Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly announced today that he has issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday, May 31, 2011 as ‘Navajo Nation Commercial Tobacco-Free Day’ in recognition of the World Health Organization’s ‘World No Tobacco Day.’ This proclamation does not restrict the fundamental traditional ceremony use of tobacco.
“We challenge everyone to quit smoking or stop using any form of commercial tobacco on the Navajo Nation,” said President Shelly. “Vice President Jim and I are committed to protecting the well-being of our Navajo people from commercial tobacco and harmful second hand smoke. We want to encourage our people to choose to work and live in a healthy physical environment, free from abuse of commercial tobacco. Based on scientific studies there is no available adequate ventilation technology that ensures the protection and prevention of exposure to secondhand smoke.”
To read the full text of the proclamation, please click here.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Contact Your State Legislators Today
From the Children's Action Alliance:
In less than 3 weeks, 15,000 Arizonans will be cut off from their weekly unemployment checks because Arizona has not made a one-word change to our state laws. In addition, none of the 65,000 people receiving unemployment insurance benefits will be able to continue federally funded benefits if they are still job hunting after 79 weeks.
Please contact your state legislators today and ask them to call for a special session so they may make the technical change in state law and protect Arizona's economy and families.
In less than 3 weeks, 15,000 Arizonans will be cut off from their weekly unemployment checks because Arizona has not made a one-word change to our state laws. In addition, none of the 65,000 people receiving unemployment insurance benefits will be able to continue federally funded benefits if they are still job hunting after 79 weeks.
Please contact your state legislators today and ask them to call for a special session so they may make the technical change in state law and protect Arizona's economy and families.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Why don't more kids walk to school these days?
For many adults, walking to school or riding their bikes with friends was part of their daily childhood routine. But sadly, many kids today miss out on these important opportunities to be physically active because they live in communities that lack safe sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and pathways.
In fact, nearly 50% of kids walked to school in 1969, while fewer than 15% do so today.
The Safe Routes to School program can help reverse that trend and our nation’s troubling childhood obesity rate by providing schools and communities with funding to improve bike and pedestrian safety - but only if we can urge Congress to preserve funding for this important program.
Ask your Members of Congress to support Safe Routes to School today!
A new report highlights that safety hazards on our nation’s roads pose barriers to physical activity for many, especially children. But through programs like Safe Routes to School, we can improve the built environments where we all live, work, learn and play to get people moving more.
Right now, Congress is considering cuts to bike and pedestrian safety programs as legislators work to renew the nation’s transportation bill- so we must act for walk-able and bike-able communities now!
Help ensure public health advocates have a voice in transportation planning and policy by speaking-up today to help protect Safe Routes to School for our kids!
Thanks for all you do-
Clarissa
American Heart Association
In fact, nearly 50% of kids walked to school in 1969, while fewer than 15% do so today.
The Safe Routes to School program can help reverse that trend and our nation’s troubling childhood obesity rate by providing schools and communities with funding to improve bike and pedestrian safety - but only if we can urge Congress to preserve funding for this important program.
Ask your Members of Congress to support Safe Routes to School today!
A new report highlights that safety hazards on our nation’s roads pose barriers to physical activity for many, especially children. But through programs like Safe Routes to School, we can improve the built environments where we all live, work, learn and play to get people moving more.
Right now, Congress is considering cuts to bike and pedestrian safety programs as legislators work to renew the nation’s transportation bill- so we must act for walk-able and bike-able communities now!
Help ensure public health advocates have a voice in transportation planning and policy by speaking-up today to help protect Safe Routes to School for our kids!
Thanks for all you do-
Clarissa
American Heart Association
Action Alert: Don't bring back smoke in Nevada!
Contact Nevada legislators on the opinion page below and tell them as tourists we do not support this attempt to weaken the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act! Currently, under the law restaurants and bars that serve food are supposed to be non smoking!
PLEASE OPEN THE LINK BELOW AND TELL LEGISLATORS TO VOTE NO on AB 571!
