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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).
March 30, 2007 Number 146
Content:
MONTHLY HEALTH TIP
Help Others Quit Smoking Attend the Freedom From Smoking Facilitator Training in Los Angeles, April 17-18. Contact Colleen Callahan at 323.839.8116 or ccallahan [at] oclung [dot] org
TUBERCULOSIS CASES INCREASE IN 20 CALIFORNIA AREAS
Although tuberculosis (TB) cases dropped 2.3 percent nationwide (2006 compared to 2005), and 4.2 percent in California, increases were experienced in 20 California areas (33 percent of California’s 61 health jurisdictions). On World TB Day (March 24), the American Lung Association of California called on the State of California to avert a TB resurgence in this state by increasing funding for prevention and control efforts, reminding policymakers that the decline in TB cases is slowing.
California continues to report the highest number of TB cases in the United States. Case increases were experienced last year in Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Imperial, Lake, Mendocino, Merced, Napa, Placer, Riverside, San Benito, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, and Tulare. An estimated 1.4 million Californians are infected with the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
The association held a statewide news conference via conference call. A variety of media outlets covered the story and included quotes from American Lung Association of California spokespeople, including KNX talk radio 1070 AM (CBS), Los Angeles; KFBK talk radio, Sacramento; KPFA Radio in Berkeley, San Jose Mercury News and Central Valley Business News.
For the related news release, visit http://www.californialung.org/press/070322WorldTBDay.html
For more information, contact Judith Thigpen at 510.638.1032 or jthigpen [at] alac [dot] org, or Andy Weisser at 818.703.6444 or aweisser [at] alac [dot] org
ASSOCIATION HOLDS LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING ON OFF-ROAD DIESEL RULE
The American Lung Association of California recently held a legislative briefing titled “Health and Environmental Benefits of Controlling Off-Road Diesel Emissions” for legislators and their staff in Sacramento. The briefing outlined the need to cut diesel emissions from engines used in off-road equipment by adopting new regulations proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A presentation on the health dangers posed by diesel exhaust was provided by association volunteer Tony Gerber, MD, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco.
The briefing was co-sponsored by Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier and included presentations by representatives from Union of Concerned Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council and Environmental Defense.
For more information, contact Linda Weiner at 415.282.8871 or linwiner [at] earthlink [dot] net
KAISER PERMANENTE PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS LUNG HEALTH IN CHILDREN
The American Lung Association of California is able to serve more children with asthma thanks to a partnership with Kaiser Permanente and its Community Benefits Program, which provides resources to community organizations with missions that support Kaiser’s goal of “total community health.” The impetus toward total community health is deeply embedded in Kaiser’s 60-year history as a prevention-oriented health care organization.
Kaiser’s Community Benefits program has helped fund association efforts to address community disparities with regard to asthma among children. Programs supported through this partnership include asthma education classes in schools in Vallejo, Martinez, Livermore, Emeryville, San Leandro, and Concord, as well as support for local asthma coalitions and the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine.
For more information, contact Adam Davis at 510.893.5474 or adavis [at] alaebay [dot] org
ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATES IN SYMPOSIUM ON GLOBAL WARMING
A symposium on reducing global warming and improving public health for Californians brought together key experts on global warming for a daylong discussion on the causes and cures for climate change. Held in Sacramento on March 29 and titled “Saving Our Climate, Saving Our Lives: California Fights the Pollution That Kyoto Forgot,” the symposium featured a keynote address by Nobel Laureate F. Sherwood Rowland, PhD., which was presented by the American Lung Association of California along with the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, Coalition for Clean Air, the Sierra Club, Beldon Fund and the Energy Foundation.
To view the agenda, visit www.climatesolutionsnow.org
For more information, contact Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org
ASSOCIATION PRESENTS FRESNO LECTURE ON GLOBAL WARMING
The American Lung Association of California is partnering with the Fresno-Madera Medical Society, Fresno County Department of Public Health, Fresno Metro Ministry, and the Central Valley Health Policy Institute to present a Continuing Medical Education Lecture and Discussion on Global Warming, Air Quality and Public Health Impacts on April 9.
The event evolved from a recent briefing in Sacramento by scientists at the California Air Resources Board for the American Lung Association California’s Health Network for Clean Air. The event will be held at the University of California, San Francisco Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research. The association’s Linda Weiner will speak about the role of health professionals in passing AB 32, landmark legislation that sets a cap on global warming emissions.
For details, visit http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=1972
For more information, contact Linda Weiner at 415.282.8871 or linwiner [at] earthlink [dot] net or Susie Rico at 559.222.4800 or srico [at] alc [dot] org.
VOLUNTEER HELPS EXPAND RESPIRATORY RALLIES STATEWIDE
The American Lung Association of California is helping people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) learn how to better manage their disease and live more quality lives through Respiratory Rallies for people with COPD. Thanks in part to the efforts of Jeffrey Kupperman, MD, a pulmonologist and longtime volunteer for the American Lung Association of California in Santa Barbara, the daylong events are now held in more than 10 California counties.
Over the years, Dr. Kupperman, who is also president of the California Thoracic Society (the association’s medical section), has volunteered countless hours helping the association serve those with lung disease. After he learned about the Respiratory Rally concept – which started in Texas and was launched in California in Santa Barbara – he helped to spearhead the effort to bring them to more California communities. He also worked with CTS to ensure that the curriculum and materials were properly reviewed for content and accuracy.
For details about Respiratory Rallies, visit http://californialung.org/press/060901RespiratoryRally.html
For more information, contact Lynn Devine at 619.269.8148 or ldevine [at] alac [dot] org, or Donna Beal at 805.963.1426 or donna [at] lungsbvc [dot] org
RESEARCHER AIMS TO REDUCE REJECTION AFTER LUNG TRANSPLANT
Roland Nador, MD, is hoping to reduce the risk of organ rejection after lung transplant surgery while avoiding the negative side-effects caused by medications used to suppress rejection. He is investigating a procedure that involves selective radiation treatment, injection of a substance that depletes immune cells, and an infusion of bone marrow cells from the organ donor after transplant surgery.
His project at Stanford University is one of 12 funded by the American Lung Association of California, which granted nearly $700,000 to lung disease research in fiscal year 2006-2007.
For more information about funded projects, visit http://californialung.org/research/research.html
CALIFORNIA STAFF EARN NATIONWIDE CLAS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Three California staff members were recently honored with nationwide CLAS (Congress of Lung Association Staff) Excellence Awards for their hard work and dedication to improving lung health.
Linda Weiner received the Excellence Award in Communications for her efforts to promote important lung health issues through media advocacy and social marketing. She has placed countless articles, ads and public service announcements on air quality, tobacco use, and other lung health issues, including key editorials and front-page stories, and has held numerous news conferences and provided many interviews for radio, television and print outlets. Her stellar communications work continues to help raise the visibility and credibility of the American Lung Association of California and our issues.
The Excellence Award in Financial Development was presented to Trina Ramirez for her fundraising contributions at the Santa Rosa office. Through her efforts, the already successful Asthma Walk and Breathe Easy Bike Ride have increased revenues, with the bike event being the largest association fundraiser in California. She was also recognized for her mission-driven focus and willingness to take on all aspects of any task.
Karen Fulton Holine was honored with the Sandra R. Kessler Distinguished Professional Service Award for her collaborative work during the California merger and her commitment to service. She has been an active leader in CLAS and in 1997-98 co-chaired the committee that developed the CLAS Assemblies. She helped to develop guidelines for the operation of the Assemblies and thanks in part to her efforts, the nine CLAS assemblies have become an integral part of the CLAS organization.
EVENING IN THE SKY FUNDRAISER OFFERS FIRST-CLASS ‘FLIGHT’
Take flight without ever leaving the ground. The American Lung Association of California in San Diego is inviting participants to reserve their seats on ALA Flight 100 for a fun-filled Evening in the Sky. The April 28 fundraising event at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park evokes the image of a luxury flight that includes champagne and other in-flight beverages, dinner, entertainment featuring live music and dancing to one of Las Vegas’ premiere club bands, and a live auction.
The event goal is to raise $100,000 while honoring community leaders who have made a difference in improving air quality.
The innovative website promoting the event encourages visitors to make their reservations before the flight is full and includes airline sound effects. For more information and to view the site, visit www.eveninginthesky.com or call 619.297.3901.
TELL A FRIEND Forward this e-newsletter to friends, family and business contacts. Encourage them to subscribe for free at http://www.californialung.org. Signing up is easy. Just enter your e-mail address at the bottom right corner of the Web site homepage where it says, “get your free monthly lung health news.”
SPRING DONATIONS Celebrate the arrival of spring and honor your family and/or special friend with a tribute donation to the American Lung Association. It’s a simple yet meaningful gift. Just visit http://californialung.org/donate/donate.html
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