From The Prevention Institute:
What “foods” do big food companies think are good for kids to eat? Kool Aid and Cocoa Puffs made the list, and food companies are using major lobbying muscle—spending over $37 million dollars in 2011—to keep them there. In a troubling move late last week on Capitol Hill, a coalition of food companies snuck language into the house appropriations bill to sideline federal recommendations that would have promoted healthy foods for kids instead of those loaded with sugar, salt and fat.
Tell the government: our kids’ health can’t wait—we need strong recommendations that protect kids, and we need them now.
Food companies can’t refute the science: evidence was the basis for the sensible, voluntary guidelines put forward by four federal agencies that make up the Interagency Working Group (IWG). And evidence also made it clear that food and beverage companies are not up to monitoring themselves. Prevention Institute’s two-minute video, We’re Not Buying It, and studies Claiming Health and Where’s the Fruit clearly reveal the deceptive lengths that food industries will go to in order to promote unhealthy foods to kids—from packaging that misleads parents to ads that target kids to behind-the-scenes lobbying to thwart any oversight.
The initial IWG recommendations protected kids under 18 by allowing only nutritious foods to be advertised during kids programs, at school events and on kids’ internet sites—and limited the marketing of unhealthy foods like sugar-loaded cereals and high-fat snacks to parents and adults. Food companies could have chosen to follow the voluntary guidelines, and would have been taking a huge step to support the health of our kids. Instead they chose to put profits ahead of kids.
Tell the President and the heads of the IWG: Families across the country need their pledge to make sure these sensible recommendations move forward. Our kids’ health can’t wait.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Suicide Prevention Coalition Meetings Starting Jan. 24th and 25th
The Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Suicide Prevention Program will begin hosting local Community Coalition meetings and Provider Coalition meetings directed at reducing the prevalence of suicide in Coconino County.
The first provider coalition meeting will take place on January 24th, 2012 from 1pm – 2pm (i.e. anyone interested in working toward the reduction of suicide in Coconino County on behalf of any agency).
The first community coalition meeting will take place on January 25th, 2012 from 1pm – 2pm (i.e. anyone interested in working toward the reduction of suicide in Coconino County as a community member).
Please see the flyers for additional information. Please forward these flyers to anyone you think might be interested in collaborative efforts around suicide prevention, intervention and awareness. We are looking forward to your participation.
Coalition Community Flyer
Coalition Providers Flyer
The first provider coalition meeting will take place on January 24th, 2012 from 1pm – 2pm (i.e. anyone interested in working toward the reduction of suicide in Coconino County on behalf of any agency).
The first community coalition meeting will take place on January 25th, 2012 from 1pm – 2pm (i.e. anyone interested in working toward the reduction of suicide in Coconino County as a community member).
Please see the flyers for additional information. Please forward these flyers to anyone you think might be interested in collaborative efforts around suicide prevention, intervention and awareness. We are looking forward to your participation.
Coalition Community Flyer
Coalition Providers Flyer
NACA's Parenting Class Starting January 17th
NACA’s next parenting classes will begin 8 November 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Two classes are held per week. There are 10 workshops. Each workshop is 2 hours long. Parents are taught about boundaries, family values & norms, discipline, rules & consequences, strategies on how to talk to your about risky behaviors and how to effectively communicate with youth. Many of the issues pertain to urban Native American youth are addressed.
Where: Native Americans for Community Action
2717 N. Steve's Blvd. #11
Flagstaff AZ 86004
When: January 17- February 9th 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Catherine Esquivel,
Project Coordinator
(928) 526-2968 ext 117
cesquivel@nacainc.org
This is a unique opportunity – to be a part of community-based research to test a NEW CURRICULUM FOR AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILIES.
Where: Native Americans for Community Action
2717 N. Steve's Blvd. #11
Flagstaff AZ 86004
When: January 17- February 9th 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Catherine Esquivel,
Project Coordinator
(928) 526-2968 ext 117
cesquivel@nacainc.org
This is a unique opportunity – to be a part of community-based research to test a NEW CURRICULUM FOR AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILIES.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Act Now! Your Advocacy for Nutrition Coverage is Critical!
