Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Prop 203: Arizona Medical Marijuana Act

Greetings:

To help ensure an effective implementation of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, it will be imperative that a strong Administrative Code is developed. To achieve this, we’re hoping that you please check out the new website, review the informal draft rules, and provide us with input so that good decisions can be made.

Here are a few tips for people who would like to provide input:

• Use our comment website so that you can submit electronic comments.

• Tell us what you like about the informal draft rule as well as what you don’t like.

• Encourage constructive comments and pragmatic alternative. It is even better if you are able to submit alternate Rule language.

Remember that the provisions of the Act limit ADHS’ ability to regulate in many ways. For example, the Act gives ADHS broad authority to regulate dispensaries but little authority to regulate caregivers or employer employee relations. Make sure that the Act provides the ADHS with the regulatory authority to act before spending a lot of time submitting comments.

Also, please know that if you aren’t able to comment on this informal draft Rule between now and January 7, there will be additional time to comment in February and March. Note: Governor Brewer signed the Proclamation that makes Proposition 203 law on Tuesday, and so the 120 day implementation period will end on April 13.

Thank you.

Wayne Tormala, Chief
Arizona Department of Health Services
Bureau of Tobacco & Chronic Disease

Monday, December 13, 2010

Healthy Living Workshops: Learn How to Take Control

Do you have diabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or other ongoing health condition?

The Healthy Living workshop can teach you the skills you need to manage your condition and get your life back.

Workshop meets once a week for 6 weeks. Enjoy the company and support of others living with chronic conditions.

Workshop is free!
Space is limited, call to register.

Next workshop will be offered:
Beginning January 19, 2011

Where: Coconino County Health Department
2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff

For more information contact:
Carol Sullivan
928-679-7266
csullivan@coconino.az.gov

Running my heart out for Girls on the Run!

From Stephanie Ludwig:

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona,

Last week I got a bunch of emails from parents expressing gratitude that their girls had the opportunity to participate in the fall season of Girls on the Run and our 5K in Flagstaff on November 20. I am often moved to tears, and humbled, to have the opportunity to be a part of Girls on the Run myself, to get to see the powerful difference it makes in the lives of girls we touch, and to feel the transformative effect it has had on my own life as a woman.

Those emails inspired me to hurry up and get this email out to you! Since September, I have been training with Girls on the Run SoleMates, our national charity running program, to complete PF Chang's Rock 'n 'Roll Marathon on January 16, 2011. My goal is to finish my first marathon in years at a pace that is comfortable, and, dare I say, FUN, for me - very much in the spirit of Girls on the Run! :)

Please consider making a $26 tax-deductible donation to my SoleMates fundraising effort today, to help me raise $2620 to bring Girls on the Run to more girls next fall. If you make a donation of $100 or more, as a special incentive, I will personally bake and deliver a batch of holiday cookies to your door between December 22-24!

Thank you for being a part of my life, and the life of Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona, this year!

With Gratitude,
Stephanie Ludwig

============================================
Please donate through my fund raising page today:

http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/SLudwig9

Friday, December 3, 2010

12/7 Flagstaff City Council meeting on Alcohol in the Parks

The Flagstaff City Council is meeting Tuesday December 7th at 5:30pm for the second reading of the Alcohol in the Parks issue. Our initial hope was to ban alcohol in ALL parks without a permit. Council watered down the original proposal to include just Ponderosa and Bushmaster parks. The passing of this amended ordinance is now in question.

We need your support!

As most of you know we have been working on this for over a year. Our beautiful parks have at times become unsafe, unsightly and littered with broken glass. PLEASE pass this information on and plan to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

If you are unable to attend, PLEASE send written email correspondence to the council at the below link.

http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/Directory.aspx?did=79

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The White House Needs to Hear From You!

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.

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.

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”

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Free Screening of "Lost in Woonsocket"

Wednesday, November 17th
Doors Open at 6:30pm

The Orpheum
15 W. Aspen, Flagstaff

Q&A with a special guest from the film.

For more information go to www.LAFIA.org

Brought to you by NARBHA.

2nd Annual International "Fatherhood & Motherhood is Sacred" Social Pow-Wow

ALL GOURD DANCERS, DANCERS & SINGERS WELCOME

COME & ENJOY A NIGHT OF SINGING & DANCING!

Schedule:
Gourd Dance 4:00pm-6:30pm
Grand Entry 7:00pm
Closing 10:00pm

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Mesa Amphitheatre
201 N. Center Street
Mesa, Arizona 85201

For information please contact, Edwina @ 480-833-5007 or 602-740-9696 (PW & Vendors), or Joseph @ 520-562-1626 (PW) or VISIT our website www.nativeamericanfathers.org

Sponsored By:
Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

Monday, October 18, 2010

7th Annual "Fatherhood is Leadership" Conference

Join us in the Largest Native American Fatherhood Conference in the USA!

The NAFFA (North American Fatherhood & Familes Association) Conference will promote and highlight the importance of fatherhood and motherhood by focusing on topics in the area of Education, Criminal Justice & Health and Human Services. Unique workshops designed to increase knowledge build skills and provide networking opportunities that support Native people and will benefit program directors, managers, supervisors, case managers and parents will enhance your conference experience.

Time: Nov 3-5th
Location: Phoenix Marriot Mesa Hotel Mesa, Arizona 200 North Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201

Individual Conference Fee - $300

Registration includes: Conference Admission Wednesday through Friday, banquet and Friday lunch. Conference Payment must be received by October 25th, 2010.

Please join us and register today on line at:
www.nativeamericanfathers.org

Phone (480) 833-5007
E-mail: info@aznaffa.org

Prop 106 Threatens Health Care for Arizona Minorities

Phoenix, AZ - October 14, 2010 - The intent of Proposition 106 is to repeal the Affordable Care Act signed into law in March 2010. Until President Obama signed the act, racial and ethnic minorities were often left out in the cold when it came to accessing affordable, effective, and high quality health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) narrows the disparities in the health care system for minority groups by guaranteeing access to health services. If Prop 106 passes, theses gains will be stopped dead in their tracks.

"Comprehensive health care reform offers huge benefits to Arizona's vulnerable populations who have long had inadequate access to health services," stated Rep. Phil Lopes. "In general, people who receive good, preventive health care are less likely to miss work and thus in a better position to contribute to the economic vitality of Arizona. Passing Proposition 106 will have a negative effect on health outcomes and Arizona's economy."

Minorities, especially African-Americans and Latinos, in Arizona have the some of the highest incidences of preventable diseases and resulting deaths.

What Do Minorities Stand to Lose if Prop 106 Passes?

Free Comprehensive Disease Prevention Services for All Arizonans. The new health care reform law offers free preventive health services for many common diseases including monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism and common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). [Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, August 2010, http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsabrecs.htm]

581,400 Arizonans Will Be Eligible For Medicaid In 2014. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2008, 581,400 uninsured Arizonans lived below 133% of the federal poverty line. In 2014, the new law will expand access to 112,200 Arizonans who live between 100-133% below the federal poverty line. [Source: State Health Facts, Kaiser Family Foundation, http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/8016-02.pdf]

58,545 Minority-Owned Small Businesses In Arizona Could Benefit From Health Care Tax Credits. According to the latest data from the Small Business Administration there are approximately 58,545 small businesses owned by minorities in Arizona, most of which are eligible for premium health care tax credits in 2010. [Source: Small Business Administration, October 2009, http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/09az.pdf]

More Than Half Of Arizona's Hispanic And Latino Population Under Age 65 Are Likely To Go Without Insurance. According to Families USA: "People of racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to go without health insurance than whites. In Arizona, 55.6 percent of Hispanics/Latinos and 35.1 percent of 'other' ethnic minorities were uninsured, compared to 27.1 percent of whites." [Source: Families USA, March 2009, http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/americans-at-risk/arizona.pdf]

About Prop 106 Endangers Your Health

The Prop 106 Endangers Your Heath is a grassroots organization of concerned Arizona citizens who oppose Proposition 106. Our mission is to provide Arizonans with the truth about the negative effects of Prop 106 on the ballot on November 2nd. Prop 106 Endangers Your Health is registered with the Arizona Secretary of State's office. For more information, visit www.no106.com or send an email to info@prop106endangersyourhealth.org.

Harvest Potluck and Seed Exchange

Let’s Exchange Seeds!

Let’s build food security in Flagstaff!
A great opportunity to exchange seeds and to get to know each other!
Remember, you DON’T have to have seeds to come!!

Let’s Enjoy Food!

Bring your favourite seasonal dish to share and celebrate this year’s fall bounty!

Not too Late to Collect Your Seeds!

We will have tables set up to display your seeds.

Let’s Eat Our Harvest!!

We’ll bring dishes made from veggies grown in the SSLUG garden.

Time and Location:

October 18th 6:00-8:00 pm at Campus Ministry Center, 500 W. Riordan Rd.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Simple Fall Soup Recipes


Pull out the soup pot and some handy kitchen staples and cook a wholesome hearty soup supper to warm up on a chilly fall night. Just add a salad and a hunk of your favorite whole-grain bread and a healthy dinner is served!

Chicken & White Bean Soup
Broccoli-Cheese Chowder
Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque
Manhattan Crab Chowder

To subscribe to any of EatingWell's free mailing lists--great resources for healthy recipes--click here.

October U.S.-Mexico Binational Health Week Health Fair

Due to the Impressive population growth of Mexicans, and Mexican Americans in the U.S. and the fact that illness and disease have no borders, there is strong need for increases communication and collaboration between policy makers, health and human services professionals, researchers and community-based organizations from Mexico, U.S. and Canada about health and mental health needs of these populations. As a result, the government of the United Stated, Mexico and Canada have joined efforts to plan the 2010 Binational Health Week (BHW) to address the critical health needs of the Mexican/ American poulation.It encompasses an annual week long series of health health promotions and a series of activities.

The 2010 binational health week is scheduled to host an event on Saturday October 30th at Coconino High School including a mobile consulate from Mexico. The Mobile consulate has an average attendance of three to four hundred people solely for their services. We will be hosting a Health fair to offer Mammograms, dabetes testing, and health clinics. There will be no fee to host a booth and any health related agencies are invited to participate( nutrition, recreational, prevention, testing, informational, substance abuse prevention, mental health, and even family oriented activities) during this event. If you would like to attend or would like more information, please contact Julio Cesar Quezada at jquezada@northcountryhealthcare.org or 928-525-6060.

Fall 2010 Mountain Bike Rides

Friends of Coconino County Parks is offering two Mountain Bike Rides this Fall. The first is Saturday, October 16. The ride will begin and end at Fort Tuthill County Park (at the Navajo Ramada) and travel to Raymond County Park in Kachina Village via the Highlands Trail. It will begin at 9:00 a.m.

The second ride is Saturday, November 13. It will begin and end at Sawmill County Park and travel to Fisher Point via some newly-constructed segments of the Flagstaff Loop Trail. It will also begin at 9:00 a.m.

Both rides will be led by Jeff Stein, Chair of Friends of Coconino County Parks. The rides are geared toward novice to intermediate riders with an emphasis on highlighting a County park, its connection to the greater FUTS system, improving riding techniques, safe riding practices, trail etiquette, basics on trail bike maintenance, and having fun. 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 by 9:00 a.m. on the 16th and/or next month on the 13th. If you have any questions, please call Jeff at 570-417-3577.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Breast cancer linked to environmental smoke exposure among Mexican women

Mexican women who do not smoke but are exposed to smoking, known as environmental smoke exposure, are at three times higher risk for breast cancer than non-smoking women not exposed to passive smoking, according to findings presented at the Third AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities, held Sept. 30-Oct.3, 2010.

"Everyone should avoid secondhand smoke," said Lizbeth López-Carrillo, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology, at the National Institute for Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico.

"Tobacco smoking produces both mainstream smoke, which is drawn through the tobacco column and exits through the mouthpiece during puffing, and environmental, side-stream smoke, which is emitted from the smoldering tobacco between puffs," she said. "We have found that environmental exposure to tobacco increases a woman's risk for breast cancer in the same way that active smoking does."

More than 6 million Mexican women between the ages of 12 and 65, who have never-smoked, are being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, according to background information from the National Surveys of Addictions. Previous research has shown that active smoking is linked to a 20 percent increase in the risk for breast cancer — the leading cause of cancer in women in Mexico — with the highest incidence among those women in the Mexican states bordering the United States. However, the association between environmental tobacco smoke and breast cancer risk, particularly among postmenopausal women, is less established.

Therefore, López-Carrillo, and colleagues conducted a study to estimate the risk for breast cancer due to lifetime exposure to passive smoking among pre- and postmenopausal women residing in Mexican states bordering the United States.

They examined 504 women with confirmed breast cancer and compared them with 504 healthy women of similar age. During direct interviews, the women were asked about their active and passive lifetime smoking exposure at the home and the workplace. Women with either active or passive tobacco exposure were compared to those women who had never smoked and had no passive smoking exposure.

Compared with women who had never smoked and had no passive smoking exposure, women with passive smoking exposure had a threefold higher risk for breast cancer. The link between passive smoking and breast cancer remained regardless of menopausal status.

Among women who actively smoked, the researchers found an increased breast cancer risk; however, this association was only significant if women began smoking between puberty and the birth of their first child.

"Active and passive smoke exposure is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer," López-Carrillo said. "Reducing not only active smoking, but also passive smoking, will prevent new breast cancer cases in this population."

Friday, October 1, 2010

Further Shore’s Fifth Annual "That’s Life! – A Bone Dance"

Saturday, October 23, 2010
Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff

• 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. ~ Dinner, Dancing, and Silent Auction
• the Bone Dance theme is Black and White – Flagstaff Elegant Casual, Formal or Thematic Costumes are all appropriate
• Tickets: $55 each or $50 each for two or more
• Music by Jimmy DeBlois & Spokes!

Come celebrate LIFE and the LIVES of those remembered! Drawing from the Mexican tradition of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, a memorial altar will be available and decorated with colorful fabrics and roses. Bring a photo or memento of your departed loved one to place on the altar for the evening.

Funds raised will provide prehospice education, support, and respite for people facing serious or chronic illness and end of life concerns. Call 928-525-2910 or visit at www.furthershore.org.

“Bridging the Gap”

... providing guidance and tools for supporting a loved one through life and death transitions.

When: Friday, November 5 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. & Saturday November 6 from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Wayne’s House in Flagstaff, Arizona

Cost: $100 includes lunch; $40 for overnight stay (Please inquire about the sliding scale)

Preregistration required: call 928-525-2910 or email info@furthershore.org

The dictionary definition for ‘gap’ is a break or opening; an empty space or interval. For persons with serious illness, chronic pain, or terminal diagnosis, the gaps are numerous and pervasive. An obvious gap in our western world is a tendency to hold the inevitably of physical death at arm’s length. As the baby boomer population is aging, it is imperative that we give up our fears and taboos around death. Now is the time to embrace the courage, presence and compassion it takes to support our loved ones at end of life. If we want this for ourselves, a good beginning point is to practice offering this to others.

Bridging the Gap is a prehospice training that is required for volunteers serving Further Shore Tender Loving Care (TLC) clients and is useful for those planning to be present or supportive for their parents, siblings, partner, or other loved ones during health and life transitions. During this program participants will learn about a wholistic approach to end of life concerns. Talking circles, guided meditations, and experiential activities will be incorporated to provide a comprehensive picture of ourselves as supportive prehospice helpers. The program will include:

~ Orientation to hospice and palliative care philosophy
~ Understanding the team approach to wellness at any stage of living or dying
~ Learning simple methods for meeting and coping with personal grief
~ Discovering how we do and do not listen
~ Learning to compassionately express feelings and needs
~ Exercises to clear a path to peace with personal mortality
~ Learning about the rights of the dying
~ Understanding the importance of the life review

Your Presenter is ~ Aleia O'Reilly, LMT-AM is the founder and director of Further Shore. She is a licensed massage therapist, author, and associate minister, certified in numerous energy healing techniques including Reiki, Matrix Energetics, and Reconnective Healing. A skilled facilitator for individuals and groups, she has been assisting others in their wellness journeys for over thirty years.

“Tuning In to Healing Vibrations”

... understanding how vibration heals and how caregivers can utilize vibrational healing for themselves and those they care for.

Vibrational frequency affects the neuro-hormonal connection and endocrine system! Different forms and frequencies of energy help to heal and re-balance body/mind/spirit. Tuning In to Healing Vibrations will help you learn how the vibrations of sound, scent, light, love and breath can help you to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, deepen the breath, increase relaxation, strengthen immune functioning, speed healing time, move blocked energy, and release muscle tension.

When: Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: All sessions will be held at Abrio Family Services

Location: 5200 East Cortland Blvd. in Flagstaff (928-779-9449)

Questions: call 928-525-2910 or email info@furthershore.org

During this workshop you will:

• Experience a Sound Healing meditation with introduction to the Chakra system and toning
• Learn how to brush the energy field with essential oils
• Learn how to perform a sound scan
• Increase awareness of breath, light and intention as healing tools

Your Presenter is Jennifer Williams, a Vibrational Sound Healer and Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified in Sound Healing, Reiki, and Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST). In conjunction with Reiki, CST, and Essential Oils Science, Jennifer uses the spiritual consciousness of her voice, frequencies of light and organic instruments, to rebalance body, mind and spirit, chakras and energy fields. Vibrational healing influences health and illness via energetic and neurohormonal connections. It helps to reduce stress, deepen the breath; lower blood pressure, increase relaxation; strengthen immune functioning, speed healing time; move blocked energy and release muscle tension.

Increasing Alcohol Taxes Saves Lives, Reduces Crime

Doubling taxes on alcohol products could lead to substantial reductions in alcohol-related deaths, STD rates, and crime, Health.com reported Sept. 24.

Health policy researchers at the University of Florida in Gainesville analyzed data from 50 studies examining the relationship between alcohol taxes, mortality, and risky behaviors. (The studies took place between 1955 and 2004, and most were conducted in the U.S.)

Statistical estimates based on the findings showed a 50 percent alcohol tax increase could effectively reduce alcohol-related mortality by 35 percent, automobile fatalities by 11 percent, STD rates by 6 percent, violence by 2 percent, and crime by 1.4 percent. The only measure in which higher taxes did not significantly reduce alcohol-related harms was for suicide.

"What is surprising is the consistency of the effect across a broad range of health outcomes that kind of don't have anything to do with each other," said Alexander C. Wagenaar, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology and health outcomes at the university and lead author of the research.

One of the included studies took place in Alaska, which instituted tax increases on alcohol in 1983 and 2002. Both rate hikes corresponded with a drop in alcohol-related deaths in the state, including a 29 percent drop after the 1983 increase.

Although the increases would be small in terms of dollars, Wagenaar continued, they might be enough to reduce intake among heavy drinkers on tight budgets, college students, and social drinkers. "Studies show that all these groups respond to price," he said.

The study was published online in the American Journal of Public Health on Sept. 23, 2010.

Voices in Action Youth Open House

The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth is hosting a Youth Open House on October 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 at Club 412 in Flagstaff. All youth and youth groups are welcome to come and/or participate in this event. Various youth will represent themselves through performances, poetry, art, writing, and film clips. Find out what our youth are up to and support youth activities!

This is a free event. Interested in participating? Call 928-679-7318 for a registration form or go to www.coconinokids.org.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Running buddies needed for Girls on the Run

Girls participating in the fall season of Girls on the Run will complete the un-timed, non-competitive New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Buffalo Park.

Women 18 and older are invited to volunteer as a Running Buddy, serving as a healthy, positive adult role model while accompanying a girl from start to finish at her own pace during an afterschool practice 5K and the official 5K on Nov. 20.

Prospective Running Buddies must submit a volunteer application by Oct. 13 and consent to a background check, register for the 5K, and attend a required volunteer orientation on Oct. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. Running Buddy applications can be downloaded from the Girls on the Run Web site at http://www.gotrna.org/getinvolved.html.

For more information, contact Stephanie Ludwig at stephanie@gotrna.org.

Monday, September 20, 2010

World CarFree Day

Free Mountain Line buses operating at increased level of service the entire day.

• Be included in a drawing for a new commuter trailer generously donated by Absolute Bikes

Heritage Square from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Local organizations, businesses, and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and community values

• Organizers: Friends of Flagstaff’s Future in collaboration with NAIPTA, the City of Flagstaff, NAU, and Coconino County

Pledge at CarFreeFlag.com to leave your car at home and receive 20% off at these participating businesses:

(check carfreeflag.com/partners for a complete list)

Animas Beads & Animas Trading Company, Fizz Bath Shop, The Yoga Experience, Community Supported Agriculture/Store, Custom Sound Instruments, u.t.o.p.i.a., Revolution Bicycles, Kickstand Kafe, Mountain Sports, The Green Room

2nd Annual First Frost Food Drive

1 of 4 Arizona children are now living in poverty. With your help we can insure that no child goes to bed hungry.

How can you help?

Sept. 27th - Oct. 1st, WE need you and 20 volunteers each day to prep bags. 8am—4pm

Oct. 2nd, WE need you and 300 volunteers to distribute bags in neighborhoods throughout Flagstaff. 9am—noon (Free BBQ at noon at the food bank!!)

Oct. 9th, WE need you and 60 volunteers to pick up all the donations in neighborhoods throughout Flagstaff. 11am—2pm

Contact—
Maria Maltese at;
magonzales@firstfoodbank.org
Or 928-600-5982

Please tune in to "Ask a Child Trauma Expert"

Childhood trauma can take many forms. It can be neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. It can also be the loss of a parent or mental illness of a loved one. Childhood trauma can cause lasting psychological harm, but help is available.

Experts in all areas of childhood trauma will be in the studio taking viewer calls from 5:30 – 9:30 pm, at 1-888-329-7088. Look for more information online after the broadcast at azpbs.org/strongkids.

Hear from expert panelists:

Marcel Duclos, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, LADC and LCS LCMHC CCMHC
Clinical Director, Northland Family Health Center, Flagstaff, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Human Services, and Alcohol/Drug Counseling and a professional educator and counselor for three decades

Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN
Dean and Distinguished Foundation Professor in Nursing at Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Alison Steier, Ph.D., Director, Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Training Institute at Southwest Human Development in Phoenix.

Kim Skrentny, MSW, LCSW, Children’s Lead Clinical Advisor with the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services

Are you ready to Walk for a Change?

Domestic violence is the primary cause of both injury and homelessness to women between the ages of 15 and 44, but the situation is not hopeless. Organizations like BOTHANDS' Sharon Manor and the Northland Family Help Center provide safe havens to women and children fleeing domestic violence as well as services to help them establish independence and create healthy relationships, and YOU can help.

Join us on October 16th, 2010 in beautiful downtown Flagstaff to Walk for a Change. The walk will start from Wheeler Park from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. (your start time is up to you), and walkers will have a choice between two different walking routes of either one mile or three miles. Refreshments will be provided, and as part of $35 registration fee, walkers will receive a commemorative t-shirt--wear it around town the day of the walk to receive discounts with local merchants!