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Opinions/A/
This Assembly Bill will allow all restaurants, bars and taverns to smoke again in Nevada even with food service!
Add comments on the form too!
"We don't want more smoke in our lungs!"
"We want smoke-free restaurants and smoke-free bars that serve food!"
"The people voted for this law, now keep it!"
"If we can keep people from not wearing shoes or shirts in restaurants then we can keep them from lighting up and filling the air with smoke!"
"We don't allow E. coli in the food we eat and so we shouldn't allow toxic smoke in the air we breathe either!"
PLEASE do this TODAY!
THANKS!
Stephanie Steinberg
SMOKE-FREE GAMING OF AMERICA
Stephanie Steinberg
730 W. Hampden Ave., #301
Englewood, CO 80110
303-781-5588 Business
http://www.SmokeFreeGaming.org
PLEASE OPEN THE LINK BELOW AND TELL LEGISLATORS TO VOTE NO on AB 571!
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Opinions/A/
This Assembly Bill will allow all restaurants, bars and taverns to smoke again in Nevada even with food service!
Add comments on the form too!
"We don't want more smoke in our lungs!"
"We want smoke-free restaurants and smoke-free bars that serve food!"
"The people voted for this law, now keep it!"
"If we can keep people from not wearing shoes or shirts in restaurants then we can keep them from lighting up and filling the air with smoke!"
"We don't allow E. coli in the food we eat and so we shouldn't allow toxic smoke in the air we breathe either!"
PLEASE do this TODAY!
THANKS!
Stephanie Steinberg
SMOKE-FREE GAMING OF AMERICA
Stephanie Steinberg
730 W. Hampden Ave., #301
Englewood, CO 80110
303-781-5588 Business
http://www.SmokeFreeGaming.org
Lawsuit filed over health care cuts in AZ
May 23, 2011: The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest filed a Special Action Petition in the Arizona Supreme Court today challenging Governor Jan Brewer's unlawful removal of hundreds of thousands of individuals from AHCCCS, the State's health care system. The Center's lawsuit states that the Governor and Legislature have illegally repealed AHCCCS coverage that was initiated and passed by Arizona voters in 2000.
http://www.aclpi.org/
http://www.aclpi.org/
The Abalone Mountain Gala
NACA Celebrates 40 Years of Service, Advocacy and Indigenous Values through silent auction of native art, entertainment, and traditional food. Guests will be able to collect race packets and any pre-purchase items here as well.
When: Friday, June 3, 2011 5:PM Arizona time
Location:
Flagstaff High School
Commons Area
400 W Elm Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Refer to on-line registration at:
www.virtualroster.com
or by visiting the
NACA Main office @ 2717 N. Steves Blvd. St. 11
to reserve your spot for this event.
When: Friday, June 3, 2011 5:PM Arizona time
Location:
Flagstaff High School
Commons Area
400 W Elm Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Refer to on-line registration at:
www.virtualroster.com
or by visiting the
NACA Main office @ 2717 N. Steves Blvd. St. 11
to reserve your spot for this event.
The 28th Annual Sacred Mountain Prayer Run
10k/5k and 2k Fun Run/Walk!
When: Saturday, June 4, 2011
Location:
Thorpe Park
245 N. Thorpe Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
On-Site Registration
6am-7am
Race Begins @ 7:30am Arizona Time
On-line registration is available at:
www.virtualroster.com
www.nacainc.org
or by visiting:
NACA Main Office
2717 N. Steves Blvd #11
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
The Sacred Mountain Prayer Run is the 2nd in the Flagstaff Summer Run
Series. For more information on the Series - visit www.natra.org.
When: Saturday, June 4, 2011
Location:
Thorpe Park
245 N. Thorpe Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
On-Site Registration
6am-7am
Race Begins @ 7:30am Arizona Time
On-line registration is available at:
www.virtualroster.com
www.nacainc.org
or by visiting:
NACA Main Office
2717 N. Steves Blvd #11
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
The Sacred Mountain Prayer Run is the 2nd in the Flagstaff Summer Run
Series. For more information on the Series - visit www.natra.org.