...from the publication: Eat Right Weekly - December 21
ADA continues to seek signatures for the White House petition asking the Obama Administration to reconsider its decision to exclude dietitians from direct billing for intensive behavioral counseling and limiting services to the primary care setting. We still need approximately 5,000 signatures. Ask your family, friends and colleagues to sign the petition which is open to the public. Click here to make your voice heard. In addition, letters to members of Congress will also help bring this issue to the attention of elected officials. Don't forget to use social media to spread the word and share the link on Facebook and Twitter.
ADA continues to seek signatures for the White House petition asking the Obama Administration to reconsider its decision to exclude dietitians from direct billing for intensive behavioral counseling and limiting services to the primary care setting. We still need approximately 5,000 signatures. Ask your family, friends and colleagues to sign the petition which is open to the public. Click here to make your voice heard. In addition, letters to members of Congress will also help bring this issue to the attention of elected officials. Don't forget to use social media to spread the word and share the link on Facebook and Twitter.
Arizona Rural and Public Health Policy Forum
The annual Arizona Rural & Public Health Policy Forum focuses on key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities and seeks strategies to strengthen public health systems and increase access to care for rural and tribal residents.
The Forum is designed to:
o Examine key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities.
o Identify strategies to strengthen rural communities and public health systems.
o Update from policy makers’ and key state agencies on their legislative priorities for the upcoming year
o Provide tips on how to make a difference in the legislative process.
o Present ways on how to use the media to communicate your message.
Who should attend:
o Arizona Legislators
o State Agencies’ Representatives
o Clinic Administrators and Hospital CEOs
o Behavioral Health Representatives
o Tribal Liaisons and Policy Leaders
o Advocates for Women and Children
o And any other interested individuals.
For more information: http://crh.arizona.edu/events/policy-forum/2012
To Register: http://apps.publichealth.arizona.edu/ConferenceRegistration/
To ask about carpooling, please contact Marty Eckrem @ meckrem@coconino.az.gov
Thursday January 19th, 2012
Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington, 2nd Floor, Phoenix, AZ
Check in 7:30am
Adjourn 4:15pm
The Forum is designed to:
o Examine key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities.
o Identify strategies to strengthen rural communities and public health systems.
o Update from policy makers’ and key state agencies on their legislative priorities for the upcoming year
o Provide tips on how to make a difference in the legislative process.
o Present ways on how to use the media to communicate your message.
Who should attend:
o Arizona Legislators
o State Agencies’ Representatives
o Clinic Administrators and Hospital CEOs
o Behavioral Health Representatives
o Tribal Liaisons and Policy Leaders
o Advocates for Women and Children
o And any other interested individuals.
For more information: http://crh.arizona.edu/events/policy-forum/2012
To Register: http://apps.publichealth.arizona.edu/ConferenceRegistration/
To ask about carpooling, please contact Marty Eckrem @ meckrem@coconino.az.gov
Free Workshops
Presented by: Kathleen Temple; Raising Special Kids
Understand the physical, emotional, and social changes of puberty and adolescence and how it effects children with disabilities.
Learn out to keep the environment bully free; learn signs of a bully.
Snacks will be served.
If you have any questions please call the Office of Special Needs at (928) 734-3418.
The Journey to Adulthood
Understand the physical, emotional, and social changes of puberty and adolescence and how it effects children with disabilities.
When: January 11, 2012
Time: 10 am - 12 noon
Where: DATS Conference Room
Hopi Tribal Complex
Time: 10 am - 12 noon
Where: DATS Conference Room
Hopi Tribal Complex
Bully Free Environment
Learn out to keep the environment bully free; learn signs of a bully.
When: January 11, 2012
Time: 1pm - 3 pm
Where: DATS Conference Room
Hopi Tribal Complex
Time: 1pm - 3 pm
Where: DATS Conference Room
Hopi Tribal Complex
Snacks will be served.
If you have any questions please call the Office of Special Needs at (928) 734-3418.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Marijuana Use Rises in Popularity Among Teens
From http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/
Marijuana use is gaining in popularity among teens, according to Monitoring the Future, an annual survey of eighth, 10th, and 12th-graders, The New York Times reports. The survey found one of every 15 high school seniors smokes marijuana on an almost daily basis.
About 25 percent of teens who took part in the study said they used marijuana in the past year, an increase from 21 percent in 2007. Daily marijuana use is at a 30-year peak among high school seniors. The findings indicate a decline in the perceived risk of harm associated with marijuana use, according to a news release by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funds the survey.
R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told the newspaper he believed the increasing prevalence of medicinal marijuana was a factor in the uptick. “These last couple years, the amount of attention that’s been given to medical marijuana has been huge,” he said. “And when I’ve done focus groups with high school students in states where medical marijuana is legal, they say ‘Well, if it’s called medicine and it’s given to patients by caregivers, then that’s really the wrong message for us as high school students.’”
Cigarette and alcohol use are at their lowest point since the survey began in 1975. Alcohol use in general and binge drinking in particular continued to gradually decline among teenagers. Energy drinks continue to be popular among teens—about one-third said they drink them.
The survey found 11.4 percent of high school seniors said they used synthetic marijuana, known as “Spice” and “K2,” in the past year. This was the first year the survey included questions about synthetic drugs.
Use of prescription drugs such as Vicodin and Adderall declined, as did use of sedatives and tranquilizers, the article noted. Cocaine use also decreased.
SCAN Health Plan Reminds Partygoers to "Mind Their Elders" this Holiday Season
(LONG BEACH, Calif. – December 12, 2011) — The holidays can be a difficult time for seniors, particularly for the one in four older adults suffering from hearing loss. However, according to the senior sensitivity experts at SCAN Health Plan, there are things party hosts and their guests can do to ensure that seniors with impaired hearing have an opportunity to enjoy and participate in some holiday cheer.
“Loud, festive holiday gatherings can be a big problem for people with hearing loss,” said Lena Perelman, director of community outreach at SCAN Health Plan. Perelman oversees SCAN’s Trading Ages senior sensitivity program, an interactive workshop that lets participants experience some of the physical challenges that come with aging, including hearing loss. “In our workshops participants are often very surprised at how isolating hearing impairment can be.”
According to Perelman, SCAN recommends the following tips for a senior-sensitive holiday:
Be mindful. Simply being aware that older adults are more likely to experience hearing loss is a good start. Some seniors may not know that they’re having difficulty hearing. Make older children and other family members aware of the things they can do to help (including the tips below).
Reduce background noise. Background music can create a festive ambiance; but for people with hearing loss, loud music creates a barrier to communication and social interaction. Keep the volume to a minimum. If it isn’t your party, ask that the background music be lowered so everyone can hear each other.
Speak slowly. People with hearing loss often become skilled in reading lips and facial expressions. With that in mind, talk slowly and look directly at the older adult to whom you are speaking.
Find a quiet space. If the party gets too loud, consider stepping aside from the festivities for a quiet visit with an older family member. The one-on-one time could turn into a cherished memory. After all, spending quality time with family is what the holidays are all about.
The physical and psycho-social effect of sensory loss on seniors is something SCAN has been focusing on for many years through its Trading Ages senior sensitivity program. The training helps participants understand how age-related conditions – such as hearing loss, vision changes and loss of dexterity – can affect everyday activities, behaviors and actions.
“As a health plan focused exclusively on the needs of seniors, SCAN is in a unique position to help people understand more about the aging process,” said Perelman.
SCAN Health Plan is the country’s fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage Plan. Further information may be obtained at scanhealthplan.com.
Members of the news media may contact:
Michelle Hokr
818-597-8453 x5
michelle@kevinross.net
“Loud, festive holiday gatherings can be a big problem for people with hearing loss,” said Lena Perelman, director of community outreach at SCAN Health Plan. Perelman oversees SCAN’s Trading Ages senior sensitivity program, an interactive workshop that lets participants experience some of the physical challenges that come with aging, including hearing loss. “In our workshops participants are often very surprised at how isolating hearing impairment can be.”
According to Perelman, SCAN recommends the following tips for a senior-sensitive holiday:
Be mindful. Simply being aware that older adults are more likely to experience hearing loss is a good start. Some seniors may not know that they’re having difficulty hearing. Make older children and other family members aware of the things they can do to help (including the tips below).
Reduce background noise. Background music can create a festive ambiance; but for people with hearing loss, loud music creates a barrier to communication and social interaction. Keep the volume to a minimum. If it isn’t your party, ask that the background music be lowered so everyone can hear each other.
Speak slowly. People with hearing loss often become skilled in reading lips and facial expressions. With that in mind, talk slowly and look directly at the older adult to whom you are speaking.
Find a quiet space. If the party gets too loud, consider stepping aside from the festivities for a quiet visit with an older family member. The one-on-one time could turn into a cherished memory. After all, spending quality time with family is what the holidays are all about.
The physical and psycho-social effect of sensory loss on seniors is something SCAN has been focusing on for many years through its Trading Ages senior sensitivity program. The training helps participants understand how age-related conditions – such as hearing loss, vision changes and loss of dexterity – can affect everyday activities, behaviors and actions.
“As a health plan focused exclusively on the needs of seniors, SCAN is in a unique position to help people understand more about the aging process,” said Perelman.
SCAN Health Plan is the country’s fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage Plan. Further information may be obtained at scanhealthplan.com.
Members of the news media may contact:
Michelle Hokr
818-597-8453 x5
michelle@kevinross.net
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Support Ponderosa High School’s “Healthy Living, Healthy Breakfast” Program
Ponderosa High School is an accommodation school offering unique opportunities for students to complete their high school diploma. Through creative programs and credit recovery, our goal is to rekindle a love for learning while supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are seeking financial support from parents, local community organizations, individuals, and families to support our “Healthy Living, Healthy Breakfast” education program. You can show support by issuing your tax credit of $200 for individuals and $400 for married couples directly to Ponderosa High School.
A major goal of the school is to create a character development program that would promote healthy food education for all students in the school. As part of this approach, we are working closely with Local Alternative Catering to provide a healthy breakfast for all students in our school starting January, 2012.
We anticipate the cost of breakfast for all students to be around $13,000 (or $3.00 per student per day). A key component to the breakfast program will be student participation. Students will participate in the operation of the program by working in the greenhouse, prepping the area and cleaning the facility after meals, assisting in food preparation, organizing resources, assisting in paper work requirements, and writing curriculum that promotes the effects of healthy foods, healthy choices, and healthy living. The program will be designed to develop character traits such as: responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, respect, virtue, fairness, caring, citizenship, and integrity.
Thanks for your support!
Donations can be mailed to:
Ponderosa High School
Brenda Gebler, Business Manager
2384 N. Steves Blvd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Download the flyer here.
We are seeking financial support from parents, local community organizations, individuals, and families to support our “Healthy Living, Healthy Breakfast” education program. You can show support by issuing your tax credit of $200 for individuals and $400 for married couples directly to Ponderosa High School.
A major goal of the school is to create a character development program that would promote healthy food education for all students in the school. As part of this approach, we are working closely with Local Alternative Catering to provide a healthy breakfast for all students in our school starting January, 2012.
We anticipate the cost of breakfast for all students to be around $13,000 (or $3.00 per student per day). A key component to the breakfast program will be student participation. Students will participate in the operation of the program by working in the greenhouse, prepping the area and cleaning the facility after meals, assisting in food preparation, organizing resources, assisting in paper work requirements, and writing curriculum that promotes the effects of healthy foods, healthy choices, and healthy living. The program will be designed to develop character traits such as: responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, respect, virtue, fairness, caring, citizenship, and integrity.
Thanks for your support!
Donations can be mailed to:
Ponderosa High School
Brenda Gebler, Business Manager
2384 N. Steves Blvd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Download the flyer here.
Dec 15th: Online Day of Action!
In two days, advocates from across the country will be calling on Congress to make a specific New Years Resolution for 2012: Protect the Prevention Fund!
Can you book 2-3 minutes on your calendar for Thursday, December 15th, to join our online day of action?
Click below to add a reminder to your calendar of choice:
Google Calendar
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/site/R?i=so5KGhYJn2b2N0QIOcypcg
Outlook 2007
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/site/R?i=vD31qBuzq0BIVlGkKI8odQ
Funding prevention now means lower medical costs later. It means healthier friends and family, healthier communities and a healthier nation.
On December 15th, I will be sending you and other advocates across the country one way you can help get our message across. Some will be asked to email or call, while others will be asked to post to Facebook or Twitter.
Members of Congress and their staff must hear the "Protect the Prevention Fund" message loud and clear, and we're counting on you to make that happen!
Please set a reminder and book some time to help next Thursday!
Brian Hutchinson, Grassroots Director
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/
Can you book 2-3 minutes on your calendar for Thursday, December 15th, to join our online day of action?
Click below to add a reminder to your calendar of choice:
Google Calendar
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/site/R?i=so5KGhYJn2b2N0QIOcypcg
Outlook 2007
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/site/R?i=vD31qBuzq0BIVlGkKI8odQ
Funding prevention now means lower medical costs later. It means healthier friends and family, healthier communities and a healthier nation.
On December 15th, I will be sending you and other advocates across the country one way you can help get our message across. Some will be asked to email or call, while others will be asked to post to Facebook or Twitter.
Members of Congress and their staff must hear the "Protect the Prevention Fund" message loud and clear, and we're counting on you to make that happen!
Please set a reminder and book some time to help next Thursday!
Brian Hutchinson, Grassroots Director
http://action.tobaccofreekids.org/
Arizona Rural and Public Health Policy Forum
The annual Arizona Rural & Public Health Policy Forum focuses on key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities and seeks strategies to strengthen public health systems and increase access to care for rural and tribal residents.
The Forum is designed to:
o Examine key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities.
o Identify strategies to strengthen rural communities and public health systems.
o Update from policy makers’ and key state agencies on their legislative priorities for the upcoming year
o Provide tips on how to make a difference in the legislative process.
o Present ways on how to use the media to communicate your message.
Who should attend:
o Arizona Legislators
o State Agencies’ Representatives
o Clinic Administrators and Hospital CEOs
o Behavioral Health Representatives
o Tribal Liaisons and Policy Leaders
o Advocates for Women and Children
o And any other interested individuals.
For more information: http://crh.arizona.edu/events/policy-forum/2012
To Register: http://apps.publichealth.arizona.edu/ConferenceRegistration/
To ask about carpooling, please contact Marty Eckrem @ meckrem@coconino.az.gov
Thursday January 19th, 2012
Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington, 2nd Floor, Phoenix, AZ
Check in 7:30am
Adjourn 4:15pm
The Forum is designed to:
o Examine key health policy issues and their impact on Arizona’s rural and tribal communities.
o Identify strategies to strengthen rural communities and public health systems.
o Update from policy makers’ and key state agencies on their legislative priorities for the upcoming year
o Provide tips on how to make a difference in the legislative process.
o Present ways on how to use the media to communicate your message.
Who should attend:
o Arizona Legislators
o State Agencies’ Representatives
o Clinic Administrators and Hospital CEOs
o Behavioral Health Representatives
o Tribal Liaisons and Policy Leaders
o Advocates for Women and Children
o And any other interested individuals.
For more information: http://crh.arizona.edu/events/policy-forum/2012
To Register: http://apps.publichealth.arizona.edu/ConferenceRegistration/
To ask about carpooling, please contact Marty Eckrem @ meckrem@coconino.az.gov
Discover your free & low-cost health coverage options
The mission of The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) is to provide simplified public and private health insurance eligibility information in order to help more people access coverage. They aim to find the uninsured and centralize the distribution of information and eligibility requirements, encouraging more people to enroll, thereby lowering the ranks of the uninsured.
http://www.coverageforall.org/
http://www.coverageforall.org/
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Free Wellness Seminar
You are invited to attend a
FREE WELLNESS SEMINAR
Take Charge of Your Health
Discover tips on managing stress, anxiety and coping with chronic disease.
Featuring
Ken Youngberg, LCSW, MSW
Wellness Counselor
on
Thursday, December 15th
5:00 PM (60 minute presentation)
In the Mountain Heart Conference Room
2000 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff
In the Mountain Heart Conference Room
2000 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff
Thursday, December 1, 2011
NACA Suicide Prevention Program FREE Training
The Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Suicide Prevention Program will be doing a 2-day training that serves as an intervention for people at risk of suicide. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day practical workshop developing skills through observation and supervised simulation in large and small groups. ASIST is intended as 'suicide first-aid' training. ASIST helps caregiver’s to become more willing, ready and able to recognize and intervene effectively to help persons at risk of suicide. With over one million people trained in suicide intervention skills, ASIST is by far the most widely used suicide intervention skills training in the world.
The goal of ASIST is to enhance a caregiver’s abilities to assist a person at risk to avoid suicide. By completing the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize that caregivers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide;
- Discuss suicide with a person at risk in a direct manner;
- Identify risk alerts and develop a safe plan related to them;
- Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide;
- List the types of resources available to a person at risk of suicide, including themselves;
- Make a commitment to improving community resources and networking; and,
- Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide intervention and, includes life promotion and self-care for persons at risk and for caregivers.
We would like to invite you to attend this FREE 2-day training on January 9th & 10th, 2012 at the Flagstaff
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