Want your dog to join in the fun? Register for Paws for a Change, and your furry friend will receive a doggy bandana for no extra cost.

Can't make it to the walk? Don't want to get up early? Sign up for Sleep In for a Change to show your support wherever you are! Sleepers also get a t-shirt as well as an "I'm Sleeping In for a Change" Do Not Disturb door hanger.

Turn off your television

Let’s Move to limit screen time and choose active entertainment in the month of September. Our kids spend a lot of time in front of screens: televisions, computers, phones. When you add up the hours of media that kids experience in an average day, it’s more than 7 hours of entertainment media in addition to computer learning. This September 19-25 is National Turn Off Your TV week. Take the opportunity to get outside, go for walk, play with friends, and keep moving. Your kids may have so much fun they won’t even miss it!

OUT OF THE SHADOWS Talking Circle

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

OUT OF THE SHADOWS Talking Circle: Third Tuesday of every Month. Continental Country Club, Ponderosa Room @ the Club House, 2nd Floor, 2380 North Oakmont Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. No Charge.

MAD TALK privately with one another and become kindred spirits. This empathetic forum will chat about past abuses and betrayals in the mental health care establishment, coercion, de-humanizing experiences, gender bias, hurtful labels, misogyny, drug-induced disorders, iatrogenic harm, brain-disabling treatments, toxic medications, adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, withdrawal symptoms, misdiagnosis, chemical lobotomy, past authoritarian relationships with providers, ECT, polypharmacy drug-induced illness, and other brutal humiliations. This positive informal encounter group will emphasize recovery where ‘psychiatric survivors’ can tell their personal stories, listen with their heart and let go of their patient career roles by becoming empowered through learned knowledge and creativity to rediscover their authentic selves.

PH (928) 607-8048. E-mail: sickofbeingmad@aol.com

Thursday, September 16, 2010

National Survey Reveals Increases in Substance Use from 2008 to 2009

Marijuana use rises; prescription drug abuse and ecstasy use also up

The use of illicit drugs among Americans increased between 2008 and 2009 according to a national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows the overall rate of current illicit drug use in the United States rose from 8.0 percent of the population aged 12 and older in 2008 to 8.7 percent in 2009. This rise in overall drug use was driven in large part by increases in marijuana use.

The annual NSDUH survey, released by SAMHSA at the kickoff of the 21st annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, also shows that the nonmedical use of prescription drugs rose from 2.5 percent of the population in 2008 to 2.8 percent in 2009. Additionally, the estimated number of past-month ecstasy users rose from 555,000 in 2008 to 760,000 in 2009, and the number of methamphetamine users rose from 314,000 to 502,000 during that period.

To continue reading the press release, please click here.

Invitation to "Lights On"

Lights On is a celebration of After School Programs that keep our children safe, inspire them to learn & to support our working families.

Location: BUSHMASTER PARK
When: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 11AM ~ 2PM

FAMILY EVENT, RAFFLE AND PRIZES, FREE FOOD, GAMES, BOUNCE HOUSE & MORE!

COME CELEBRATE LIGHTS ON!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

CCNAH September Happenings

Just a quick reminder of all of the things going on at the Cancer Center this month:

· Expressive Arts Discovery Artists’ Reception
Thursday (9/16) 5:30p. – 7p. in the new waiting area of CCNAH. The art work from the last workshop (glass blowing with George Averbeck of Fire on the Mountain) will be displayed. Light refreshments will be served.

· CNAH Open House
Wednesday (9/22) 4p. – 7p. Come visit our new lobby & treatment rooms! They were designed to improve amenities and privacy for the radiation patients. Invitations have been (and are being) sent out.

· Prostate Screenings:

Verde Valley: Thursday (9/23); 4:30p. – 7p. (@ VVMC)

Flagstaff: Tuesday (9/28); 4:30p. – 7p. (@ CCNAH-Flagstaff)

· Breast Self-Exam Classes
Several different days at both Verde Valley & Flagstaff locations.

· Cooking Class
Thursday (9/30), 6p. – 8p. at CCNAH-Flagstaff. This is a very informative & tasty class! If you can make it, definitely come!

· ARTY BRAS!
The decorated bras will be displayed at Vora Financial & the Old Town Shops during First Friday Artwalk in October. Money raised will go towards the Breast Cancer Resource Center & the 2011 Upbeat Retreat. They will also be displayed at the First Friday ArtWalk in Sedona in November (the place TBD).

Johanns Defeated, Victory for Prevention

Tuesday morning Senator Johanns' (R, NE) amendment to the small business jobs bill was defeated. The amendment aimed to free business from IRS reporting red tape, but tried to offset costs by gutting the landmark Prevention and Public Health Fund. Tuesday, the senate stood up for prevention.

Prevention is good for small business, good for our economy, and good for our health. The Johanns amendment tried to pit small business against the health and vitality of our communities. Our senators showed true courage, and listened to what public health and prevention proponents are saying across the country: small businesses benefit from prevention--we all benefit from prevention.

Thanks to each of you for your hard work--your efforts to defend prevention have had real results, and our vision for strong healthy communities has more support than ever.

Invitation to September CCAAD Meeting

Senior and Caregiver Discussion

Navigating The Journey - "Positive Choices Along the Care Continuum."

Join Marlene Letvin (Hospice Compassus) as she facilitates a discussion on the various choices and decisions we make and will face as we age.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Treating addiction as a chronic disease...

... or how can something that makes so much sense be so impossible to achieve?

It’s been ten years since a special communication in the Journal of the American Medical Association by four leading experts declared that drug dependence (including alcohol) should be treated as a chronic medical problem, not a social problem. This was not a brand new idea, but seeing it in JAMA was like the golden seal of approval. Or it should have been.

