In addition to her dedication to heart-health as AHA's Central Kentucky Board President, over the course of the last year, Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl (far left with Governor Beshear and AHA staff, Starr Block and Tonya Chang at Stroke Bill signing) has become a key volunteer and spokesperson for the Smoke-Free Kentucky Campaign.

On Kentucky Advocacy Day, February 14th, Sylvia conducted several interviews with the media in support of House Bill 289, the Smoke-Free Kentucky Act and was featured in KY radio and newspaper coverage. In addition to her presence on Advocacy Day, over the course of the session, Dr. Cerel-Suhl provided expert testimony before the House Health and Welfare Committee on the issue and was instrumental in getting the bill voted out of committee for the first time. Interviews with Dr. Cerel-Suhl and Representative Westrom that day reached local media throughout the state in radio, TV and newspapers. In fact, brief coverage went national, including NPR, and even international with the Times of India.

The American Heart Association and the entire Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition are honored to work side-by-side with her as we seek passage of a comprehensive statewide law to prohibit smoking in public places and workplaces. With passionate volunteers like Sylvia, we're confident we'll get there.

AHA Youth Advocate Jacob Guerrero and his mother Felicia speak with NBC24 about his heart disease story and their upcoming trip with our advocacy team to Congressional Lobby Day!

Delaware and Pennsylvania You’re the Cure advocate Lindsay Siegle (pictured here with her parents) is the epitome of an outstanding leader, spokesperson, and survivor-advocate. Recently presented with the “Distinguished Achievement Award,” at the American Heart Association’s President’s Reception in Philadelphia, Lindsay’s involvement with AHA extends back more than 5 years, has spanned many areas of the organization, and permeates all aspects of her life.


Over the years, Lindsay has been highlighted in media stories, has participated in lobbying events in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and in Washington, D.C., and has raised funds for several AHA cause areas. Last year she was one of a handful of advocates chosen to travel to the nation’s capitol to advocate for health care reform on behalf of heart patients. Lindsay’s ability to tell the incredible story of being the youngest recipient of a pacemaker at the time, her continuing worries about adequate coverage as she transitions from student to professional, and how her experiences aren’t unique, were incredibly impactful to Congressional staff members. And this is just one small example of how Lindsay’s passion has a reach that’s so vast and inspiring.

In addition to her work with the American Heart Association, one of her many other accomplishments is a toy drive she created and runs each year at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Lindsay’s list of accomplishments is extensive, and the many people she’s touched throughout the organization--staff members and volunteers alike--sing her praises. Thank you Lindsay, and congratulations on receiving AHA’s Distinguished Achievement Award!

Dr. Patrick Withrow is the recipient of the 2010 You’re the Cure Leadership Award from the American Heart Association. Dr. Withrow received this award for his leadership as co-chair of the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Task Force and for his advocacy efforts in addressing the childhood obesity epidemic.


Congratulations to Dr. Withrow! Thank you for all you do!

Taylor, with Senator Michael O’Pake and mom, Emilie.

Stroke affects people of all ages. Sometimes we forget that some of our smallest and most vulnerable people are impacted by stroke. Taylor Heath is no exception to this fact. Taylor had a massive stroke at birth that damaged 97% of the left side of his brain, leaving very difficult news for a new mother and father to sort through.

Now 11 years old, Taylor has cognitive and developmental delays in addition to limited use of his right hand and a peripheral field cut. But despite all of this, Taylor keeps pushing on, always with a smile and charm above most others. His mother describes him as "positive, outgoing, popular, and a true blessing." Taylor decided to take his experience to the halls of the capitol, both in Washington DC and Harrisburg, PA. He quickly developed a “legislative bug,” as his mom describes it and has talked one-on-one with several state and federal legislators about his experience and the importance of passing heart disease and stroke-related public policies.

On April 14, 2010, Taylor was introduced in the Senate of Pennsylvania by Senator Michael O'Pake, who sponsored a statewide resolution that designated May 1, 2010 as Childhood Stroke Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. Taylor also met with Representative Tim Seip on April 21st, who sponsored the same resolution, but in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Childhood Stroke Awareness Day is always the first Saturday in May. This is a special day when the children that have had strokes are honored and the children that passed away after having a stroke are remembered.

Both Taylor, and his mom Emilie, have been relentless advocates in the fight against Childhood Stroke and the American Heart Association is honored to have such talent and dedication behind it to help pass life-saving public policies.

Local leadership from the association and The Ohio State University to help set national agenda and priorities

The Honorable Joyce Beatty, senior vice president for outreach & engagement at The Ohio State University, has been elected to serve on the National American Heart Association Board of Directors.

As a board member, Beatty will serve as a leader guiding the American Heart Association’s mission-based and fiscal decisions. Such decisions drive the association to achieve its mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke through their strategic impact goal to improve the overall cardiovascular health of Americans by 20 percent while reducing death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020.

“It is my great honor to accept this important assignment because of the solemn mission we face,” Beatty said. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in our country, and strokes disable thousands every year. Education, awareness, and access are all vitally important to fighting cardiovascular disease, and I will work hard to help people get the facts and the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Beatty’s recent election grows her nine-year involvement as a member of the American Heart Association central Ohio Board of Directors and role as an active volunteer within the community. After suffering a cerebral brain stem stroke in 2000, Beatty has served as an integral volunteer for the association; key highlights include: support of Go Red For Women since its inception in 2004, national spokesperson, dedicated advocate in support of American Heart Association policy priorities, member of the affiliate-wide Advocacy Expert Panel, 2009 Heart of Higgins Award recipient and more.

Beatty joined the team at The Ohio State University after a historic tenure in state government. She made history in 2006 when she became the first-ever African-American female Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives’ Democratic Caucus. Ebony Magazine selected her as one of its 150 most powerful African-Americans in the nation in 2008.