Friday, May 20, 2011
You're Invited to Arizona Housing Alliance's Member Meeting
You're invited to our next quarterly member meeting.
Special Guest Speaker: Kim Haislet, Program Specialist, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG)
June 3, 2011, noon - 2:00 p.m.
Arroyo Roble Resort
100 Arroyo Roble Road
Sedona, AZ 86339
Budget cuts and more budget cuts! Hear from Kim Haislet about NACOG's housing programs and how budget changes are affecting their services. Learn the latest on state and federal funding for affordable housing. Network with colleagues and learn how they are adapting in this new economy.
LUNCH PROVIDED
Members: free
Nonmembers: $10
Click HERE to become a member.
Special thanks to our host, the City of Sedona.
Special room rates may be available. Please contact val@azhousingalliance.org for more information.
WINE TOUR
Sandy Moriarty, our Board member from Sedona, has arranged a WINE TOUR immediately following the meeting. If you are interested, please RSVP to val@azhousingalliance.org ASAP.
Get more information
Register Now!
Special Guest Speaker: Kim Haislet, Program Specialist, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG)
June 3, 2011, noon - 2:00 p.m.
Arroyo Roble Resort
100 Arroyo Roble Road
Sedona, AZ 86339
Budget cuts and more budget cuts! Hear from Kim Haislet about NACOG's housing programs and how budget changes are affecting their services. Learn the latest on state and federal funding for affordable housing. Network with colleagues and learn how they are adapting in this new economy.
LUNCH PROVIDED
Members: free
Nonmembers: $10
Click HERE to become a member.
Special thanks to our host, the City of Sedona.
Special room rates may be available. Please contact val@azhousingalliance.org for more information.
WINE TOUR
Sandy Moriarty, our Board member from Sedona, has arranged a WINE TOUR immediately following the meeting. If you are interested, please RSVP to val@azhousingalliance.org ASAP.
Get more information
Register Now!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Action Needed by May 18th: Arizona Groups Needed to Sign/Share Letter Opposing Structural Changes/Cuts to SNAP
From The Food Research and Action Center:
Over 1,200 national, state and community-based groups have signed a letter strongly opposing structural changes (e.g., a block grant) and budget cuts to SNAP. With your help, by May 18, we hope to get many more AZ groups on this letter.
Vermont (with a population of just over 620,000) has garnered over 50 groups to sign on! We know that with some effort, AZ – a state with a significantly larger population - can do much better. To that end, we are asking you to take two actions:
1) If your organization has not signed on yet, click here; and
2) please forward this email widely to other organizations on your e-mail list.
As Congress debates a variety of budget proposals, Members need to hear a powerful message from a diverse range of groups around the country that SNAP must be protected. We must vigorously oppose budget cuts and structural changes that would weaken SNAP’s proven ability to help the poorest and hungriest people in the country.
Click here to read and sign the letter, and to view the latest list of signors.
Over 1,200 national, state and community-based groups have signed a letter strongly opposing structural changes (e.g., a block grant) and budget cuts to SNAP. With your help, by May 18, we hope to get many more AZ groups on this letter.
Vermont (with a population of just over 620,000) has garnered over 50 groups to sign on! We know that with some effort, AZ – a state with a significantly larger population - can do much better. To that end, we are asking you to take two actions:
1) If your organization has not signed on yet, click here; and
2) please forward this email widely to other organizations on your e-mail list.
As Congress debates a variety of budget proposals, Members need to hear a powerful message from a diverse range of groups around the country that SNAP must be protected. We must vigorously oppose budget cuts and structural changes that would weaken SNAP’s proven ability to help the poorest and hungriest people in the country.
Click here to read and sign the letter, and to view the latest list of signors.
Navajo Nation President Receives Smoke-Free Gaming Award
Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly today accepted a 2011 National Smokefree Gaming Award from health and legal experts pushing for smoke free casinos nationwide. He received the award for advocating to ban smoking in public places on the Navajo Nation.
“I am currently working on drafting smoke free legislation and will present it to the Navajo Nation Council,” President Shelly told the attendees. “We have many hurdles to go through and my job is to take care of the health of our people.”
Cynthia Hallett, National Smokefree Gaming Symposium organizer and Executive Director of the AmericanNonsmokers’ Rights Foundation presented President Shelly with the award.
“President Shelly is the first tribal leader to support non-smoking casinos on the Navajo Nation,” said Hallett. “Although the executive order was not enforced, it was his actions we are commending him for and I hope it sends a message to other casino gaming tribes who don’t offer a smoke free workplace.”
She also stated the 17th U. S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona has given commendation to President Shelly for his historic leadership in advocating for a smoke free Navajo Nation.
The three-day event included a select group of 56 advocates and experts, who shared the latest science news, regional updatesfrom both tribal and state-regulated smoke free gaming efforts and air quality information.
According to the Gaming Symposium, casinos that allow smoking have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles in the air than highways and city streets clogged with diesel trucks in rush hour traffic.
After the award presentation, Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson, Vice President of the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health and member of TEAM Navajo said, “We are honored President Shelly received this award. It embraces the true value of our culture. If you don’t have your health you don’t have anything else. We support our casinos on Navajoland, but not at the expense of our people’s health.”
“I am currently working on drafting smoke free legislation and will present it to the Navajo Nation Council,” President Shelly told the attendees. “We have many hurdles to go through and my job is to take care of the health of our people.”
Cynthia Hallett, National Smokefree Gaming Symposium organizer and Executive Director of the AmericanNonsmokers’ Rights Foundation presented President Shelly with the award.
“President Shelly is the first tribal leader to support non-smoking casinos on the Navajo Nation,” said Hallett. “Although the executive order was not enforced, it was his actions we are commending him for and I hope it sends a message to other casino gaming tribes who don’t offer a smoke free workplace.”
She also stated the 17th U. S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona has given commendation to President Shelly for his historic leadership in advocating for a smoke free Navajo Nation.
The three-day event included a select group of 56 advocates and experts, who shared the latest science news, regional updatesfrom both tribal and state-regulated smoke free gaming efforts and air quality information.
According to the Gaming Symposium, casinos that allow smoking have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles in the air than highways and city streets clogged with diesel trucks in rush hour traffic.
After the award presentation, Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson, Vice President of the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health and member of TEAM Navajo said, “We are honored President Shelly received this award. It embraces the true value of our culture. If you don’t have your health you don’t have anything else. We support our casinos on Navajoland, but not at the expense of our people’s health.”
Health Policy Coalition in Launched in Flagstaff’s Sunnyside Neighborhood
North Country HealthCare, the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and Flagstaff Medical Center would like to announce the first meeting of the newly formed “Hermosa Vida Policy Coalition,” an initiative of the “A Beautiful Life – Hermosa Vida – Nizhóní Iiná” project. Funded by a 3-year $750,000 Kresge Foundation Grant, The Hermosa Vida project promotes healthy lifestyles in recognition that a healthy life is a beautiful life. The policy coalition will hold its first meeting June 1st, 5:30-7:30 at the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association.
Attendees of the June 1st Hermosa Vida Policy Coalition meeting will discuss the term “policy” and address how policy relates to peoples’ capacity to lead healthy lives. Future meetings will focus on identifying specific policies that could be developed, changed or implemented in order to support healthy lifestyles. The coalition will then work to impact local, state and national change. Most importantly, the coalition’s work will reflect the words and experiences of Sunnyside residents that the Hermosa Vida team identifies through ongoing community-engaged research.
The project partners appreciate the public’s interest and participation in the project. For more information about “A Beautiful Life” or the program launch, contact Julio Quezada by email, jquezada@northcountryhealtchare.org; by mail, 2304 North Third Street, Flagstaff AZ 86004; by fax, 928-213-5460; or by phone, 928-525-6060.
Attendees of the June 1st Hermosa Vida Policy Coalition meeting will discuss the term “policy” and address how policy relates to peoples’ capacity to lead healthy lives. Future meetings will focus on identifying specific policies that could be developed, changed or implemented in order to support healthy lifestyles. The coalition will then work to impact local, state and national change. Most importantly, the coalition’s work will reflect the words and experiences of Sunnyside residents that the Hermosa Vida team identifies through ongoing community-engaged research.
The project partners appreciate the public’s interest and participation in the project. For more information about “A Beautiful Life” or the program launch, contact Julio Quezada by email, jquezada@northcountryhealtchare.org; by mail, 2304 North Third Street, Flagstaff AZ 86004; by fax, 928-213-5460; or by phone, 928-525-6060.
Please join us this weekend for the 3rd Annual LUNAFEST in Flagstaff!
LUNAFEST is a nationally touring film festival featuring short films by, for, and about women. All proceeds from the event benefit the Breast Cancer Fund & Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona
Saturday, May 14, at the Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff
2pm Matinee: $5, Just the show & some popcorn!
6:30pm Evening Show: $10, Speakers, Silent Auction & FREE FOOD from Bigfoot BBQ & other local sponsors
Tickets Available online at:
http://www.lunafestflagstaff.blogspot.com
Thanks to our awesome local sponsors: Melissa Collins Cripps State Farm Agency, the Flame Broiler & AskTheJudge.info
This is a SUPER FUN night with amazing silent auction prizes, delicious food, and awesome films!
Please come support a local non-profit making a positive difference in the lives of girls in Northern Arizona!
Stephanie Ludwig, MDiv, PhD cand
Executive Director
Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona
www.gotrna.org
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Free Self-Care Workshop!
On Wednesday, May 16, 2011 from 3-5 p.m. Further Shore is proud to offer Naturally Caring-TLC for Care Givers Workshop #2 "Bowenwork Self-Care & Music as Medicine." Your presenters are Teresa Peterson and Meghan Callaghan, MT-BC. This FREE workshop will be held at the Thorpe Senior and Community Center in the arts and crafts room, located at 245 N. Thorpe Road next to Thorpe Park. The 2 hour workshop is designed for professional and family care givers.
In this two part workshop you will relax with Bowenwork® and learn useful self-help "moves" for your survival tool box. Then enjoy music practices to promote wellness in yourself and others. The Series is funded in part by the Arizona and Flagstaff Community Foundation, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Questions? Call 928-525-2910. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.Find out more about Further Shore at www.furthershore.org
In this two part workshop you will relax with Bowenwork® and learn useful self-help "moves" for your survival tool box. Then enjoy music practices to promote wellness in yourself and others. The Series is funded in part by the Arizona and Flagstaff Community Foundation, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Questions? Call 928-525-2910. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.Find out more about Further Shore at www.furthershore.org
Prevention: Saving seniors, Medicare--and a trillion dollars
In an opinion piece published in TheHill.com, Prevention Institute Executive Director Larry Cohen makes the case that our federal government can take on Medicare as a means to address the budget deficit—but we have to do it effectively and compassionately, not by cutting coverage for our older adults.
The op-ed explains:
"Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) 2012 budget plan is selling out the next generation of seniors. His proposal would cap what each state is allocated to spend on Medicare and asks our elderly to figure out how to pay for their treatment with private insurance companies and a voucher with ever-shrinking value.
We can reduce the amount of money we need to spend on healthcare for seniors, and for everyone else, but penalizing our aging adults and raiding Medicare is not the way to do it. The fiscally responsible approach must include policies that keep people healthier now, in order to reduce the demand for medical care throughout their lives.
That approach is prevention."
Read the full piece here.
The op-ed explains:
"Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) 2012 budget plan is selling out the next generation of seniors. His proposal would cap what each state is allocated to spend on Medicare and asks our elderly to figure out how to pay for their treatment with private insurance companies and a voucher with ever-shrinking value.
We can reduce the amount of money we need to spend on healthcare for seniors, and for everyone else, but penalizing our aging adults and raiding Medicare is not the way to do it. The fiscally responsible approach must include policies that keep people healthier now, in order to reduce the demand for medical care throughout their lives.
That approach is prevention."
Read the full piece here.
Less Alcohol Means Less Breast Cancer
By Pam Stephan, About.com
Next time you want to "drink pink" just order grapefruit, papaya, or pomegranate juice - without alcohol. Australian researchers recently crunched the data on alcohol and cancer, finding that 20 percent of breast cancer cases were linked to alcohol use. That means that for every 5 people diagnosed with breast cancer, one of them will have overused alcohol.
Professor Ian Olver of the Australian Cancer Council calls alcohol a Class 1 carcinogen, comparing its negative health effects to tobacco or asbestos. Olver said, "We know alcohol does interfere with the balance of female hormones, so there is a very strong link with how it could cause something like breast cancer, but we didn't expect it to be quite that high." The majority of breast tumors are fueled by estrogen and progesterone. Drinking any amount of alcohol, especially daily drinking, causes your hormone levels to rise, and exposes your breast tissue to a greater risk for cancer.
So, to lower your risk of breast cancer, empty your glass! And I don't mean putting away another glass of beer, wine, or liquor. The Cancer Council thought that 2 drinks a day was not harmful - until they did this study. Now they say that there is no safe level for alcohol intake. It has long been known that alcohol can cause cancers of the liver, head and neck, esophagus and mouth, breast and bowel. If you cut down on alcohol, or stop drinking it altogether, you can lower your risk for all these cancers.
Next time you want to "drink pink" just order grapefruit, papaya, or pomegranate juice - without alcohol. Australian researchers recently crunched the data on alcohol and cancer, finding that 20 percent of breast cancer cases were linked to alcohol use. That means that for every 5 people diagnosed with breast cancer, one of them will have overused alcohol.
Professor Ian Olver of the Australian Cancer Council calls alcohol a Class 1 carcinogen, comparing its negative health effects to tobacco or asbestos. Olver said, "We know alcohol does interfere with the balance of female hormones, so there is a very strong link with how it could cause something like breast cancer, but we didn't expect it to be quite that high." The majority of breast tumors are fueled by estrogen and progesterone. Drinking any amount of alcohol, especially daily drinking, causes your hormone levels to rise, and exposes your breast tissue to a greater risk for cancer.
So, to lower your risk of breast cancer, empty your glass! And I don't mean putting away another glass of beer, wine, or liquor. The Cancer Council thought that 2 drinks a day was not harmful - until they did this study. Now they say that there is no safe level for alcohol intake. It has long been known that alcohol can cause cancers of the liver, head and neck, esophagus and mouth, breast and bowel. If you cut down on alcohol, or stop drinking it altogether, you can lower your risk for all these cancers.
Explore Your County Parks: Saturday, May 14
Kick off your "Bike to Work" week with a ride to explore proposed trails to be constructed in 2011! Join FCCP Chair, Jeff Stein, for this month's "Explore Your County Parks" series on a ride up to Observatory Mesa.
The ride is "intermediate" with a hearty climb up the Mesa and a bit of non-technical single track. The balance of the ride is easy-going two-track and Forest Service out to a meadow near A-1 Mountain for lunch/snack and spectacular peak views. The ride will also include a handout map describing the County's efforts to complete sections of the Loop Trail on the Mesa. The return trip will include exploring recently-completed sections.
The ride will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Xeriscape Gardenlocated on the corner of Sitgreaves Street and Aspen Avenue (near the City Hall parking lot). Please be sure and bring a mountain bike in good repair, sunscreen, helmet, a snack/lunch, and some water. If you have a spare tire tube, bring it along too, just in case. The ride is suitable for intermediate to advance bike riders.
For more information, call Jeff at (570) 417-3577.
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