Ten years later, are we closer to that goal? There’s been a lot more thinking about how we should integrate treatment of substance use disorders into primary care and public health systems. A few places are doing it, including some pilot projects. But when it comes to health system-wide, daily clinical level — that remains abysmal.

(to continue reading the original blog entry, please click here)

Free Public Talk on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Learn practical ways to calm the mind, relax the body and let go of stress!

Thursday,
September 23rd
6:00 – 8:00 pm

318 W. Birch Ave., Suite 4
Flagstaff


For more information contact: Susan or Steven Patrick, (928) 600-1195, or email stevenpatrickphd@msn.com.

Please Protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund

Partnership for Prevention urges you to immediately contact your US Senator and ask that they oppose amendment # 4531 to the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act to be offered next month by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb). The amendment would divert billions in critically needed funding from the National Prevention and Public Health Fund. They have already written each member of the Senate but will need your voice to assure maximum impact.

The Prevention and Public Health Fund was enacted as part of health reform (Public Law 111-148, the “Affordable Care Act) to meet vital national public health and prevention needs. Rising rates of chronic disease such as obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease are driving the cost of health care higher. Chronic and often preventable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths among Americans each year and account for 75 percent of the nation’s health spending. Our ability to reduce the incidence of chronic disease will be heavily influenced by the programs intended to be funded from this new program established by Public Law 111-148; the “Affordable Care Act.”

The state of public health in our country is threatened by unprecedented funding reductions such as those proposed by the Johanns Amendment. Indeed, there are growing concerns that the rise in obesity over the past twenty years now threatens to create a reality where today’s generation of children may not live as long as their parents.

Please contact your Senator and urge they oppose this amendment because it will endanger public health and prevention funding. If you need assistance on how to reach or communicate with your Senate offices, contact Partnership for Prevention's Director of Government Relations, Ripley Forbes, at rforbes@prevent.org.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Volunteers Needed for Pathways Youth Program

The NACA Pathways Youth Program is seeking individuals to work with Native Youth grades 5th and under. The Pathways program is a substance abuse preventions based program for Native youth within the Flagstaff area. For the school year 2010 – 2011, we will be working with the following schools: Puente De Hozho, Thomas, Peaks, Killips and Kinsey. We will be running the program out of Puente De Hozho with students from Peaks, Puente De Hozho and Thomas on Mondays and Tuesdays and out of Killips with students from Kinsey and Killips on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Times for the program will be 2:30pm to approx. 5:30pm Monday – Thursday. We will run the program from September 7, 2010 to May 27, 2011.

Some of your duties will be as follows, but not limited to:

• Assisting youth with homework
• Assisting program staff in carrying out daily lessons
• Serve as a Chaperone on scheduled field trips
• Assisting with Parent training nights
• Assisting with the annual Pathways Christmas party


If interested please contact the NACA Pathways office at (928)526–2968, Ext. 25 or by email at asecakuku@nacainc.org.

Support FDA Food Safety Modernization Act!

- Alert from Arizona Public Interest Research Group -

Two companies, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms, which distribute nationwide under more than 20 brand names, have sold the American public more than half a billion eggs with a high risk of salmonella contamination.

In fact, people have been getting sick from these eggs since May, but because food recalls are voluntary, the tainted eggs are only being recalled now. This recall is in response to an FDA investigation, but the FDA can't actually order Wright County Egg or Hillandale Farms to recall the eggs, regardless of the threat to public health.

Let's change that now. The Senate has a bill in front of it that would give the FDA the power it needs to protect consumers.

Please ask our senators to make recalling unsafe food mandatory.

Let's turn this crisis into an opportunity and push our senators to pass the FDA Food Safety Modernization Bill. This bill will increase inspections and testing of the foods -- like eggs -- that are the most susceptible to bacterial contamination, and it will give the FDA the authority to order mandatory recalls when unsafe food threatens public health.

September National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month Events

September 11

• Prescott VA Stand Down Event
• Flagstaff Shelter Services WalkAThon
• Join the Voices for Recovery (Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park, 1284 E Riverfront Drive, 11:00 – 1:00pm)

September 13
Lost in Woonsocket – LCBHC (Round Valley Public Library, 179 South Main Street Eager, AZ, 11:00-1:00pm)

The critically acclaimed documentary Lost in Woonsocket introduces viewers to Normand Cartier. Living in a tent in the woods, suffering from addiction and estranged from his family for over 13 years, Cartier had all but given up hope of recovery. The film crew from the award winning A&E television series Random 1 found Cartier and offered him the chance for treatment, rehabilitation and a fresh start with his family. The film provides a rare glimpse into the internal and external struggles that often serve as obstacles on the road to recovery. Fear and faith, hope and despair, Lost in Woonsocket highlights the emotional contradictions that accompany attempts at personal reformation. But with the help of a philanthropic film crew and a number of unexplained incidents, Normand Cartier proves that, even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph.

September 14
Lost in Woonsocket - (Page Community Center, 699 South Navajo Drive Page, AZ, Time TBD)

September 16-17
• MBRACE Life Summit (Hon-Dah Resort Casino Resort)

September 21
Lost in Woonsocket – (Kingman Adult Center/ Kathryn Heidenreich Center, 1776 Airway Kingman, AZ)

September 25
• Prescott Recovery Month Celebration (Prescott Courthouse Plaza)

Upcoming
Lost in Woonsocket screenings in October in Peach Springs,
Havasupai, Hopi, and Navajo (Winslow/ Holbrook)

Lost in Woonsocket screening in Flagstaff at The Orpheum Theater (Wednesday, November 17, 2010, Doors open @ 6:30pm; Screening at 7:00pm)
** this is in conjunction with LAIFA Productions; one of the
participants in the documentary will be present for Q & A.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Attention Nonprofit Partners Serving Low Income Clients

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits needs your help in ensuring that Arizona (through the Department of Economic Security (DES)) is able to receive Arizona’s full share of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for its annually allocated block grant.

