Congress is back at work and may decide on critical funding for child care and Head Start by the end of the week. Congress heard how important it is to not cut child care and Head Start funding, and now it’s time to tell the White House.
Today, Tuesday, November 30, advocates from across the country are contacting the White House to ask them to remind Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start, and to support the Early Learning Challenge Fund. The President and his important staff are key players in these funding decisions and we need to remind them that young children and families need more help now than ever.
Please contact the White House TODAY! There are two ways you can take action:
1. Leave a message for President Obama on the White House comments line in support of early childhood education programs:
• To call the comments line dial 202-456-1111. (You may need to call more than once if you get a busy signal.)
• Leave a message in the voicemail.
Sample Script: My name is ________ and I’m from (Insert Organization) in (City), (State). Please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. Thank you.
2. Send President Obama an e-mail in support of early childhood education programs.
• Email the President at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.
• You will be directed to use the web form to send the White House an email.
Sample Message: Dear President Obama, please urge Congress not to drop 300,000 children from child care and Head Start. Make sure that continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start is NOT REDUCED in the FY 2011 appropriations bill and that the Early Learning Challenge Fund is included. These programs help children learn and develop skills they need to succeed in school and in life. They also give parents the support they need to be productive at work. Thank you.
Please tell your networks and friends to take action today, November 30. The more people who take action, the more our voices will be heard in this very important time.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Passive Smoking Causes 1% Of All Global Premature Deaths, 600,000 Per Year
Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking causes 603,000 deaths per year worldwide, of which 165,000 are children, Dr Annette Prüss-Ustün and team of the World Health Organization wrote in the medical journal The Lancet. The authors state that this is the first study to determine secondhand smoking's impact worldwide.
The last time comprehensive data on 192 countries was gathered was 2004, the year used for this analysis, the author explained. The death toll as well as life-years lost were calculated.
Below are some highlighted data from the study - globally in 2004:
• 40% of the world's children are exposed to secondhand smoke
• 33% of males who don't smoke are exposed to secondhand smoke
• 35% of females who don't smoke are exposed to secondhand smoke
• Secondhand smoke is thought to have caused 165,000 lower respiratory infection deaths, 379,000 ischemic stroke deaths, 36,900 asthma deaths, and 21,400 lung cancer deaths.
• 603,000 premature deaths were caused by passive smoking, approximately 1% of all premature deaths
To read the full article, please click here.
The last time comprehensive data on 192 countries was gathered was 2004, the year used for this analysis, the author explained. The death toll as well as life-years lost were calculated.
Below are some highlighted data from the study - globally in 2004:
• 40% of the world's children are exposed to secondhand smoke
• 33% of males who don't smoke are exposed to secondhand smoke
• 35% of females who don't smoke are exposed to secondhand smoke
• Secondhand smoke is thought to have caused 165,000 lower respiratory infection deaths, 379,000 ischemic stroke deaths, 36,900 asthma deaths, and 21,400 lung cancer deaths.
• 603,000 premature deaths were caused by passive smoking, approximately 1% of all premature deaths
To read the full article, please click here.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
ALERT - Reach Out and Read and Reading is Fundamental funding in Danger
Please contact Senator Jon Kyl’s office at http://kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm and ask him to vote NO on the Coburn Amendment, which is being voted on Monday, November 29th. You can also call Abby Donovan, Senator Kyl’s education staffer at 202-224-4521. Below is a short script for your use.
If the amendment passes, it would end ALL funding for Reach Out and Read, including 6 million dollars in the current budget proposals. Reach Out and Read is technically an earmark, despite being a national program with 11 years of federal funding. This amendment would devastate national and state Reach Out and Read Programs as well as Reading is Fundamental (RIF), which provides books for low income children and Tribal Programs. Reach Out and Read is a proven school readiness program serving children 6 month-5 years, with 182 programs in 13 counties serving over 124,000 children in Arizona.
We need your assistance and we only have a very small window of time to mobilize to make sure that Reach Out and Read and Reading is Fundamental, are not removed from the budget. Please call Abby and email Senator Kyl.
Here is some language that you can use for your email to Senator Kyl:
“Subject Line: Vote NO on Coburn Amendment 4697
I urge Senator Kyl to vote No on the Coburn Amendment (SA-4697-510), which is scheduled for a vote on Monday, November 29th.
As you know, Reach out and Read is a proven, pediatric school readiness program that works with more than 3.95 million, low-income children and their families at more than 4,500 hospitals and health centers in fifty states. We currently serve 124,000 children in Arizona at 182 programs.
I urge you to vote NO on the Coburn Amendment.
