Heart Association were present and stressed the important role PE plays in the student developing a healthy lifestyle.

But, we still need your help! Send a follow-up message to legislators telling them to remove any waivers for physical education courses:

Ask Legislators to Save Physical Education in Wisconsin Schools

While participation in sports can be an important part of high school for some athletes, sports programs have distinctly different goals than physical education. Today’s physical education programs focus on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and a lifetime of fitness. They set a baseline of knowledge on the importance of physical activity, well beyond the years of being a sports athlete. Further, while participation in extracurricular sports programs are for the most elite athletes, physical education programs are for ALL students, regardless of ability level.

This one is moving fast and we need your immediate help! Let your legislators know that it's important Wisconsin students get a physical education complete with all the tools they need to live a healthy, active life.

Ask Legislators to Save Physical Education in Wisconsin Schools

Thank you for your help on this important health issue.

Immediate Action Needed: Legislation on Physical Education Waivers in Wisconsin

2011-05-14T12:46:00.015-05:00

Legislative activity is heating up in the Wisconsin Capitol! Recently, a bill came up in the legislature that includes a provision that would allow Wisconsin high school students to skip physical education courses if they participate in extracurricular, seasonal sports activities.

While participation in sports can be an important part of high school for some athletes, sports programs have distinctly different goals than physical education. Today’s physical education programs focus on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and fitness for their lifetime. They set a baseline of knowledge on the importance of physical activity, well beyond the years when they can continue as sports athletes. Further, while participation in extracurricular sports programs are for the most elite athletes, physical education programs are for ALL students, regardless of ability level.

Action Needed:
Both the Senate and Assembly Education Committees will be hosting a joint hearing on Monday, May 16th at 10am in 411 South at the Capitol on this issue. We need your help to let legislators know all Wisconsin students should receive a comprehensive physical education in school.

1. Call/e-mail the Senate and Assembly Education Committee members and urge them to oppose this provision in LRB 2066/LRB 2082 or any efforts to allow waivers from physical education courses.
Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-0751
Sen.Vukmir@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-2512
Sen.Grothman@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-7513
Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-5830
Sen.Jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-3510
Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-8546
Sen.Larson@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-7505

Rep.Kestell@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-8530
Rep.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-7502
Rep.Nass@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-5715
Rep.Pridemore@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 267-2367
Rep.Knudson@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-1526
Rep.Thiesfeldt@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-3156
Rep.Wynn@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-9650
Rep.Pope-Roberts@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-3520
Rep.Sinicki@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-8588
Rep.Hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-2254
Rep.Clark@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-7746

2.Testify on Monday at the Education Committee Joint Hearing. If you are available to come to Madison for the Assembly/Senate Education Committee’s joint hearing on this issue on Monday, May 16th at 10am in Room 411 South at the Capitol, please contact Melissa Horn at Melissa.Horn@heart.org /(314) 952-4742. We will help you write any testimony you would like to submit (educational or otherwise).

Thank you for your help on this important legislative issue.

Stroke: It Can Happen To Anyone

2011-05-13T15:55:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin You're the Cure advocate and stroke survivor, Kaela Gedda, is featured in the following news story from Wisconsin Public News Service.

GREEN BAY, Wis. - May is Stroke Awareness Month, and the American Stroke Association wants people to know the warning signs of stroke, and that it can hit anyone at any age.

April 11, 2009, is a day Kaela Gedda will never forget. She woke up with some numbness in her arm, but didn't think much of it. She had no idea the numbness was the first sign of a stroke, so she went to work - and things started getting worse.

"When I tried to walk to the break room, 'cause I was at work, it was about 15 feet away, and I could hardly walk. I had to lean up against the wall - and I still didn't know what was going on. I tried eating a banana, and when I couldn't even open the banana I knew that something was really wrong with me."

Kaela called her mother, who took her to the hospital. There, she was told she was having a stroke. Kaela says her experience points out stroke can happen to anyone.

"I was 19 years old, I've been dancing since I was 3, I'm on the dance team at St. Norbert, very healthy, active - and - it happened to me."

No matter how old or young you are, Kaela says, you need to know the signs of stroke: sudden numbness or weakness, sudden confusion or trouble understanding, sudden vision problems, sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking, or sudden severe headache of unknown cause.

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

If you experience any of those symptoms, Kaela says, you should call 911 immediately, and check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. If the clot-busting drug tPA is given within three hours of the onset, it can help reduce long-term disability. She says a stroke can happen to anyone.

"It seems like it might be for your grandma or your grandpa who are 70, 80 years old, but it can be a young woman, it can be a college basketball player, it can be someone walking their dog, or just sitting at an office at work."

About 800,000 strokes occur every year in the United States, and the American Stroke Association says that knowing the warning signs and taking immediate action can be the difference between life and death.

Learn more about stroke at strokeassociation.org.

Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/19997-1

Thank Your Legislators for Recognizing May as Stroke Awareness Month

2011-05-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

We are happy to report one of our latest successes in Wisconsin. Yesterday the state legislature passed a joint resolution recognizing May as Stroke Awareness Month. This resolution creates increased awareness of the risks and warning signs associated with stroke. Follow the link below to send a quick note to your legislators to thank them for passing this resolution:

Thank your legislators for declaring May Stroke Awareness Month.

Take a minute and reminder yourself of the warning signs of stroke. They can include:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you know experiences any of the above warning signs, call 9-1-1 immediately and seek medical help.

For more information on the warning signs and risk factors for stroke visit our website here.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. That's why we continue to work to generate awareness on this devastating disease.

Thank your legislators for declaring May Stroke Awareness Month.

Thank you for helping us to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

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

2011-04-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

April 26, 2011

Our nation’s youth face major roadblocks to good health with easy access to calorie-laden snacks, sugary beverages and other unhealthy foods in their schools and communities. With about 1 out of every 6 children in the U.S. considered obese, we are condemning our kids to a bleak future of premature health problems such as type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. The CDC Report: Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report is a painful reminder that many children continue to lack access to fruits, vegetables and nutritious food close to home. We must place a greater emphasis on making healthier food choices more accessible and affordable, particularly for families living in food deserts where the nearest supermarket could be miles away and for those surrounded by fast food restaurants or corner stores with less healthy offerings.

Parents, schools, child-care facilities and communities have the potential to improve the health of young people by providing the tools they need to learn lifelong healthy behaviors. By strengthening nutrition standards in schools, pre-schools and day care settings, we can help limit kids’ exposure to unhealthy options. We must also support measures to reduce sodium and eliminate trans fat in the food supply, increase community and school gardens, reduce children’s exposure to marketing and advertising of unhealthy foods and require calorie information to be displayed on menus and menu boards in all restaurants.

Strong public policies and community programs to increase access to healthy foods will help children develop heart-healthy eating habits that could significantly reduce childhood obesity rates across the country.

http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=1326

Advocate Jen Engel Talks Farm to School

2011-04-22T12:27:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin Mom and American Heart Association volunteer and advocate, Jennifer Beaurain Engel says, 'Farm To School is a No-Brainer!' Listen to the news story below on why you need to support Wisconsin's Farm To School Program. http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F19629-2

Parents want more phys ed in schools: new national poll

2011-04-20T09:16:00.000-05:00

Apr.19, 2011

Childhood obesity affects 1 of every 6 kids in the United States, in part due to a lack of physical activity. Schools can play a key part in offering elementary-age kids lots of chances to be active—on the playground during recess and when they’re in gym.

But recent increasing expectations about academic achievement, coupled with budget cuts, have prompted many schools to cut back on both recess and gym class.

The U-M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health asked parents of children 6 to 11 years old for their views about physical activity in schools.

“Parents are virtually unanimous that it’s very important for elementary-school kids to get physical activity during every school day,” says Sarah Clark, M.P.H., associate director of the poll and associate director of the Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit at the U-M Medical School . “However, one-third of parents think that their kids do not get enough physical activity at school.”

35 percent of parents feel their children’s elementary schools have too little time in gym class, 26 percent think there is not enough playground equipment and 22 percent say there is too little time for recess.

“Academic and budget pressures threaten schools’ ability to provide outlets and opportunities for children’s physical activity. Many parents are noticing that something is missing,” says Clark.

Another key result from this poll is that parents’ own weight is related to perceptions of the need for schools to help children be physically active. With regard to time for gym, playground equipment, time for recess and playground space, overweight and obese parents were more likely than other parents to say their kids did not have enough during the school day.

“This is a new insight at the national level, indicating that parents with their own weight challenges are even more likely to see schools as a key partner in addressing the risks of obesity for their own kids,” says Clark.

“School officials should note the strong support from parents for the importance of physical activity during the school day for children in the elementary grades,” continues Clark. “Parents see many reasons why physical activity is valuable for their children—not just in preventing obesity but also in promoting healthy physical development. For parents of children in elementary school, it is critically important that children get the physical activity they need during the school day.”

For full report, see link below.
http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch/pdf/041811Report.pdf

2011 You're the Cure on the Hill a big success!

2011-04-15T15:35:00.028-05:00

Thank you to the following Wisconsin advocates for making our 2011 You're the Cure on the Hill on April 11-12, 2011 in Washington, DC a big success!