This is a huge opportunity to demonstrate the power of nonprofits working together. The deadline is NEXT WEEK, so they need your help now.

How you Can Help

If you are serving TANF eligible clients (defined below), with private grants and dollars (cash and in-kind, but non-federal expenditures), the State may be able to leverage your private dollars to ensure the State maximizes the amount of TANF money received via its annual block grant allotment! This means more funding for the collective clients served.

Under federal law, states must demonstrate annually a minimum level of non-federal, TANF-related expenditures in order to receive their full allotment of TANF federal funds. Arizona, because of declining state revenue and the associated budget reductions, is in jeopardy of not meeting its expenditure requirements (also known as “maintenance of effort”) and is at risk of losing a portion of its federal funding allotment of TANF funds.

All you need to do is provide the following:

1. Name of your organization.
2. Description of the program you believe is TANF eligible.
3. Type of funding to support the program. Include all donations, in-kind, etc. so that the amount of non-federal money that can be counted as match is identified. Include your federal sources as well, just so the total funding is identified.
4. TANF Purpose you believe fits. (#1 or #2 below)
5. Total Program expenditures for FFY 2010.
6. Total # of families serviced under the program.

The State will also need a signed partnership agreement. (Note: the Agreement makes reference to emergency funding under the Stimulus Act, which some agencies may be able to demonstrate, but under very complex situations and reporting requirements. Please disregard the emergency funding for purposes of this post.)

The deadline for reporting expenditures made during Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2010 (Oct. 1, 2009 – Sept. 30, 2010) is October 31, 2010. Thus, your information is needed ASAP, and no later than August 31, 2010!

For purposes of the maintenance of effort requirement, TANF eligible clients are defined as having a child in the home and meeting an income eligibility requirement, as well as at least one of the two general TANF purposes below:

# 1. Assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes;

# 2. Reducing the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.

After reviewing the additional information and guidelines provided with this email, if you have any questions or would like assistance on taking the next step to assist DES, please contact Blaine Stevens in the DES Financial Services Administration at bstevens2@azdes.gov. Or, you may contact Lisa Glow at the Alliance at lisa.glow@cox.net.

Thank You for your help in helping maximize the TANF dollars coming to Arizona. It is critically important!

Grab-&-Go Breakfasts

Think you don’t have time to eat a healthy breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure you eat something delicious! These grab & go breakfast recipes will help you get out the door fast on a busy morning.

Banana-Blueberry Muffins
Crunchy Granola Wedges
Bagel Gone Bananas
Wake-Up Smoothie

To subscribe to any of EatingWell's free mailing lists--great resources for healthy recipes--click here.

Friends of Coconino County Parks Volunteer Opportunity

Hello Supporters of Coconino County Parks!

Friends of Coconino County Parks has some special activities planned during this year’s Coconino County Fair and we need your help.

The biggest “volunteer opportunity” involves the “Bike to the Fair” effort. We are encouraging fair-goers to save fossil fuels and parking money by riding their bikes to the Fair – and offering $1 off their admission as incentive for three of the four days. On the last day of the Fair, bike riders who arrive before noon receive a FREE admission for the rest of the day.

The Friends group will be managing this effort with one, two, or more people “parking bikes” throughout the four days of the Fair, September 3-6, 2010. The Fair is open 10am – 10pm Friday through Sunday, and 10am – 4pm on Monday. However, since there are no lights at the “bike parking area,” we’ll only be staffing the bike lot through 6pm on the long days. (Bike parking will be at the tennis courts, next to the Cochise Ramada.)

Volunteer time options are:

Friday: 10am – 2pm or 2pm – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm or 2pm – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm or 2pm – 6 pm
Monday: 10am – 2pm

Would you and your friends or family consider helping us out? In exchange for “working” one of the above time slots, we are happy to give you complimentary admission to the Fair (valid any day of the event). We’ll just need you to welcome bike riders, show them where they can park their bikes (they will bring their own locks), and “secure” the area through your presence. Additionally, we’d like to recruit more people to be on this Friends of Coconino County Parks e-list so that we can grow our efforts in supporting Coconino County Parks and Recreation and all that they do. We’ll have a sign-up list for that, along with some brochures and information you can give out.

If you are interested in helping out, please call Jenn Hartin at 928-600-3145. Thank you for your interest in County parks, trails, and open spaces – we hope to see you at the Coconino County Fair!

"Healing Sensations" workshop for Care Givers


The aches and pains of care giving are important teachers, telling us what our bodies need to keep us in balance as we care for others. In this workshop you will learn body movements and come to an understanding about body mechanics that can help relieve the physical stresses and strains of care giving.

During this workshop you will:

• Cultivate a loving inner observer to hear the messages from our bodies.
• Practice simple stretches to help us relieve physical tension
• Practice self massage and other relaxation techniques to cultivate the healing power within our bodies
• Practice gentle movement and body mechanics to help reduce stress and the chance of injury.

Your Presenter is ~ Barb White of Peaceful Touch Massage Therapy.

When: Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: All sessions will be held at Abrio Family Services
Location: 5200 East Cortland Blvd. in Flagstaff (928-779-9449)
Questions: call 928-525-2910 or email info@furthershore.org

Pregnancy and Postpartum Adjustment Group


Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders occur more often than most people realize. Approximately 75-80% of new moms experience mild depression during postpartum and 15% of women experience significant depression and anxiety following childbirth. Symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. A Pregnancy and Postpartum Adjustment Group can be a helpful place to listen and talk with others who understand what you are experiencing.

Dates: Sessions are held on Tuesdays, beginning September 7, 2010
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm (1st and 3rd Tuesdays), 12:00 - 1:30 pm (2nd and 4th Tuesdays)
Location: Cherry Street in Flagstaff
Faciliators: Christina G. Hibbert, Psy.D. and Sheri Yeider, MSW, ITMH
Cost: FREE
Registration: Call Sheri at 928-773-2319 or Kathy at 928-773-2309.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Ready for School, Set for Life


In their homes, in their cars, and at the movies, Arizonans will now be reminded that kids who are ready for school are set for life.