Thank you,
First Name/Last Name
Reach Out and Read Arizona”
If the amendment passes, it would end ALL funding for Reach Out and Read, including 6 million dollars in the current budget proposals. Reach Out and Read is technically an earmark, despite being a national program with 11 years of federal funding. This amendment would devastate national and state Reach Out and Read Programs as well as Reading is Fundamental (RIF), which provides books for low income children and Tribal Programs. Reach Out and Read is a proven school readiness program serving children 6 month-5 years, with 182 programs in 13 counties serving over 124,000 children in Arizona.
We need your assistance and we only have a very small window of time to mobilize to make sure that Reach Out and Read and Reading is Fundamental, are not removed from the budget. Please call Abby and email Senator Kyl.
Here is some language that you can use for your email to Senator Kyl:
“Subject Line: Vote NO on Coburn Amendment 4697
I urge Senator Kyl to vote No on the Coburn Amendment (SA-4697-510), which is scheduled for a vote on Monday, November 29th.
As you know, Reach out and Read is a proven, pediatric school readiness program that works with more than 3.95 million, low-income children and their families at more than 4,500 hospitals and health centers in fifty states. We currently serve 124,000 children in Arizona at 182 programs.
I urge you to vote NO on the Coburn Amendment.
Thank you,
First Name/Last Name
Reach Out and Read Arizona”
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Proposed Cigarette Product Warning Labels
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) requires that cigarette packages and advertisements have larger and more visible graphic health warnings. FDA issued a proposed rule, Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements, proposing to modify the required warnings that appear on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. These new required warnings would consist of nine new textual warning statements accompanied by color graphics depicting the negative health consequences of smoking.
The Tobacco Control Act requires FDA to issue final regulations requiring these color graphics by June 22, 2011. It also specifies that the requirement for the new health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements will take effect 15 months after issuance of this final rule.
To view all the images, and for information on how to vote for them, please click click.
The Power of Assets: Helping Kids to Thrive
A training opportunity for people interested in asset based community development.
The Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets are based on extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention. They represent the relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive. Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more Assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive.
Participants in the training will:
• Learn about the 8 categories of the Developmental Assets
• Increase your readiness to apply Developmental Assets in your relationships and community
• Explore how Assets protect young people from risky behaviors
• Discover the ways Assets protect young people from risky behaviors
• Discover the ways Assets promote healthy and positive behaviors
• Fell prepared to share your knowledge and build Assets with others
REGISTER TODAY. Space is limited! Lunch will be provided.
Contact Julio Quezada at 525-6060 or jquezada@northcountryhealthcare.org
$10 for the day (Scholarships available)
Training info:
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Coconino County Health Department, Ponderosa Room, 2625 North King Street, Flagstaff, AZ
The Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets are based on extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention. They represent the relationships, opportunities and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive. Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more Assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive.
Participants in the training will:
• Learn about the 8 categories of the Developmental Assets
• Increase your readiness to apply Developmental Assets in your relationships and community
• Explore how Assets protect young people from risky behaviors
• Discover the ways Assets protect young people from risky behaviors
• Discover the ways Assets promote healthy and positive behaviors
• Fell prepared to share your knowledge and build Assets with others
REGISTER TODAY. Space is limited! Lunch will be provided.
Contact Julio Quezada at 525-6060 or jquezada@northcountryhealthcare.org
$10 for the day (Scholarships available)
Training info:
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Coconino County Health Department, Ponderosa Room, 2625 North King Street, Flagstaff, AZ
Homeless and Runaway Youth: Who They Are and What They Need
Free workshop on Friday, November 19th, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: The McGee Auditorium, Flagstaff Medical Center
Refreshments and pizza will be served following the panel discussion and a presentation by the PEACE Project.
RSVP by calling 928-679-7318 or e-mailing resuding@coconinokids.org
Monday, November 15, 2010
Mental Health Wellness Week November 14 - 20, 2010
Mental health is how people think, act and cope with life and the stressors and challenges that are part of the human experience. The state of one’s mental health can influence the ways in which they look at themselves, their life and others around them. It also strongly influences an individual's potential for achieving their goals and is an important tool in obtaining and maintaining a feeling of well being.
Mental Health Wellness Week -- a grassroots public education campaign focused on promoting mental health wellness across the country, taking place November 14-20 -- is designed to:
• Promote an understanding of mental health wellness
• Address the mind/body connection
• Provide evidence-based approaches to improving both mental and overall physical wellness
• Help individuals find support groups and wellness events in their local communities
• Address coping skills such as:
• Stress management techniques (i.e. yoga, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation)
• Mindfulness, (i.e. "living in the moment")
• Lifestyle behaviors (i.e. physical activity, writing, having a support network)
• Setting realistic goals, evaluating different lifestyle choices and techniques that help both body and mind to improve mental health wellness
http://www.mhww.org/
Mental Health Wellness Week -- a grassroots public education campaign focused on promoting mental health wellness across the country, taking place November 14-20 -- is designed to:
• Promote an understanding of mental health wellness
• Address the mind/body connection
• Provide evidence-based approaches to improving both mental and overall physical wellness
• Help individuals find support groups and wellness events in their local communities
• Address coping skills such as:
• Stress management techniques (i.e. yoga, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation)
• Mindfulness, (i.e. "living in the moment")
• Lifestyle behaviors (i.e. physical activity, writing, having a support network)
• Setting realistic goals, evaluating different lifestyle choices and techniques that help both body and mind to improve mental health wellness
http://www.mhww.org/
Voters approve Arizona medical marijuana measure
(Associated Press) Arizona voters have approved a measure that would legalize medical marijuana in the state.