Wisconsin Advocates:
Amy Basken (Prairie du Sac)

Catherine Kolkmeier (La Crosse)

Gina Phillips (Mequon)

Ken Phillips, MD (Mequon)

Jack Simono (Two Rivers)

Kaela Gedda (De Pere)

American Heart Association Staff:

Jackie Weir (New Holstein)

Anne Simaytis (Wauwatosa)

Melissa Horn (Sun Prairie)

Maureen Cassidy (Madison)

Watch slideshow of pictures from 2011 You're the Cure on the Hill here

Over 330 advocates from across the nation represented the American Heart Association at this year's You're the Cure on the Hill Lobby Day, meeting with 208 House offices and 92 Senate offices. This year's asks included:

1. Appropriate $35 billion for the NIH in 2012 to support research that (1) improves health, (2)spurs economic growth and innovation, (3) creates jobs, and (4) advances science to help find betterways to prevent and event cure heart disease and stroke
2. Co-sponsor the Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act) to enhance children's health in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to require schools to report on quantity and quality of physical education
3. Support the Safe Routes to Schools program at current funding levels ($183 million/year)in the next Transportation bill

Thank you also to everyone back home who took action on http://www.yourethecure.org/ to tell our lawmakers to make heart disease and stroke prevention a priority!

We can't spell CURE, without "U"!

Click to Help Raise $30,000 for the American Heart Association

2011-04-05T14:48:00.001-05:00

Waterstone Bank in Milwaukee is celebrating 90 years of service to its communities this year. To celebrate their 90th anniversary, the bank is giving away a total of $90,000 to five local charities or schools during the month of April...and the community gets to choose!

The $90,000 will be donated based on the votes submitted by the general public from April 1 through April 30, 2011.

The lucky charity or school that receives the most votes during April will receive $30,000! The four charities or schools with the next highest number of votes will each receive $15,000.

Place your vote for the American Heart Association here. There is no limit to the number of votes an individual may place (so place a daily reminder on your calendar). Winners will be notified by May 15th.

Please vote often between now and April 30!

Thanks in advance for your help!

April 2011 Wisconsin Legislative Update

2011-04-04T12:17:00.006-05:00

Happy Spring to all our You’re the Cure members! Session is gearing up and budget hearings are about to begin. We hope you enjoy this update and engage on these important budget priorities. Every voice counts, and together we can fulfill our mission.

Anne, Melissa & Nicole

Legislation

Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) is circulating legislation that would prohibit the purchase of any tobacco product on behalf of a minor. Currently, it is illegal to purchase cigarettes on behalf of a minor, but this prohibition does not include other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and snuff. This legislation will remove this oversight in current law to include all tobacco products. It is expected to be introduced in April.

Budget

Governor Walker introduced the 2011-13 Budget on March 1, 2011. Over the last couple of weeks we have spent time reviewing the budget and its effect on AHAs mission: building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The following are our 2011-13 budget priorities:

Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) and Farm-to-School (F2S):
BLBW is a program within the Agriculture Department that focuses on connecting Wisconsin farmers with Wisconsin consumers, increasing access to local agricultural products. Previous grant recipients have focused on selling to hospitals, restaurants and other wholesale buyers. F2S is a program across the Ag Department, Department of Health Services, and Department of Public Instruction that helps connect schools with locally produced fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. The proposed budget eliminated funding for the BLBW program and significantly underfunded the F2S program. AHA will advocate to restore funding for the BLBW program and to increase the funding for the F2S program. Click here for more information…

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program (BPFP):
BPFP funds projects that construct or plan for bicycle or bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Statutory language excludes pedestrian-only facilities, such as sidewalks. The previous state budget added $2.5 million/year in state funding to the $2.72 million/year in federal BPFP funding available, but the proposed 2011-13 budget eliminated the state funding. AHA will advocate for restoring the state funding. Click here for more information…

Worksite Wellness Tax Credits:
AHA supports incentives to advance comprehensive worksite wellness programs aimed at improving employees’ cardiovascular and general health. We will be advocating to create a new tax credit for employers that begin a worksite wellness program. Click here for more information…

Tobacco Prevention and Control Program:
The proposed budget cuts 10 percent from the Tobacco Prevention and Control program. AHA will be educating legislator on the program’s continued success in reducing smoking rates and its adverse health effects in our state. Click here for more information…

Other Tobacco Products (OTPs) Taxes:
Current law does not tax all tobacco products the same. Basically, non-cigarette tobacco products are taxed much lower than cigarettes. AHA will advocate to have all tobacco products taxed the same. Click here for more information…

Making a Difference Under the Dome
The Joint Finance Committee has scheduled four public hearings on the 2011-13 Budget. The dates, times and locations of the hearings are:

Thursday, April 7 (10 am – 6 pm)- UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point

Friday, April 8 (10 am – 5 pm)- Northwood School, Minong

Monday, April 11 (10 am – 6 pm)- State Fair Park, West Allis

Wednesday, April 13 (10 am – 6 pm)- Arcadia High School, Arcadia

3 Ways YOU Can Take Action:
1. We encourage you to attend a public hearing near you and testify regarding one or more of the above listed budget priorities. We can help you write testimony and answer questions about the process. Please contact us if you are interested in testifying.
Find a meeting near you

2. If you are not able to attend a public hearing, you can submit written testimony to the Joint Finance Committee. We can help you write and submit testimony. Please contact us if you are interested in submitting written testimony.

3. We are also looking for volunteers to submit letters to the editor (LTE) in your local community regarding the above listed budget priorities. We can help you draft and submit the LTE. Please contact us if you are interested in writing an LTE.

Upcoming Events:

April 2011 April 6 is START! Walking Day. Don’t forget to wear your sneakers and ditch your desk on April 6 to take a 30 minute walk! Studies show that for every hour you walk, you may increase your life expectancy by two hours! Watch for a message early next week to get your legislators involved in this heart-healthy day.

The Madison Go Red for Women Luncheon is on Thursday, April 7 at the Monona Terrace. Registration is at 10:00 a.m., Heart Healthy Workshops on cooking and exercise begin at 10:15 a.m. and the luncheon is at noon. Tickets are $100. The Green Bay Go Red for Women Luncheon is on Wednesday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at the Oneida Golf & Country Club. Tickets are $100. Please contact us if you are interested in attending either event.

AHA will be hosting a targeted lobby day in Washington D.C. on April 11-12. Our national office has selected congressional targets and Anne Simaytis has reached out to those residing in targeted districts to represent us this year. We would love to bring many more volunteers, but as you can imagine, the budget is tight. While these advocates will be actually in D.C. speaking to Wisconsin legislators on our national priorities, you have the opportunity to help them make a larger impact. Please follow the link below and TAKE ACTION! Our goal is to have 10,000 messages sent to lawmakers before our advocates even arrive in D.C., but we need your help to reach it! Join us for YTC on the Hill - virtually!

Color Me Red Fashion Show to be Held in Milwaukee

2011-03-25T18:33:00.004-05:00

Each year the American Heart Association continues to advance its mission of eliminating health disparities by emphasizing outreach and partnerships with faith-based organizations that serve underserved populations. We are grateful to Parklawn Assembly of God for selecting our causes to champion at their Color Me Red- Fashion For Lives event April 9th 2011.

African-Americans and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. While this population is most at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke, they are less aware of their risk. As we wait to collect Wisconsin’s 2010 statistics, we know in 2009 there were 436 African-Americans and 92 Hispanics that died from diseases of the heart - with the majority of those occurring in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Purchasing a ticket to attend this fabulous event will benefit our local programs and research. Follow this link for more information.

Wisconsin Advocate Goes Red For Women!

2011-03-23T16:42:00.003-05:00

Wisconsin advocate Jennifer Bartolotta is participating in the 12-week Go Red Girlfriends challenge sponsored by ProHealth Care. Jennifer, a member of Team TEMPO, recently shared her story with WISN-TV in Milwaukee. Check it out here: http://www.wisn.com/video/27271285/detail.html

Be sure to also check out Jennifer's blog at: http://www.moder8food.wordpress.com/

To read updates on all the Go Red Girlfriends in the Milwaukee and Madison Go Red Girlfriends challenge, follow the links below!

Milwaukee Go Red Girlfriends challenge sponsored by ProHealth Care

Madison Go Red Girlfriends challenge sponsored by UW Health.

Tobacco’s Tricks AREN’T for Kids

2011-03-23T10:08:00.002-05:00

Walking into a convenience store you see products with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and mango on the counter or in a display and you assume these are targeted at kids. But some of these products are tobacco and ARE NOT for kids.

From little cigars to snus and new dissolvable tobacco, today's industry is evolving for the 21st century including kid-friendly flavors sold right next to the candy they look and taste like. It’s time Wisconsin updated our laws to make sure when it comes to tobacco, we treat all products the same and keep them away from our kids.

Ask your legislator to co-sponsor the youth access to tobacco bill and keep all tobacco away from kids

Representative Bies recently took the first step in addressing other tobacco products by drafting a bill to prohibit the purchase of tobacco products on behalf of a minor. In the state of Wisconsin it is illegal to purchase cigarettes on behalf of a minor. However, this prohibition does not include other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, snuff or the newest dissolvable products on the market today. This bill will remove this oversight in current law to include all tobacco products.

Ask your legislator to co-sponsor the youth access to tobacco bill and keep all tobacco away from kids

Learn more about the tobacco industry’s new tricks here.

Thanks for your continued support.

Connect with Your Legislators on Twitter and Facebook!

2011-03-17T10:56:00.001-05:00

Want to help post or tweet You're the Cure messages to your legislators? Check out this great resource! It provides a listing of lawmakers in Wisconsin who have social media accounts. "Like" or "Follow" your legislators today!

http://www.dcigroupdigital.com/digital-america/?id=6

Do you love the smoke-free law? Tell us why!

2011-03-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

We hear it all the time.

“Everyone loves the smoke-free law.”

“It’s great to finally be able to go out and have fun without the cigarette smoke.”

“Every time I step inside I’m reminded how great it is to be smoke-free.”

But hearing in passing how great the smoke-free law is isn’t the same as hearing it directly.

That’s why these folks took a few minutes recently to tape a video and share their thoughts on the law.

Now it’s your turn.

We want to hear from you! Tape and send us the link to your video message explaining why you like the smoke-free law. It’s easy to do and we’ll post your messages on our Facebook page and use them in future messages.

Camera shy?

No problem. Post a comment on our Wall or write a letter to the editor.

Make your voice heard and let’s make sure Wisconsin remains smoke-free!

Smoke-Free Wisconsin

2011-03-14T12:41:00.001-05:00

Over the years we’ve counted on you to help us pass the statewide smoke-free law. Your willingness to contact your lawmakers and tell your stories was instrumental in the law’s passage and implementation last July.

But just because the law is in effect, doesn’t mean our work is over.

This series of news stories shows the media is still interested in the smoke-free story.

But you don’t need to go on television to remind lawmakers and the public how popular this law is, you can do it in your own local newspaper.

Your voice was crucial to getting this important public health law passed and it will be critical to ensuring the law remains intact.

Mark Your Calendars!

2011-03-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

On National Start! Walking Day, Wednesday, April 6, companies, organizations and individuals across America are going to wear sneakers to work, take 30 minutes to walk and pledge to live heart-healthy lives.

Celebrating National Start! Walking Day is free and it's easy because we provide you with tips and materials to make the day a success! Sign your company up today!

Wisconsin's Smoke-Free Law Working Well for Wisconsin Businesses

2011-03-07T14:02:00.002-06:00

After eight months Wisconsin’s statewide smoke-free law is clearly improving the health of Wisconsin workers and patrons, but did you know it’s also working well for Wisconsin businesses?

Watch this two minute video and hear directly from bar and restaurant owners across the state who say their business is doing well under the law and they appreciate the new statewide smoke-free standard.

Then share this video with your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter. Tell these and other local businesses how much you appreciate breathing clean, smoke-free air and help reinforce what we already know; Wisconsin is Better Smoke-free!

Wisconsin Legislative Update - March 2011

2011-03-07T12:38:00.002-06:00

Hello to all our You’re the Cure members! Recently we embarked on a new legislative session, and we are excited about the policy issues we will be working to advance this session. Every month, we will send you a legislative update to help keep you informed of the issues we are working on, both on a state and local level. We will also be sending you action alerts when we need your help on our top priorities. It only takes a few seconds to take action, and it can truly make a difference to our success on the issue. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of us on the advocacy team. Together we can build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

- WI State Advocacy Team
Anne Simaytis, Melissa Horn, Nicole Hudzinski
__________________________________________________________
AHA 2011-12 Legislative Agenda

State

Smoke-free Wisconsin: we will defend our statewide smoke-free law if there are any attempts to loosen it.
Tax Equity on Other Tobacco Products: we are working with the joint finance committee to bring all tobacco products to the same tax level as cigarettes. To achieve this, we are working on language to tax OTPs based on the dose instead of the manufacturer's price. We are also working with legislators to ensure OTP are placed behind the counter and are not accessible to our youth.
Farm to School: we are working with the Joint Finance Committee to fund Farm to School programs across the state. Last year, we passed a Farm to School bill that will connect schools with locally produced fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Currently, 6% of schools districts in WI have farm to school and we are looking to fund grants to get that up to 10%. In order to reach this goal, we would need to fund the Farm to School program at $540,000 each year ($1.08 million over the biennium).
Joint Use Agreement Policies: we will be working with legislators to create a simple, burden-free way for schools to open their doors to the community without concerns about lawsuits and other liability risks by establishing a statewide joint use agreement policy. Many communities lack safe, adequate places for children and their families to exercise and play. Schools might have a variety of recreational facilities, but many districts close their property to the public after school hours because of concerns about costs, vandalism, security, maintenance, and liability in the event of injury. A statewide policy would address those concerns.
Worksite wellness: we are working with the joint finance committee to create incentives for employers to provide comprehensive worksite wellness programs that address cardiovascular health. For example, the American Heart Association’s workplace initiative Start!, My Life Check which encourages both better diet and physical activity.
Food deserts: we are researching opportunities to provide incentives to make healthy foods more available and affordable, especially in underserved areas. In some areas you can walk across the street for an orange soda, but to find an actual orange you must travel 30 miles or more. These areas are referred to as food deserts, and we are working to ensure all people have access to healthy foods.
911: we are working with the counties and the 911 call centers on state legislation to improve location capabilities when 9-1-1 is dialed from a multi-line telephone system. Multi-line telephone systems are common in schools, government buildings and banks, where there is a central office and branch offices. Currently, if 9-1-1 is dialed from a facility that uses a multi-line telephone system, the location that may be routed to the 911 call center is the location of the central office, not the branch office. This can result in delayed response to the caller’s exact location.
Budget: we are monitoring the budget and will take action as needed on provisions affecting prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease. See more below under Budget Update.

Local

Implementation of CPR in schools Act: we will be working with schools across the state as they implement CPR instruction in schools. Last session we passed legislation requiring high schools to offer instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardiocerebral resuscitation (hands only CPR) and provide information on automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The legislation gives schools great flexibility in how they implement the instruction, and we will be working with school districts to ensure they get the tools they need to provide the instruction.
Joint Use in Wood County: we are assisting with developing model language for local efforts on joint use policies. Local efforts have started in Wood County, where federal funding is available to work on projects that address physical activity and nutrition within the community.
Complete Streets in LaCrosse County: we are working with local leaders in LaCrosse County to advance Complete Streets policies. Current state law says new construction should include pedestrian friendly walking and biking paths, but leaves existing roads out of the equation. LaCrosse County is working to ensure that when local roads are repaved, biking lanes and walkways are added (if there is room).

__________________________________________________________

Budget Update

On March 1, 2011, Governor Walker introduced the 2011-2013 Biennial Budget, covering everything from transportation to education to health care. After it was introduced it was referred to the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), which is composed of 16 members (8 senators and 8 representatives). The Joint Finance Committee will hold public hearings on the budget and will decide what changes should be made before it goes to the full Senate and Assembly for a vote. The new fiscal year starts July 1, 2011, and it is the Legislature’s goal to pass the budget prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year. We at AHA will be monitoring the budget, specifically provisions that related to prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. ____________________________________________________________

Making a Difference Under the Dome

Your voice is important, and advocacy from citizens like you can truly make a difference. There are many opportunities to make your voice heard: write or call your legislators; testify at a public hearing; visit your legislators in the capitol or in the district; attend a town hall meeting; or write a letter to the editor in your local paper. The opportunities are endless, and we can work with you to find an opportunity that you are comfortable with.

In addition to your participation, we could use your help in building our network in your community. If you have friends, family or co-workers affected by cardiovascular disease, including stroke, please encourage them to join our free You’re the Cure network by sending them a message. Just follow this link, enter your friend’s email address and hit send! (Be sure you are logged in first) Members will receive periodic updates from us on issues in the capitol and on the local level as well as action alerts when volunteer advocacy is needed on an issue. __________________________________________________________

Highlights from February

On Monday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), some of our volunteer families met with Governor Walker as he signed a proclamation declaring February 7-14 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. View photos of the event here. Congenital heart defects are the most frequently occurring birth defects and the leading cause of birth related deaths worldwide. Approximately 600 babies are born every year in Wisconsin with congenital heart defects. A special thank you to our You’re the Cure member Amy Basken for helping us pull this event together!

Huge thanks to all of the people who braved the cold and joined us on Feb. 3 for the Red Dress Dash. More than 50 people showed their support and commitment to bringing awareness to the fight against heart disease in women by throwing on a red dress and dashing down streets near the state capitol. The evening kicked off with remarks from the Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith, and Senator Randy Hopper joined us for the dash. The event ended at Madison’s, a local restaurant, with plenty of hot chocolate to go around. Check out photos of this event and other Heart Month activities, like Milwaukee’s Red Dress Dash, here.

Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week Recognized by Governor Walker

2011-02-15T15:48:00.006-06:00

American Heart Association advocates and Wisconsin’s Mended Little Hearts families gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol yesterday to meet with Governor Scott Walker as he signed a proclamation declaring Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week.

Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get.

2011-02-10T11:57:00.006-06:00

This Valentine’s day, make sure your kids don’t reach for their favorite chocolate and end up with tobacco. That’s right, it’s not just cigarettes anymore- there are actually chocolate flavored cigars, with tobacco in them, being sold to our children. These new tobacco products look and smell just like candy, can be purchased by minors and are sold at prices much lower than your average pack of cigarettes.

You’ve already helped us lower smoking rates and make Wisconsin Smoke-free, now we need your help to stop the tobacco industry’s new tricks. Follow the link below to send a message to your legislators this Valentine’s Day asking them to treat all tobacco in Wisconsin the same and keep it away from our kids.