First Things First was approved by Arizona voters in 2006 and is required, by law, to expand and enhance early education and health services for kids five and younger, including increasing public information on the critical importance of early childhood.

“The better start children get in life, the more likely they are to succeed in school, less likely to receive failing grades or be held back, more likely to advance into college and successful careers. They also tend to be healthier and require less from the public service system,” said Steven Lynn, chair of the First Things First Board. “As a community, we share the responsibility of giving children the tools they need to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.”

FTF has launched a series of materials – from fliers, posters and other educational materials aimed at parents to advertising aimed at more general audiences. The goal: to raise awareness of the importance of the early years and encourage all adults to find out more about what they can do to give Arizona kids a solid start in life and a foundation upon which they can build.

For additional early childhood information, visit ReadyAZKids.com; parent materials may be viewed here.

Outpatient program for Methamphetamine Affected Native American Women

NACA (Native Americans for Community Action) has started a 16 week Intensive Outpatient Program for Native American women who are using or abusing methamphetamines. This program is operating under a grant from Indian Health Services, and is offered at no cost to Native American women. Please contact Tamera Martens at (928) 526-2968 for further information.

Coconino County Parks Walk Series

Friday, August 20, 2010

Green buildings full of smoke


If it’s a “green” building, shouldn’t it – by definition – be smoke-free?

Green buildings are not just about reducing the carbon footprint. Green standards for building are promulgated by the International Code Council, which states as its vision: “Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people by creating better buildings and safer communities.” The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) embraces the same vision.

And yet, smoking is somehow OK with green building design. Both IGCC and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification for buildings make allowances for indoor smoking.

In California and other progressive places that ban indoor smoking, this isn’t an issue. But in the rest of the world, we’re witnessing the irony of so-called green buildings filled with toxic smoke.

By now, everybody should know that second-hand smoke is dangerous and deadly. Residue from tobacco smoke — called third-hand smoke — is dangerous too. Basically, anything that smells like tobacco smoke is toxic.

In fact, there is no such thing as “safe” indoor smoking. The guidelines by IGCC and LEED for indoor smoking areas do not protect the health of people inside buildings – contrary to their vision statements claim.

According to the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free Initiative, indoor designated smoking areas just don’t work. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems usually re-circulate air from smoking areas to non-smoking areas. When special ventilation and filtration systems are installed, the concentration of indoor smoke may be reduced, but never to a safe level. There is no such thing as a safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. So any building that allows smoking cannot be considered green.

The IGCC is holding public comment hearings on building standards; comments can be emailed to igcc@iccsafe.org. When it comes to smoking, IGCC needs to hear it clearly: It can’t be a green building if indoor smoking is allowed.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Arizona Public Health Association's 2010 Annual Meeting & Fall Conference Registration

You are invited to the following event:

2010 Annual Meeting & Fall Conference Registration

Date:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM
- to -
Friday, September 17, 2010 at 3:30 PM (MT)

Location:
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253

To view the Agenda, click here.

Smoke-Free Apartments Available

Ann figured out why she coughed and had trouble breathing especially when she opened up her kitchen cabinets. Her apartment home was making her sick. She did not smoke, but her neighbors did and the smoke seeped into her apartment. Ann suffers from emphysema because of decades of Secondhand Smoke exposure in the workplace. She called Smoke-Free Arizona for help and was given information on disability rights and Fair Housing. Before she could file a claim, she got better—her neighbors had moved out and the new renters did not smoke inside their apartment.

The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) announced that smoke-free apartments are available in Flagstaff and other areas of Coconino County.

After receiving complaints of smoke entering multi-unit housing rentals, CCHD compiled a list of smoke-free units to make it easy for renters to find smoke-free accommodations. The project helps both tenants and property owners with information about secondhand smoke. The list of smoke-free apartments available in Coconino County is available at www.coconino.us.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx.

“Smoke can seep into apartments from outside or from other apartments through spaces and cracks in walls, electrical outlets, or ventilation systems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” said CCHD Chief Health Officer Barbara Worgess.

Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer, lung and heart disease as well as birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is especially harmful for those with respiratory and/or heart problems, elderly, children and pets.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) recommends providing smoke-free rental units for public housing. This option is rapidly gaining popularity across the country. Apartment managers who have implemented smoke-free policies have also found it much easier to implement than they had imagined.

Smoke-free apartment rentals not only protect the health of the tenants, but also save money for apartment owners creating a win-win situation.

“The health of our residents comes first. It is a much more pleasant environment,” said Angie Ramirez, Forest Meadows Assistant Manager.

Visit www.coconino.az.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx for more information. Apartment owners interested in promoting their smoke-free apartment rentals through Arizona Smokefree Housing/Coconino should call the Coconino County Health Department at 928-679-7263.

New Website Warns Teen Athletes About Drinking

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has teamed up with a state school athletic group to launch an interactive alcohol education website aimed at high school athletes - but with a twist on typical teen anti-drinking messages.

LifeOfAnAthlete.com emphasizes the negative effects of alcohol on athletic performance, in addition to other dangers. For example, teens taking the online course learn that one night of getting drunk can undo two weeks of athletic conditioning.

"The key is to start speaking to kids in a way they've never been spoken to before," said New Mexico Activities Association associate director Robert Zayas at a press conference announcing the website, reported by the Albuquerque Journal.

The online program also features stories about New Mexico athletes who have learned the hard way about the harms of alcohol, including an interview with former football star Gabe Gurule, who was convicted of vehicular homicide after killing three people in an alcohol-fueled crash.

New Mexico ranks first in the nation in the percentage of kids who have their first drink prior to the age of 13. The new site received national publicity in USA Today last month.