Proposition 203 won by a tiny margin of just 4,431 votes out of more than 1.67 million votes counted. The measure started out losing by about 7,200 votes on Nov. 2 and the gap gradually narrowed in the following 10 days.
The measure began Friday losing by about 1,500 votes, then surged ahead by 4,421 votes.
Maricopa was the only Arizona county with ballots still outstanding on Saturday. The county says it finished counting all the remaining provisional and early ballots Saturday.
The final, unofficial count was 841,346 in favor of the measure and 837,005 opposed.
Proposition 203 won by a tiny margin of just 4,431 votes out of more than 1.67 million votes counted. The measure started out losing by about 7,200 votes on Nov. 2 and the gap gradually narrowed in the following 10 days.
The measure began Friday losing by about 1,500 votes, then surged ahead by 4,421 votes.
Maricopa was the only Arizona county with ballots still outstanding on Saturday. The county says it finished counting all the remaining provisional and early ballots Saturday.
The final, unofficial count was 841,346 in favor of the measure and 837,005 opposed.
Fall Mountain Bike Ride with Friends of Coconino County Parks
Friends of Coconino County Parks is offering a Mountain Bike Ride Saturday, November 20. It will go from the Navajo Ramada at Fort Tuthill County Park out to Rogers Lake – the County’s newest “park”! (Coconino County Parks and Recreation purchased Rogers Lake on Monday using monies from the Coconino Parks and Open Space Program and “Growing Smarter” land conservation funds.)
This is an intermediate-level ride, totaling about 15 miles round trip along non-technical Forest Service roads, with an elevation gain/loss of ~750 feet. At the Lake, we'll revisit the acquisition efforts by the County and discuss a future Friends of Coconino County Parks project – a multi-use trail from Fort Tuthill to Rogers Lake. We'll return to Fort Tuthill via a similar route. Fort Tuthill is located at Exit 337 and I-17, just across Highway 89A.
All riders must bring and wear a helmet and have a mountain bike in good repair. It is also suggested that you bring water, a snack, and a spare tire tube (or two).
To participate, simply show up. For more information or to become involved in the Friends, please visit www.friendsofcocoparks.org or email
fccp@rocketmail.com.
This is an intermediate-level ride, totaling about 15 miles round trip along non-technical Forest Service roads, with an elevation gain/loss of ~750 feet. At the Lake, we'll revisit the acquisition efforts by the County and discuss a future Friends of Coconino County Parks project – a multi-use trail from Fort Tuthill to Rogers Lake. We'll return to Fort Tuthill via a similar route. Fort Tuthill is located at Exit 337 and I-17, just across Highway 89A.
All riders must bring and wear a helmet and have a mountain bike in good repair. It is also suggested that you bring water, a snack, and a spare tire tube (or two).
To participate, simply show up. For more information or to become involved in the Friends, please visit www.friendsofcocoparks.org or email
fccp@rocketmail.com.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Election 2010 Results: Alcohol Initiatives Mixed, Marijuana Measures Fail
Alcohol taxes, privatization, and "charge for harm"
Massachusetts voted to repeal a 6.25 percent alcohol tax, and Washington has blocked at least one measure seeking to privatize liquor distribution. Meanwhile, California approved Prop. 26, possibly negating efforts to require the alcohol industry, among others, to pay for the harm caused by their products.
Marijuana legalization, medical marijuana
California's efforts to legalize marijuana -- a.k.a. Proposition 19 -- fell short with 56 percent of voters rejecting the measure. Initiatives in South Dakota and Oregon related to medical marijuana also failed, and an Arizona initiative looks to falter, as well. South Dakota's Measure 13 lost without a doubt: only 37 percent of voters gave their support. Oregon's Measure 74 didn't fare much better, garnering only 42 percent in "yes" votes. With only a few votes to count -- and less than a 7,000 vote margin -- Arizona rejected Proposition 203.
To read more of the results nationwide, click here.
Massachusetts voted to repeal a 6.25 percent alcohol tax, and Washington has blocked at least one measure seeking to privatize liquor distribution. Meanwhile, California approved Prop. 26, possibly negating efforts to require the alcohol industry, among others, to pay for the harm caused by their products.