Tell Your Legislators to Stop Tobacco's Tricks

Did you know about little cigars/cigarillos, Snus, Strips, Sticks, and Orbs...the tobacco industry's new tricks to entice our kids, keep smokers addicted and draw in new customers to tobacco products? Read more about new tobacco products in Wisconsin.

The tobacco industry has tripled smokeless tobacco advertising and promotion from 1996-2006, spending an estimated 274 million dollars on marketing in Wisconsin alone. But we know that no matter how the tobacco industry spins it, tobacco use is bad for your health - causing heart disease, cancer, stroke, and many other chronic diseases.

Bottom line: It might melt in your mouth, look and taste like chocolate - but it’s definitely not an M&M. Stand up for your loved ones this Valentine’s day and make sure all tobacco is treated the same in Wisconsin and kept away from our kids. Follow the link below to:

Tell Your Legislators to Stop Tobacco's Tricks

And remember… even you are indulging your sweet tooth this Valentine’s day, keep it in moderation and make it heart-healthy by opting for some dark chocolate instead.

Thank you for your help on this important legislative issue. We can’t spell CURE, without “U”!

Governor Scott Walker proclaims Feb. 7-14 as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week

2011-02-08T15:40:00.004-06:00

Join us at the Wisconsin Capitol on Friday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. to meet Governor Scott Walker as he publically signs and proclaims Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week.

Registration is REQUIRED by tomorrow at 9 am. Please contact Anne Simaytis at anne.simaytis@heart.org or 414-227-1410 to register.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to meet others and know they are not alone.

Congenital heart defects are the most frequently occurring birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide.

More than a million families across America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with congenital heart defects.

Every year 40,000 babies are born in the United States with congenital heart defects.

Some congenital heart defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth.

Undiagnosed congenital heart conditions cause many cases of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

Support Two Great Causes at once this Week! Wear Your Red over Your Green and Gold!

2011-02-03T09:09:00.001-06:00

The Capitol may be lit green and gold for the Packers, but legislators are going RED to raise awareness for heart disease! The Wisconsin Legislature held session yesterday despite the winter storm and blizzard conditions that swept across half of Wisconsin. On the agenda? A resolution to recognize February as American Heart Month and this Friday, February 4th, as Wear Red Day. Watch the video of both the senate and assembly adopt the resoultion here.

Thank Wisconsin Legislators for Supporting American Heart Month and Wear Red Day

Now that your legislators went RED, it's your turn. Friday is National Wear Red Day! We know many of you plan to be in your best Green and Gold to support the home team, but that doesn't mean you can't throw a touch of red on top this Friday. As a matter of fact, we would like to see and post your Wear Red Day photos - Packers gear and all. Send your photos to Anne Simaytis and look for them on our blog leading up to the Big Game on Sunday!

And don't forget to join us at our Go Red events today and Friday. We will be dashing and marching through, around and over the snow in support of the fight against heart disease and stroke! Join us in Madison, Milwaukee or Appleton for these free and very fun events!

Thank Wisconsin Legislators for Supporting American Heart Month and Wear Red Day

Happy Heart Month Wisconsin and GO PACK GO!

Wisconsin Legislators to Recognize American Heart Month

2011-02-02T10:05:00.007-06:00

The Capitol is lit green and gold for the Packers, but legislators are going RED today to raise awareness for heart disease!

The Wisconsin Assembly will hold session today despite the winter storm and blizzard conditions that swept across Madison throughout the night. On today’s agenda? A resolution to recognize February as American Heart Month and this Friday, February 4th as Wear Red Day.

That’s right, even 16 inches of snow and 30 mph winds won’t stop us from raising awareness for the fight against heart disease!

Tune in to watch coverage of the Assembly as they take up our Heart Month Resolution today at http://www.wiseye.org/Home/AirVideoStream.aspx, under "Cap2", click Watch.

*Our resolution is slated as the 8th item on today’s calendar, session is set to start at 11am. View the Assembly calendar here.

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Tell Your Legislators to Make February Heart Month and February 4th Wear Red Day!

2011-02-01T16:50:00.002-06:00

Too many men and women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. That’s why the American Heart Association has worked to create a statewide resolution honoring February 2011 as American Heart Month and designating February 4, 2011 as Wear Red Day, urging all citizens to show their support for the fight against heart disease by wearing the color red. Follow the link below to contact your state legislators asking them to support the Heart Month/Wear Red Day Resolution:

Make February Heart Month and February 4th Wear Red Day!

All across Wisconsin, individuals and their families, friends, and neighbors have had to experience the pain and suffering of losing someone from cardiac arrest. Each year in Wisconsin, nearly 15,000 deaths are caused by heart disease and stroke. Please join in the fight against heart disease and call on all the citizens of Wisconsin to be aware of the traumatic effects of heart disease.

Make February Heart Month and February 4th Wear Red Day!

*Don’t forget! Friday, February 4, 2011 is National Wear Red Day!

Help us celebrate by wearing red and join us at Heart Month events in your area!

We can’t spell CURE, without “U”.

Thank you for your support!

Your WI Advocacy Team,

Anne Simaytis, Melissa Horn and Nicocle Hudzinski

Study finds taverns not hurt by smoking bans

2011-01-28T10:32:00.001-06:00

Study finds taverns not hurt by smoking bans

A new study from a UW research center found that in seven municipalities where smoking bans were passed prior to the statewide nix, the bans caused “no significant” changes in restaurant and bar employment nor in the numbers of tavern licenses.

The report, from UW-Madison’s Paul Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a response to smoking ban opponents who say the prohibitions drive smoking customers away from taverns. The Wisconsin Tavern League fought against the state ban, but the Wisconsin Restaurant Association welcomed it, arguing that a state ban would level the uneven playing field created by the patchwork of municipal bans.

The Carbone Center study examined the effects of bans imposed in Madison (2005), Appleton (2005), Eau Claire (2008), Fond du Lac (2008), Marshfield (2008), Shorewood (2009) and Verona (2009) and found “no adverse economic effects” on the hospitality industry from the bans.

The bans apparently didn’t prompt many taverns or restaurants with bars to close. The report presents tavern license data from six of the municipalities, excluding Appleton. Only one of the towns saw a decrease in its number of tavern license holders (these Class B liquor licenses are required for any establishment that serves alcohol for on-site consumption) following its ban. That was Marshfield, where the number slipped from 39 in 2008 to 38 a year later.
In four of the other municipalities, including Shorewood, the number of license holders held steady. In Madison, it increased from 332 in 2005 to 365 in 2008. The study notes, “The stable number of licenses indicates that there was not a significant loss of sales due to smoking restrictions which would cause businesses to fail and thus surrender their licenses.”

According to The Appleton Post-Crescent, the city’s tavern licenses climbed from 118 in 2005, the year its ban went into effect, to 122 in 2007. In Appleton, part of the Fox Cities, “No Appleton bars on the outskirts of town folded,” the story notes. “Bar sales that may have dropped significantly early on gradually rebounded, although not fully.”

Yet even if bars didn’t close, did their sales decline? David Ahrens, a researcher at the Carbone Center, says reliable data on tavern sales is difficult to come by. State excise taxes are paid manufacturers. “It may be true, but it’s not something we have any data on,” he says.
The study also found the bans had “no discernable effect” on food service and tavern jobs in four counties with dominant smoking-ban cities – Dane (Madison), Outagamie (Appleton), Eau Claire (Eau Claire) and Fond du Lac (Fond du Lac). In Dane County, the jobs have decreased slightly since the passage of its ban; in Outagamie County, they have increased slightly; and they were virtually unchanged in Eau Claire and Fond du Lac counties.

Job losses among taverns alone were slightly higher. All counties except Outagamie County experienced slight declines. But Racine and Brown counties, counties lacking any smoking bans, suffered from similar losses. Ahrens noted that the job numbers were possibly affected by the recession.

In general, taverns are experiencing “a sustained historical decline,” the study says. The job losses “were consistent with the decline that has been going on for 30 years in this state,” Ahrens says.

Police and other municipal officials have written astonishingly few citations for violating the municipal bans. Madison, Appleton, Shorewood, Eau Claire and Fond du Lac, between 2007 and 2010, cited just three people for violating their smoking bans.

In 2005 and 2007, the Carbone Center surveyed Madison and Appleton bartenders before and after their cities’ bans took effect. After the bans, there was a significant drop in bartenders reporting upper respiratory symptoms: Among non-smoking bartenders, the percentage reporting wheezing or rattling in their chests fell from 31 to 16; those reporting shortness of breath fell from 40 to 27; and those reporting frequent coughing fell from 50 to 29.

The Carbone Center says it will study the economic effects of the statewide ban as more data becomes available.

Article by Matt Hrodey from MilwaukeeNewsBuzz.com

Nancy Brown: CVD cost will triple in next 20 years

2011-01-28T10:07:00.000-06:00

The cost to treat heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030, according to an American Heart Association policy statement presented by Nancy Brown on Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C. The statement calls for effective prevention strategies to limit the growing cost burden, which accounts for 17 percent of national health expenditures.

The projected $545 billion increase is due in part to an aging population, according to the report. Cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in people older than 65. Another cost factor is an increase in risk factors such as obesity.

"If there's a silver lining in these figures, it is that they are projections," Brown said. "Unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy environments have contributed to a tidal wave of risk factors among many Americans. Early intervention and evidence-based public policies are absolute musts to significantly reduce alarming rates of obesity, hypertension, tobacco use and cholesterol levels."
According to the statement, 36.9 percent of Americans already have some form of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. By 2030 this is expected to reach 40.5 percent.

Paul Heidenreich, M.D., chair of the AHA expert panel issuing the statement, said the study didn't double count costs for patients with multiple cardiovascular conditions. Heidenreich added that the study "didn't assume that we will continue to make new discoveries to reduce heart disease." If our ability to prevent and treat heart disease stays where we are right now, he said, the projected cost increase will occur just through demographic changes in the population.

Watch video clips from Nancy Brown's Natl. Press Club presentation.

Be part of the CURE. Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease in women!

2011-01-25T11:42:00.019-06:00

Celebrate National Wear Red Day® on Friday, February 4th and raise crucial awareness and important funds in the fight against heart disease in women. Make It Your Mission to save lives.

Come to American Heart Month Events

Celebrating American Heart Month in Wisconsin this year is easy – you can wear red or attend one of the events listed below. Check out what’s happening throughout the state this month:

Madison’s Red Dress Dash – February 3
Milwaukee’s Red Dress Dash – February 3
National Wear Red Day ® - February 4
March to Macy’s in Appleton – February 4
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week – February 7 – February 12

*We will also have a display at the Capitol Rotunda on February 3rd to educate our legislators and generate awareness on women’s heart health!

Unite in the Fight Against Heart Disease by Volunteering

There are some great volunteer opportunities during American Heart Month in Wisconsin! If you are interested in giving 2-3 hours of your time to tell others about the difference you are making as a You’re the Cure Advocate, then please contact Anne Simaytis for more information.

Re-Engage Your Friends and Family

Tell-a-Friend

Invite friends and family to join You're the Cure by posting a message to Facebook or Twitter or sending a quick email. The more voices we have, the more powerful we will be in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Share Your Story

Have you been personally touched by heart disease or stroke? Share your story with us. We may even feature you on our blog during the month of February.

Give

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. In short, you are helping save lives.

Educate others about Heart Health
Share this information with your co-workers, neighbors and your community and let us know how you will celebrate Heart Month this year!

We can’t spell CURE, without “U”! Thank you for all you continue to do to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke!

Go Red for Women

Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. Visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/ for more information on joining the Go Red Movement.

Secondary students should be required to receive CPR training

2011-01-13T11:05:00.002-06:00

DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2011 — All secondary school students should be required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive an overview of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), according to an American Heart Association science advisory.

The 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 to provide funding and other support to ensure the educational standard is met.

Last school year, 36 states had a law or curriculum standard encouraging CPR training in schools, according to the advisory. School districts have developed various models for providing and paying for the training and equipment, including using volunteer instructors or video-based programs, and drawing support from businesses, foundations, civic organizations and public agencies.

Challenges include finding time in the curriculum to teach the courses and providing and maintaining CPR manikins, which are vital for training. Schools can keep reusable manikins, replacing key parts for sanitary reasons, or can work with a local agency that provides manikins and training. Some schools provide personal training kits that include DVD-based instructions and an inflatable, reusable manikin.

The statement authors report that the benefits far outweigh the costs. “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.”

Students trained as rescuers might help save lives at home, where most sudden cardiac arrests occur. Trained students could also respond to cardiac arrests at school and at public places such as malls, health clubs, or swimming pools, or at events such as family reunions.

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association reports that emergency medical personnel respond to nearly 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the United States annually, so CPR can help save many of these victims’ lives, the authors said.

Effective CPR circulates a small but vital amount of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain, which can help keep a victim alive until an AED is available. The AED can give an electric shock to the heart to stop the abnormal heart rhythm and allow a normal heart rhythm to return. AEDs are portable medical devices that can be used with minimal training and are often available in public places.

“Bystander CPR can double or triple survival from cardiac arrest. Currently, only about 30 percent of victims of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest receive any type of CPR,” Hazinski said.

According to the statement, most untrained bystanders hesitate to help a cardiac arrest victim. Research has shown that when bystanders have CPR training, they are much more likely to take action.

Bystanders who phone 911 and begin CPR provide the first essential links in a strong, interdependent “chain of survival,” Hazinski said. “With activation of 911, early bystander CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support and integrated post-resuscitation care, survival rates following sudden cardiac arrest can exceed 50 percent. That’s dramatically higher than the 7 percent to 9 percent average survival rate in the U.S. However, nothing is going to happen unless there’s a bystander who recognizes the arrest, phones 911 and begins CPR to start that chain of survival. Research has shown that any attempt at CPR can improve the odds of survival for someone who has a cardiac arrest,” she said.

CPR training in schools should cover several key areas, including how to recognize an emergency, an emphasis on high-quality chest compressions and skills practice, according to the advisory. At a minimum, AED training should cover the purpose, simplicity and safety of the devices.

“Many schools have overcome barriers to training and begun teaching CPR,” Hazinski said. “But I think a legislative mandate and support for training in schools would go a long way.”

Co-authors are: Diana Cave, R.N., M.S.N.; Tom P. Aufderheide, M.D.; Jeff Beeson, M.D.; Alison Ellison, B.S.N.; Andrew Gregory, M.D.; Loren F. Hiratzka, M.D.; Keith Lurie, M.D.; Laurie J. Morrison, M.D., M.Sc.; Vincent N. Mosesso, Jr., M.D.; Vinay Nadkarni, M.D.; Jerry Potts, Ph.D.; Ricardo A. Samson, M.D.; Michael Sayre, M.D.; and Stephen M. Schexnayder, M.D. Author disclosures and sources of funding are on the manuscript.

Resolve to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

2011-01-06T12:15:00.001-06:00

Love them or hate them, most of us make resolutions during this time of year. We resolve to eat better, to get more exercise and/or to stop smoking to name a few; all of which are wonderful for our hearts. During this time of resolutions, will you make one more promise for a heart-healthy 2011? Resolve to make your voice heard in the fight against heart disease and stroke:

Tell Your Legislators to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

Healthy hearts is not just about eating well and exercising. It is also important that the residents of Wisconsin have access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise, clean air to breathe and resources to help smokers quit and that all residents have access to medical care when they need it most. That is why our elected officials need to make heart health a priority this year!

Tell Your Legislators to Make Heart Health a Priority in 2011

We can’t spell CURE without “U”!

Tis’ the Season for Heart Health

2010-12-22T11:17:00.004-06:00

You may have already sent your holiday cards to friends and family this year, but have you sent a message from your heart to your legislators?

Our advocacy efforts can make a greater impact with legislators when the message comes from the heart -- from people whose families have been touched by heart disease or stroke, or have a personal stake in this fight to save lives. Take a moment and follow the link below to send a quick note to your legislators reminding them to pass heart healthy policies in Wisconsin:

Send a Holiday Message from Your Heart to Your Legislators for the Holidays

In 2011, the American Heart Association will focus on several key prevention policies in Wisconsin. To decrease obesity rates in Wisconsin, we will promote public policies focused on increased physical activity and better nutrition in our schools and communities. To reduce tobacco use in our state, we will support tobacco prevention and cessation efforts including decreasing youth access to new and dangerous tobacco products and ensuring our smoke-free law stays strong.

Send a Message from Your Heart to Your Legislators for the Holidays

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all you've done to help the American Heart Association save lives and build a healthier future free of heart disease and stroke.

We can't spell CURE, without "U". Happy Holidays!

P.S. This year, the American Heart Association website features great tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy during the holidays, including several heart healthy recipes. Please feel free to share this helpful tool with your friends and family. http://tinyurl.com/HolidayHeartHealth

AHA Statement on Surgeon General's tobacco report

2010-12-10T09:54:00.001-06:00

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

The U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease,” sheds new light on the damaging effects of tobacco use on the health of all Americans. This comprehensive scientific report shows that even brief exposure to tobacco smoke can trigger acute cardiac events and potential sudden death. The evidence clearly states that tobacco products are lethal weapons capable of shortening the lifespan of smokers and nonsmokers alike. However, tobacco companies will stop at nothing to addict a new generation of smokers. They are ramping up efforts to fight regulations that restrict marketing campaigns and the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products and designing new cigarettes to make them more addictive. This report provides more ammunition to fight their deceptive and deadly campaign.

We strongly believe the findings will support implementation of new federal tobacco regulations, including the development of graphic warning labels for cigarette packages. We also urge state officials to fund smoking prevention and cessation programs at CDC recommended levels, enact strong smoke-free policies and boost tobacco excise taxes. Policymakers must not allow complacency to rule in the fight against tobacco. Bold, aggressive measures are needed to save lives, reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life.

For more information, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/tobaccosmoke/index.html.

Wisconsin's health ranking declines

2010-12-08T14:36:00.002-06:00

This article appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 12/8/2010, reported by Karen Herzog.

National survey puts state at No. 18, down seven places from 2009 report

Wisconsin is losing ground in national health rankings, dropping from 11th place overall in 2009 to 18th place in 2010, according to a long-running annual report on national health released Tuesday.

The state ranked seventh when the annual rankings began in 1990.

One reason may be that Wisconsin has the highest prevalence of binge drinking in the nation, just ahead of North Dakota and Minnesota, with an estimated 23.2% of the population older than 18 drinking excessively in the last 30 days. Binge drinking is defined as five drinks for a male and four for a female in one sitting.

The state has held that ranking for the past three years, since the ranking was added as a measure to the America's Health Rankings report.