Beatty, a Dayton native, holds a bachelor's degree in Speech from Central State University, a master's in Counseling Psychology from Wright State University, doctoral coursework and exams completed at the University of Cincinnati, and honorary Ph.D. degrees from Ohio Dominican University and Central State University, awarded to her as she delivered their commencement addresses. Beatty is also an accomplished businesswoman. She established Joyce Beatty & Associates, Inc., a management training company and she is proprietor of Pieces for Wear, a boutique in downtown Columbus..

Beatty is married to attorney and former State Representative Otto Beatty Jr. and stepmother to attorney Otto Beatty III and Judge Laurel Beatty. She enjoys boating, tennis, people, writing, swimming and cycling

On December 15th, the Philadelphia Board of Directors was pleased to present Theresa Conejo, RN, with the Great Rivers Affiliate Distinguished Achievement Award! As an nurse for the past 25 years and American Heart Association volunteer since 2007, Theresa’s personal and professional enthusiasm for the mission of the American Heart Association is infectious. Theresa has an amazing ability to influence legislators with the personal and professional connections she makes to AHA’s policies.


In addition to being an invaluable advocate, Theresa also uses her time and talents as a health educator. Her latest achievement? Helping spread the word about women and heart disease on National Wear Red Day when she appeared as a special guest on WNPV 1440 AM.

Theresa, congratulations on being the recipient of the 2008-2009 Distinguished Achievement Award!

On September 30th, I had the opportunity, as a volunteer, to participate in the American Heart Association’s FLY-IN day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. There were several reasons that I volunteered to participate for the Fly-In, and of course to be active with Grass Roots Advocacy. First of all, I have been involved with Healthcare in some form or another for approximately 13 years and I have been in constant contact with physicians, nurses, and patients. Daily, I hear testimonials of struggle and pain with the healthcare system and of course I have many personal stories of family toil with disease and strangulating medical bills.

My “Lobby Day” on Capitol Hill was a truly enlightening and rewarding experience. Some of you have had this experience before ( I would love to hear your stories) and in fact it was my second such visit over the last three years. I was the lone representative from the State of Kentucky for the Grassroots Advocacy of the American Heart Association, and I had the opportunity to converse, one on one, with my local Congressman, Ben Chandler, and with our Senator's Chief of Staff's on HealthCare. In these meetings I had discussions about Cardiovascular disease, financial impact, research and development, patient access, healthcare affordability and reform. Also, I had the opportunity to hear the position and stance from Health Care Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and I was involved in a Q&A with the White House's internal advisor on Health Care. From these meetings, I was able to gain their insight and perspective to bring back to the AHA and to my Territory.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to connect with and hear some amazing testimonials from patients and families affected by Cardiovascular Disease. I know that these Representatives hear from hundreds of constituents everyday, but I was, as a normal citizen, able to raise a few unknown points and peak some interest from a different perspective, the AHA perspective.

In conclusion, We, as constituents, as citizens, can affect change and our voices can be heard. Write the letters, make the calls, vote: Get involved; this is your country and your life.

Sincerely,

Matt Rudacille
AHA Volunteer

Len Ward, 26, a Louisville, Ky., freelance writer, was born with a rare condition called endocardial cushion defect. Fortunately, he’s been symptom-free since his second open-heart surgery at 8 years old.

Check out Len's view of Healthcare Reform!
http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/current.cfm
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Your parents still might be willing to do your laundry, but if you’re over 18, they can’t make your medical decisions. Are you ready to navigate the adult health care system?

Len Ward, 26, a Louisville, Ky., freelance writer, was born with a rare condition called endocardial cushion defect. Fortunately, he’s been symptom-free since his second open-heart surgery at 8 years old.

“I have a cardiologist,” Ward says. “He’s a children’s cardiologist but he’s well-versed in my condition. He’s the only one who knows that much about it. For the foreseeable future I will be sticking with these doctors.”

All too often, the health care system fails to keep up when children with chronic conditions reach adulthood, says Patience White, M.D., a professor of medicine and pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“It’s not unusual” for a 26-year-old to be with a medical condition to be without a medical home or age-appropriate health care, says White, who is chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation. Moreover, “the bulk of young American adults do not interface with the health care system during their adult years.”

So what’s wrong with that?

You Have Adult Health Needs

Emerging adults “may not have heart disease but they have risky behaviors,” says Angela Diaz, M.D., medical director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. Young adulthood is a time for “safe experimentation,” but in fact, common not-so-safe behaviors include unprotected sex, substance abuse, violence and preventable injuries.
Regular screenings can pick up problems that would otherwise progress unrecognized and untreated.

“I didn’t have insurance in college; I was fortunate not to get sick,” recalls Ebonie Williams, a social worker in Manassas City, Va. But that was then: “Now I have a limited form of lupus; it was just diagnosed last summer.”

You might need to get your lifestyle in synch. Obesity rates for young adults are skyrocketing. Balanced nutrition also can be a problem if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. Maybe you want to quit smoking, but find you can’t do it alone.

What the System Offers

The Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services say that check-ups should include blood pressure and BMI monitoring along with a comprehensive exam with cholesterol tests, STD screening, and for women, Pap smears. Providers can make sure tattoos or piercing sites are intact and infection-free.

Older teens are “wonderful health care consumers,” Diaz says. “For instance, we have a 24-hour on-call doctor. The kids use this appropriately, they don’t abuse it.”

A the Mount Sinai Center, 10,000 New York City teens and young adults have access to free “mental health, reproductive care, primary and acute care, and specialty care: for obesity, eating disorders, Gay/Lesbian health issues, interpersonal violence, and pregnancy prevention and treatment,” