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Breath Matters
The American Lung Association of California’s Monthly e-Newsletter
Improving Life, One Breath at a Time
To automatically connect with your nearest American Lung Association, or to speak with a nurse or respiratory therapist at our free HelpLine, call 800.LUNG.USA (800.586.4872).
January 31, 2003 - Number 96
Content:
LINE 61 ON YOUR STATE INCOME TAX RETURN
AMENDMENTS WOULD WEAKEN CLEAN AIR TRANSPORTATION
As a member of the California Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance, the American Lung Association of California is urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reject components of a staff proposal that would weaken the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) program in California. The proposal would undercut ongoing efforts to advance ZEV technology and commercialization by cutting the required number of ZEVs in half and allowing car companies to meet the reduced requirements using "credits" already accumulated. Under the CARB draft revisions, it is possible that no new ZEVs would be produced for the next five to six years.
The ZEV program is working in California and shouldnit be weakened. Twelve years after it was adopted, hybrid vehicles are approaching commercial success, thousands of electric vehicles are performing on and off-road applications across the state, and a handful of fuel cell vehicles have entered special fleet trials in California. Even automakers, who have fought against the ZEV program, admit it has spurred technology development.
For more information, contact Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org.
CALIFORNIA RECEIVES MEDIOCRE GRADES IN TOBACCO REPORT
California, the birthplace of the nation's anti-smoking campaign, has earned mediocre grades in the fight against Big Tobacco, according to the first annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2002 Report, which was released earlier this month. The national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas: youth access to tobacco, smoke-free air, tobacco program funding, and cigarette excise taxes.
While California scored "A" grades in smoke-free air and youth access, the state received a "C" grade for cigarette taxes and a "D" grade for tobacco prevention and control spending, a reflection on how California and many other states have squandered more than $240 billion in tobacco settlements.
News conferences to release the report were held around the state and news coverage was secured in several major daily newspapers.
For more information, visit http://californialung.org/press/030107sotc.html or contact Paul Knepprath at 916.442.4446 or pknepprath [at] alac [dot] org.
KERN ASTHMA PROJECT VISITS CHILDREN WHERE THEY LIVE
Children with asthma and their families are being reached where they live thanks to the American Lung Association of California, Kern Branch. Its Asthma Home Visit Project is funded by Proposition 10.
Through the project, bilingual outreach workers provide free asthma education and support services to children with asthma and their families. The outreach workers make home visits and teach parents and children tools for asthma management, including early warning signs, environmental triggers, and proper use of medications.
Outreach workers provide free spacers and peak flow meters (instruments to help manage asthma), and try to secure free nebulizers for families who canit afford them. Children and their families are referred to the program through daycare providers and healthcare professionals.
For more information, contact Paula Llamas at 661.327.1601 or p.llamas [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
SACRAMENTO REACHES THOUSANDS WITH ASTHMA FACTS
The American Lung Association of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails reached thousands of people with information about asthma and asthma management at the 2003 Asthma Faire, held in conjunction with the Health and Fitness Expo in Sacramento. The event drew more than 15,000 people and was sponsored by two local TV stations.
The association hosted a booth and provided one-on-one question-and-answer sessions with doctors and pharmacists. More than 600 of the associationis Your Asthma Book were distributed, along with free spacers and free peak flow meters.
For more information, contact Stacey Long at 916.444.5864 or slong [at] saclung [dot] org.
STATE ASTHMA HEARING OFFERS IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY
A legislative asthma hearing is scheduled for February 19 in Sacramento and offers an important opportunity to increase public awareness and educate legislative members about asthma. It is a follow-up to the legislative hearing "The Biggest Gamble: Childrenis Health and Environmental Pollutants," which was sponsored by Assembly members Wilma Chan and Fran Pavley. (Visit http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a16/selectcom/BiggestGamble.htm... for details.)
The purpose of the hearing is to provide information about asthma, focusing on the environment and the need for increased awareness, and to discuss needed future actions. Bonnie Holmes-Gen will testify on behalf of the American Lung Association of California.
For more information, contact Paul Knepprath at 916.442.4446 or pknepprath [at] alac [dot] org. For additional information on asthma and the California Health Interview Survey, visit http://www.dhs.ca.gov/asthma.
CTS OFFERS GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE RENTAL HOUSING
The California Thoracic Society has developed guidelines for Appropriate Rental Housing Accommodations that address issues such as identifying and reducing relevant exposures that aggravate asthma and environmental control of asthma. The guidelines chart owner responsibilities and renter options, and provide information about state and federal laws.
The guidelines are posted at http://www.rampasthma.org/resources.htm#guidelines. They serve as a companion to CTSi Asthma and Rental Housing Accommodations Guide, which received a Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives last year.
For more information, contact your local American Lung Association in California at 1.800.LUNG.USA, or Colleen Richardson at 714.730.1944 or cts [at] aol [dot] com.
YOUR DIRECT LINE TO FUND LUNG RESEARCH:
LINE 61 ON YOUR STATE INCOME TAX RETURN
You can donate to the Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund on Line 61 of your 2002 state income tax form. Just write in the amount you want to donate on Line 61 and add it to your tax payment or deduct it from your refund. It's that simple. The fund supports the American Lung Association of California's peer-reviewed research program. For more information, a banner ad you can post on your Web site, and drop-in ad slicks, visit http://www.californialung.org and click on the Line 61 icon.
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