Another reason why the state isn't gaining in its efforts to improve overall health, public health officials said Tuesday, is that Wisconsin also ranks near the bottom - 48th - for public health funding.

The state ranked last in 2009, spending $35.43 per capita on public health programs to monitor and improve population health. The state now spends $39.57 per capita.

The top-spending state, Hawaii, spends $235.48 per capita on public health programs and ranks fifth for overall health.

"Without adequate investment in our public health system, it's going to be very difficult for us to address the root causes of public health issues," said Bridget Booske, a senior scientist with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute in Madison.

Ron Cisler, director of the Center for Urban Population Health in Milwaukee, said: "I think the fact we don't have state funding to provide broad-based information and prevention efforts in our communities makes having an impact tough."

America's Health Rankings is jointly published by the not-for-profit United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention.

It's the longest-running report of its kind, analyzing national health on a state-by-state basis using an array of measures, such as the prevalence of obesity, children living in poverty and infant mortality.

The report evaluates health, environmental and socioeconomic data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association, U.S. Department of Education and the Census Bureau.

Vermont ranked at the top among the healthiest states. Mississippi ranked last.

Wisconsin did well in the rankings for its rate of high school graduation (88.5%); its low rate of uninsured residents (9.6%); immunization coverage for children (93.5% of children ages 19 to 35 months); and few "poor mental health days" (2.8 days) per month.

In the report, the higher prevalence of a health risk causes a state to rank lower in a specific category. They include:

Obesity: In the past year, the prevalence of obesity increased from 26% to 29.2% of the state's population.

The prevalence of obesity was 23.2% five years ago. The state ranking dropped from 23rd in 2009 to 34th in 2010.

"Across the nation, obesity rates are increasing, but they must be increasing at a more rapid rate in Wisconsin because that's quite a drop in ranking from 23rd to 34th," Booske said.

"There are so many factors that go into health: poverty, crime that prevents people from feeling safe to get out and exercise, access to healthy food. They all contribute to obesity, which contributes to people dying younger than they have to," said Booske.

Diabetes: Wisconsin dropped from 14th place in 2009 to 22nd place in 2010, with 8.2% of the adult population now diagnosed with diabetes, up from 7.2% in 2009.

The state ranked sixth in 2008.

Children living in poverty: The state dropped from eighth nationwide in 2009, when an estimated 13% of its children lived in poverty, to 14th place in 2010, with 15.5% of children living in poverty.

"That's not a good direction for us to be going," Booske said. "Over the course of one year, 3% is a significant increase. What happens in childhood can have long-term effects."

Infant mortality: The state ranking improved from 23rd to 19th, though the rate stayed about the same - 6.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2010 and 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2009.
The infant mortality rate is much higher in Milwaukee - 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to a different report released recently, called the Milwaukee Health Report 2010.

Smoking: In the past 10 years, the prevalence of smoking in Wisconsin decreased from 23.7% to 18.7% of the population.

Cardiovascular disease:Since 1990, the rate of deaths from cardiovascular disease decreased from 389.2 to 258.3 deaths per 100,000 population.

To read the America's Health Rankings report for Wisconsin, click here.

For a report that drills down health statistics to counties within states, check out The County Health Rankings report at countyhealthrankings.org. That report is collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Heart Advocates Met with Governor-elect Walker

2010-12-06T15:35:00.005-06:00

American Heart Association advocates Eliz Greene and Linda Newberry-Ferguson (pictured at right) and American Lung Association advocates met with Wisconsin Governor-elect, Scott Walker, this morning to talk about restoring for the state’s Tobacco Control Program, which was cut last year. Advocates proposed using revenue generated from taxing other tobacco products at the same rate as cigarettes – leveling the field on how all tobacco is regulated and sold in Wisconsin. Currently, cigarettes in Wisconsin are taxed at $2.52 per standard pack, while other tobacco products vary, depending on the manufacturer’s price if they are taxed at all.

Products like Snus, Strips, and Orbs not only appeal to youth because of their candy-like flavors and packaging, but also cost a lot less than cigarettes and are easily accessible. In addition, cigarette smokers who might otherwise quit or cutback are often turning to under-taxed, less-expensive cigars or other tobacco products, instead.

No tobacco product is safe to consume - whether smoked, chewed, or used as dry or moist snuff – tobacco use increases the risk of heart attack, fatal stroke, certain cancers and other chronic diseases.

Our goal is to close these loopholes and bring tobacco products to parallel levels which would raise revenues by more than $10 million in Wisconsin and would restore state funding for tobacco prevention, including funding for the state Medicaid program’s tobacco cessation assistance, each fiscal year.

Leveling the field for how all tobacco products are sold and priced in Wisconsin will not only create needed revenue, but will also ensure our kids don’t have access to these new and dangerous products.

Child Nutrition Act Passes

2010-12-02T17:34:00.004-06:00

Great news! The House of Representatives just passed the Child Nutrition Act, by a vote of 264 to 157! This action by the House completes Congress' work on the bill and sends it to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The American Heart Association owes you a big THANK YOU. Thanks to the support of you and your fellow advocates, over 25,000 emails, phone calls, and petitions, were sent to Members of Congress to push for action on the Child Nutrition Act.

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.

Together, we will build on this progress as we continue our fight for healthy hearts for our kids.

To see how your Representative voted, click here.

Thanks for all YOU Give

2010-11-23T11:29:00.001-06:00

The idea of Thanksgiving takes on different meanings for all of us, but the original intention of the holiday wasn't about turkey, football, or even pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving will always be a time to celebrate all the things we are most thankful for in our lives.

That's why this Thanksgiving, the American Heart Association wants to thank YOU for all you do as a You're the Cure advocate to support policies to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. We can't spell CURE, without "U"!

We also celebrate all of the successes we have had in passing heart healthy policies in Wisconsin this year including making Wisconsin smoke-free, passing legislation to improve nutrition and bring CPR training into our schools. Follow the link below to send a message of thanks to your legislators this Thanksgiving for promoting heart health in Wisconsin:

Send a message of thanks to your legislators.

As your new Wisconsin Grassroots Advocacy Director, I am most thankful for all of you and your hardwork in contributing to the heart health sucess in Wisconsin! My name is Anne Simaytis and I come to the American Heart Association with a strong passion to build healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. In the coming months, I hope to meet and hear from you and work with you to provide the tools you need to be a successful advocate.With your help, we look forward to celebrating even more heart healthy policies next year as we continue to promote healthy eating and exercise in our schools and communities, reduce tobacco use and youth access, and improve healthcare services so they are accessible and affordable. Please feel free to connect with me via the contact information listed below.

Send a message of thanks to your legislators

Happy Thanksgiving and from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!

American Heart Association Honors Eliz Greene, Advocate and Hero

2010-11-12T12:09:00.017-06:00

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 Senator Feingold and Senator Kohl 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 Senator Kohl and Senator Feingold to Vote for the HEART for Women Act

Want to see pictures from last night's fashion show in Milwaukee? Visit the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Milwaukee page at http://www.facebook.com/GoRedMilw

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T13:50:00.002-06:00

The American Heart Association would like to thank all our military service men and women this Veteran's Day. And to all heart attack and stroke survivors and families who've fought their own battles and persevered, we salute you as well!

*Remember to tell your friends and family to join our army of advocates at www.yourethecure.org this Veteran's day and urge them to take action in the fight to find a cure and build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

We can't spell CURE, without "U"! Join You're the Cure today! This group of volunteers contacts their elected officials to help pass important heart-healthy policies in their state and across the nation. Once you’re a part of You’re the Cure, you’ll receive e-mails that guide you on how to take action – from clicking on an alert that you can personalize and send to your lawmakers to talking points on what to say when making a call to a district office or visiting a lawmaker on legislation affecting heart or stroke issues. It’s a great resource to keep you up to speed with state and federal health legislation and the best part is, we offer it as a free service to the public.

Find us on Facebook: Join our page “You’re the Cure: Midwest Clicks for Hearts” at www.facebook.com/heartofthemidwest and make sure all your friends and family know you care about advocating for heart issues on Facebook! Our page has posts from all the states in our affiliate and highlights successes and opportunities in advocacy for heart and stroke issues. (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI)

What Did You Eat for Lunch Today? START! Eating Healthy Day - November 3, 2011

2010-11-03T12:28:00.005-05:00

Heart disease directly or indirectly affects everyone in this country — your neighbors, your loved ones, you. Beating the No. 1 killer of Americans — heart disease — doesn’t have to mean radical fad diets and crazy exercise trends that are only temporary fixes. A long life of heart health is about taking small steps each day to change how you eat and live. As those small steps add up, one day you will realize you’ve changed your life — and perhaps the lives of those you love — for the better.

The American Heart Association has started a new campaign to encourage good health called Start! Eating Healthy Day on November 3, 2010. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to choose a variety of healthy foods (in the right amounts of course) in order to cut down on heart disease. There's also tips for businesses who want to help their employees to improve their heart health.

*Learn more about Eating Right here and follow the link below for some great resources to share with friends and family:

Resources for National START! Eating Healthy Day

The big day is here! Remember to VOTE today!!!

2010-11-02T10:12:00.006-05:00

The big day is here! Remember to VOTE today!!!

Today, November 2nd is Election Day! This year there are many races and issues at stake which have the potential to dramatically change the political landscape in Wisconsin. I hope that you will take the time to exercise your constitutional right to vote and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same!