Marijuana legalization, medical marijuana
California's efforts to legalize marijuana -- a.k.a. Proposition 19 -- fell short with 56 percent of voters rejecting the measure. Initiatives in South Dakota and Oregon related to medical marijuana also failed, and an Arizona initiative looks to falter, as well. South Dakota's Measure 13 lost without a doubt: only 37 percent of voters gave their support. Oregon's Measure 74 didn't fare much better, garnering only 42 percent in "yes" votes. With only a few votes to count -- and less than a 7,000 vote margin -- Arizona rejected Proposition 203.
To read more of the results nationwide, click here.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Join the GASO for a chance to win a train ride to the Grand Canyon!
Get ready to quit tobacco for the Great American SmokeOut and watch the film “Kickin’ Butts, How to Put Out Your Last Cigarette," on Monday, November 15th in the Library at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church at 6:30 pm. All participants will be entered into a raffle for Grand Canyon Railway tickets.
Free information and tools will be provided to help make quitting tobacco much easier! Find out about the Arizona Smoker’s Helpline and how to receive free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges.
To RSVP for the “Kickin’ Butts” film and participate in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out, call the Coconino County Health Department at 928-679-7263.
Can’t make the movie? Just call the CCHD Tobacco and Chronic Disease Prevention Program at 928-679-7266 to sign up for the Arizona Smoker’s Helpline and enter the drawing.
New poll reveals strong support for prevention
Two weeks ago, the Trust for America’s Health shared the results of an important new poll from the Herndon Alliance. “Community Prevention and the Public” reveals that there is very strong support for community prevention efforts among the general public.
The Prevention Institute recommends that you read the full presentation, but they’ve pulled out some of the most critical talking points. (All quotes and stats below are directly from the poll, unless otherwise indicated.)
There is overwhelming support for prevention. “73% of the American public supports allocating resources towards community prevention initiatives, described as efforts to make it easier for people to maintain their health and make healthier choices.”
When a policy is connected to young people, it has strong support. 89% rated this strategy as effective: “Too many schools have become unhealthy, offering snacks and soda from vending machines as well as unhealthy school lunches to kids. We should limit junk food in schools and make the school lunch menu more nutritious. We should also have physical education classes every day, not cut them, so kids can be active, which helps them be healthier and learn better.”
Linking community prevention to solving multiple problems (and fiscal efficiency) works. 79% rated this strategy as effective: “In these tough times, we have to do more with less, and find ways to promote prevention while we do other things. Where possible, every school should have a community garden. We should use our school facilities after work for exercise programs. When we repair parks and streets, let’s build playgrounds and bike paths where it makes sense. For minimal cost and effort we can get multiple benefits.”
Visit their Health Reform Advocacy page for more information.
The Prevention Institute recommends that you read the full presentation, but they’ve pulled out some of the most critical talking points. (All quotes and stats below are directly from the poll, unless otherwise indicated.)
There is overwhelming support for prevention. “73% of the American public supports allocating resources towards community prevention initiatives, described as efforts to make it easier for people to maintain their health and make healthier choices.”
When a policy is connected to young people, it has strong support. 89% rated this strategy as effective: “Too many schools have become unhealthy, offering snacks and soda from vending machines as well as unhealthy school lunches to kids. We should limit junk food in schools and make the school lunch menu more nutritious. We should also have physical education classes every day, not cut them, so kids can be active, which helps them be healthier and learn better.”
Linking community prevention to solving multiple problems (and fiscal efficiency) works. 79% rated this strategy as effective: “In these tough times, we have to do more with less, and find ways to promote prevention while we do other things. Where possible, every school should have a community garden. We should use our school facilities after work for exercise programs. When we repair parks and streets, let’s build playgrounds and bike paths where it makes sense. For minimal cost and effort we can get multiple benefits.”
Visit their Health Reform Advocacy page for more information.
Free Helpers Training
Does someone you care about smoke or dip tobacco?Do you have a desire to help people who are struggling with quitting?
The Helpers Training is available FREE of CHARGE for any interested Arizonans.
The Training will teach you how to talk with someone about their tobacco use without being a "nag."
You will learn:
• Practical ways for starting conversations about quitting tobacco;
• How to reinforce a person’s own reasons for quitting tobacco;
• How to avoid conflict and arguing;
• How to help people who have an interest in quitting by offering referrals, information about successful strategies for quitting and self-help resources.
The University of Arizona’s College of Medicine issues a Certificate of Training to everyone who successfully completes the Helpers Training.
Become a Helper and learn how to support people in their journey to quitting. You can make a real difference!
Next Helpers Training is Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010
Time: Noon – 3:30 pm
Location: Coconino County Health Department (Ponderosa Room), 2625 N King St, Flagstaff AZ
Registration: Required! Please call Marty at 679-7267.
Cost: Free !!!!! / Pizza and salad provided
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