After you get back from your polling location -- please log on to http://www.yourethecure.org/ and do two things: take action on one of our federal alerts and take action on one of our state alerts. If you aren’t already a You’re the Cure advocate, sign up today! We need to tell our current lawmakers that there is a lot to get done to improve heart health and build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

As your new Wisconsin Government Relations Director, I am excited to join you in this effort. For those of you I haven’t met, my name is Melissa Horn and I recently moved to Madison, Wisconsin to take on the Government Relations Director position after working as the Regional Grassroots Advocacy Director (IL, MN, WI, and MO) for the AHA the last 2 years. The Government Relations Director position supports and advocates for statewide public policies that help get us towards our 2020 goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths by coronary heart disease and stroke by 20 percent by 2020.

This year in Wisconsin, we will be focusing on 5 top policy areas:

Wisconsin
2010-2011 Public Policy Priorities

<3 Tobacco Control – Clarify legislative definitions surrounding new tobacco products (including dissolvable, flavored, and candy-like tobacco products) requiring such products to be taxed and regulated as tobacco in an effort to reduce youth access and promote tobacco prevention and cessation in Wisconsin

<3 Prevent and Reduce Obesity – Improve the availability of healthy foods in Wisconsin’s schools and reduce availability of unhealthy competitive foods.

<3 Prevent and Reduce Obesity – Promote physical activity in Wisconsin communities by improving joint use agreement policies so school grounds can be used after hours without liability risks

<3 Stroke and STEMI Systems of Care - Pursue funding ($250,000 GPR) opportunities for a telemedicine pilot project in the state.

<3 Stroke Systems of Care – Pursue and promote Primary Stroke Center designation based on Joint Commission certification, or an equivalent process.

Please contact me with any questions you may have at Melissa.Horn@heart.org or by phone at (608)221-8866, ext.7/ cell at (314)952-4742.

We call it “You’re the Cure”, because we can’t spell CURE, without “U”! Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do to support advocacy efforts in Wisconsin and nationwide. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to advocate for a heart healthy Wisconsin!

You're Invited: Love Your Heart In Style Fashion Show!

2010-11-01T14:33:00.004-05:00

Go Red for Women Milwaukee is hosting a fashion show and You're Invited!!!

Join other AHA volunteers and advocates for a Lorena Sarbu - Love your heart in style fashion show at :

Where: The Pfister Hotel (Imperial Ballroom)
When: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Cost: $20 General Admission, $40 VIP

RSVP: www.GoRedMilwaukeeRSVP.com

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. Learn more about the movement at www.goredforwomen.org

Join us for a night of fashion and help us celebrate the energy, passion, and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke!

Tobacco's Tricks NOT Treats

2010-10-28T12:40:00.039-05:00

Have you heard about Snus, Strips, and Sticks?

Well, they're just some of Big Tobacco's new tricks - marketed to our youth.

Today’s tobacco industry is evolving for the 21st century, innovating products and finding new ways to hook nonsmokers while keeping existing customers addicted. The products may be changing but their goal remains the same – to profit from a deadly addiction.

This Halloween, take some time to educate your friends and family - and especially those young trick or treaters about the dangers of these new products.

Learn more about the Tobacco Industry's New Tricks NOT Treats

In Wisconsin:

· Nearly 7,000 people die every year from their own smoking.
· Smoking results in more than $2.8 billion in health care costs.
· 25 percent of young adults (18-24) are smokers and
smokeless tobacco use rates among youth are up nationwide.
· 6,900 Wisconsin kids (under 18) become new smokers each year.
· The tobacco industry tripled smokeless tobacco advertising and
promotion from 1996-2006, spending an estimated 274 million
dollars on marketing in Wisconsin alone.
· The tobacco industry is aggressively countering smoke-free laws such as Wisconsin’s by marketing smokeless tobacco as an alternative to quitting cigarettes.

Sticks, Orbs and Strips
These products – made of finely milled tobacco – dissolve when placed in the mouth, releasing significant amounts of nicotine. Designed in direct response to increasing smoke-free restrictions, dissolvable tobacco products are meant to sustain addiction by being an effective substitute when a smoker cannot light up.
Camel Orbs – Looks like a small breath mint or “Tic Tac”
Camel Sticks – Looks like a toothpick
Camel Strips – Looks like a breath-freshening strip

Snus
· Snus is a smokeless, spitless tobacco product. Small light-weight pouches filled with tobacco are placed between the gum and lip where nicotine can be quickly absorbed.
· Marketed as “Pleasure for Whenever”– suggesting that the product can be discreetly used where other tobacco products can’t.

“Little Cigars”
· Look, feel and smoke like cigarettes with one exception – they have tobacco in the rolling paper which allows them to be called cigars and avoid cigarette taxes and other regulations.
· They appeal to youth because they are sold right on the counter next to candy and come in a variety of “youth-friendly” candy flavors like grape, strawberry and peach.

E-cigarettes
· E-cigarettes are electronic nicotine delivery devices that simulate smoking.
· These products rely on a battery operated nicotine vaporizer that delivers puffs of nicotine vapor to users.
· Current law does not prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to youth.

Tobacco Free Resources to check out in Wisconsin:

American Heart Association
Learn about all the policy areas your American Heart Association works on to reduce tobacco use throughout our country by following the link below:
Regulating Tobacco for Healthy Lifestyles

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

American Lung Association of Wisconsin
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education, Advocacy and Research.

Smoke-free Wisconsin
SmokeFree Wisconsin has worked for smoke-free ordinances, increasing tobacco prevention funding, and raising the tax on tobacco products.

Wisconsin is Better Smoke-Free
Learn about the new smoke-free law that went into effect July 5, 2010 in Wisconsin.

Tobacco Control Resource Center for Wisconsin
Wisconsin specific data, fact sheets, handouts, presentations, educational materials, etc. covering a variety of tobacco control issues (secondhand smoke, youth involvement, compliance checks, cessation, etc.).

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
A good, all-purpose secondhand smoke information clearinghouse.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
TFK covers information from a national perspective on secondhand smoke, tobacco taxes, FDA regulation of tobacco, industry advertising, funding for tobacco control, etc.

Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
Offers free, confidential, comprehensive telephone counseling to help people quit smoking or chewing tobacco. (800) QUIT-NOW.

FACT
Wisconsin’s youth-led movement exposing Big Tobacco’s lies.

Trinkets and Trash
The online surveillance system and archive of tobacco products and tobacco industry marketing materials.

Vote for Heart Health in Wisconsin

2010-10-25T13:16:00.006-05:00

In less than two weeks, Americans will go to the polls and make important decisions for the future of Wisconsin and our country. Follow the link below to take action and tell legislators to vote for heart health year round:

Vote for Heart Health in Wisconsin

As a You're the Cure advocate, you already know the power of your voice when it comes to communicating with decision-makers about important policy issues that help us build healthier lives free from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Be sure to turn out to the polls this November and remember to mark your own ballot for heart health by taking the My Life Check assessment at http://mylifecheck.heart.org/.

Vote for Heart Health in Wisconsin

The fact is that heart disease is the top killer in our state and nation...it doesn't matter your gender, race, or what party you vote for. That's why we continue to promote healthy eating and exercise in our schools and communities, reduce tobacco use and youth access, and improve healthcare services so they are accessible and affordable.

Thank you again for all you continue to do to advocate for a heart healthy policies in Wisconsin.

One in Six: ACT Now!

2010-10-25T09:29:00.007-05:00

Did you know?

Friday, Oct. 29, is World Stroke Day. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are joining with the World Stroke Organization, an international health organization, to spread the message about the global threat of stroke. This year’s theme is “One in Six: Act Now!”

One of every six people worldwide will have a stroke in 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 listed at the bottom of this page.

Here’s something else you can do on World Stroke Day: At precisely 1:06 p.m., take the My Life Check assessment to learn where you stand with health factors that could lead to stroke. Then share the link with six special people in your life. The assessment tool allows you to determine your level of heart health, identify risk factors and change behavior. 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.

Act Now! Consumer Resources

Learn your stroke risk

Learn the warning signs of stroke and TIA Warning: Stroke Ahead – Take our quiz!

Track and control your No. 1 modifiable stroke risk factor: High Blood Pressure
Online tracker
Printable tracker and wallet card
Take your medicine Live a healthy lifestyle Join or start a stroke support group

Tell your friends and family on your social media accounts:

TWITTER:

HASHTAG: #worldstrokeday
· Oct 29 is World Stroke Day. The theme is “One in Six: Act Now!” Learn more at www.strokeassociation.org/worldstrokeday
· Take action on World Stroke Day, Oct. 29,at 1:06 p.m.. Learn what you can do at www.strokeassociation.org/worldstrokeday
· 1 in 6 people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. World Stroke Day is Oct. 29. Learn more at www.strokeassociation.org/worldstrokeday

FACEBOOK:

1. October 29 is World Stroke Day. One in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. This year’s World Stroke Day theme is “One in Six: Act Now!” Take action at 1:06 p.m. on Oct. 29 by taking the My Life Check assessment and sharing it with six people.
LINK: www.strokeassociation.org/worldstrokeday
2. October 29 is World Stroke Day. At 1:06 p.m. take the My Life Check assessment to learn if you have risk factors that could lead to stroke. Share it with friends and family.
LINK: www.strokeassociation.org/worldstrokeday

Local contributors help work toward fundraising record in Madison event

2010-10-15T15:37:00.003-05:00

From the Columbus Journal at http://www.wiscnews.com/columbusjournal/news/local/article_dd4799ea-d2fc-11df-9b4d-001cc4c002e0.html:

Beaver Dam resident and heart disease survivor Dan White has passed the $12,000 mark in anticipation of participating again in the Madison Heart Walk on Saturday, Oct. 23. White raised $12,790 last year for his walking team, UW Health, and is optimistic he'll exceed his 2009 total. His three-year total is more than $21,000.

"UW Health was instrumental in saving my life," White said. "Helping raise funds for the American Heart Association helps me repay my doctors for what they've done for me. In addition, I like giving to the American Heart Association because I see the dollars helping right here in Wisconsin."

White visited this week with three of his local donors

Mid-State Equipment owner Curt Hanson has contributed for years. A heart survivor himself, Hanson credits Cardiac Rehab at Columbus Community Hospital with keeping him heart-healthy. Other major donations this week included gifts from Tom and Chuck Curwick of United Auto Parts and Kevin White of Contree Sprayer & Equipment Company.

Heart attack and stroke combined are responsible for 30.9 percent of the deaths in Columbia County

Research funded by the American Heart Association has yielded major advances, such as the heart-lung machine, CPR/ AED, life-extending drugs, pacemakers, bypass surgery and surgical techniques to repair heart defects and save lives.

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Says House Passage of the HEART for Women Act is an Important Stand in Support of Women’s Health

2010-09-30T10:54:00.004-05:00

Washington, DC (September 30, 2010) - The U. S. House of Representatives has taken an important stand in support of women’s health with the passage of the Heart Disease Education, Analysis and Research and Treatment (HEART) for Women Act. This legislative win will help make meaningful advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD)—the leading killer of American women. Provisions include greater oversight of Food and Drug Administration requirements for reporting sex and race-based data about new medicines and devices and the expansion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN screening program for low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.

Although we still have more work to do to achieve equity in health care and health status for women, this effort sets the stage to better identify and address women’s unique cardiovascular health needs. With more than one in three deaths among American women caused by CVD, we must continue to make strong efforts to ensure this measure is passed into law.

We commend the House for addressing women’s health needs and Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) for their leadership and efforts to move the HEART for Women Act forward.

Tell Congress: No more delays on Child Nutrition

2010-09-29T08:36:00.004-05:00

Last week, we were expecting the House of Representatives to vote on the Child Nutrition Act within 24-48 hours- but unfortunately, the vote was delayed. The good news, though, is that we still have a chance to get the Child Nutrition Act passed by the end of the month. It's up to us to let the House of Representatives know that further delays are not an option.

Tell your Representative to finish the work on the Child Nutrition Act NOW!

Passage of the bill would mean significant improvements to the school environment to help establish a foundation for a lifetime of healthy behaviors for our kids, including:
-Improving the nutritional standards of school meals.
-Removing junk food from cafeterias, snack shops, and vending machines.
-Establishing a framework to strengthen local wellness policies and include the community in the development and implementation of districts' physical activity and nutrition goals.

We can't afford to let this opportunity pass. The Senate has already passed the Child Nutrition Act, so the House of Representatives' vote is the final hurdle to clear in order to send the bill to President's desk.

Please send a quick message right now, urging your Representative to support the passage of this important bill this week!

Thank you for your help to push for healthier options for our kids at school!

Help AHA win $200,000 from American Express

2010-09-28T11:09:00.005-05:00

We are thrilled to share that the American Heart Association has been selected to participate in the Members Project in the Health and Wellness category! This means we are eligible to win $200,000 from American Express.

Please share on your social media accounts as you see fit. We have until November 30, 2010 to generate votes.

Suggested Messages:

· We need your votes! The American Heart Association is a candidate for funding from American Express through Members Project®, a partnership between American Express and TakePart to help people everywhere support charitable organizations.

· We need your votes! The Amer Heart Assn is a candidate to receive $200,000 from the Members Project! Vote every week until November 30th!

· Only X days left to vote for the American Heart Association! Help us receive $200,000 from the Members Project®!

· Only X days left to vote for the American Heart Association! Help save lives by voting for us to receive $200,000 from the Members Project®!

· We still need your votes! The American Heart Association continues to be a candidate for funding from American Express through Members Project®, a partnership between American Express and TakePart to help people everywhere support charitable organizations.

· Vote for us to receive $200,000 from the Members Project®! The funding will help us better fulfill our mission, and it takes just a mouse-click each week to help us win this vital support. Vote now and vote often!

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

Please use the following links in your post:
To cast your votes, go to: http://www.takepart.com/membersproject/vote or use this shorten linked for your social media posts: http://bit.ly/9qqbqK

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

2010-09-16T14:19:00.002-05:00

This week, by a vote or 46 to 52, an amendment that proposed cutting billions of dollars in critical disease prevention and public health funding was defeated in the U.S. Senate!

Please send a quick note of thanks to your Senator(s) by following the link below:

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

By defeating the amendment and preserving this funding, the Prevention and Public Health Fund will continue to be used for meaningful public health efforts in communities across the country. Currently, the Fund supports efforts to increase tobacco control, implement tobacco cessation services, combat obesity, and promote better nutrition and physical activity. Prevention is paramount in our fight against heart disease and stroke- and we should be proud of our Senators who stood up to protect this vital funding.

Thank Your Legislators for Protecting Public Health Funding

Thank you for joining us in thanking your U.S. Senators for their efforts. We can't spell CURE, without "U".

Flood Capitol Hill with Messages on Child Nutrition!

2010-09-14T17:04:00.010-05:00

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/address.
3. Fax the ad to your Representative. (Find your Representative at http://tinyurl.com/FindMyRep )
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!

PS- Don't have access to a fax machine? No problem! Just print a copy of the ad and mail it or email it to your Representative's office. Then, let us know by reporting your action.

AHA Releases Policy Statement to Discourage Use on Smokeless Tobacco

2010-09-13T17:43:00.004-05:00

Social media account holders –

The American Heart Association just released a policy statement on smokeless tobacco.

Read policy statement here.

Learn more about AHA resources to help you quit: http://www.heart.org/quitsmoking

Here are some social media messages you can use on your accounts online to help us spread the word about these products as well as links to learn more about resources to help you quit:

TWITTER:
· Smokeless tobacco products not a safe option, won’t help smokers quit http://bit.ly/ajYHGm

· An est. 7% of adults uses smokeless tobacco. AHA advises against smokeless tobacco products to quit smoking. www.heart.org/quitsmoking

· To help Americans quit smoking, AHA supports tobacco excise taxes to fund prevention & cessation programs http://bit.ly/bYQS94

FACEBOOK:

1. AHA Policy Statement: Smokeless tobacco products should not be used as an alternative to cigarettes or for smoking cessation due to the risk of addiction and return to smoking.
LINK: http://bit.ly/ajYHGm

2. Smokeless tobacco products such as dry and moist snuff as well as chewing tobacco may also increase the risk of fatal heart attack, fatal stroke and certain cancers, according to a new study.
LINK: http://bit.ly/ajYHGm

3. An estimated 7 percent of adults use smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco should not be used for smoking cessation because long-term use moderately increases the risk of a fatal heart attack, fatal stroke and certain cancers. Check out the American Heart Associations’ resources to help you kick the habit!

LINK: www.heart.org/quitsmoking

4. To help Americans quit smoking, AHA supports substantially increasing excise taxes on all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco to help fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

LINK: http://bit.ly/bYQS94

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Do Not Let the Senate Wipe Out Prevention Funds

2010-09-13T15:27:00.003-05:00

The Prevention and Public Health Fund represents our best opportunity to increase investments in critical heart disease and stroke prevention programs, however a recent amendment offered in the U.S. Senate proposes eliminating funding for the Prevention Fund.

We can't let this happen! Urge your Senators to protect prevention funding by voting against the amendment today:

Tell Your Senators to Protect Prevention Funding!!!

Tell Your Legislators about National Cholesterol Education Month

2010-09-09T14:37:00.005-05:00

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. That's why the American Heart Association has developed important tools and resources to help you monitor your cholesterol levels at www.heart.org/cholesterol Since September is National Cholesterol Education Month, we are asking you to help us educate your legislators, friends, and family about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.

Follow the link below to let your legislators know about National Cholesterol Education Month:

Tell your Legislators that September is National Cholesterol Education Month

Your diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco smoke all affect your cholesterol level and these factors may be controlled by eating a heart-healthy diet, enjoying regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco smoke. Check with your healthcare provider to get your cholesterol checked and discuss lifestyle choices you can make to improve your heart health.

Tell your Legislators that September is National Cholesterol Education Month

Thank you for your help in spreading the word about Cholesterol Education this month. We can't spell CURE, without "U".

Online report highlights 2009-10 advocacy victories

2010-08-31T14:22:00.002-05:00

The AHA Office of Advocacy’s first-ever online annual report highlights federal, state and local policy victories from the 2009-10 fiscal year. The report, “Progress in Policy,” summarizes the association’s work to advance legislative and regulatory issues including access to care, health reform, research and prevention funding, tobacco control, emergency cardiovascular care and stroke systems of care.

The articles, videos and photos in this interactive report offer just a snapshot of the remarkable work of our You’re the Cure advocates, volunteers and staff. We owe each of these successes to their tireless dedication and efforts.

See the report at www.heart.org/advocacyannualreport.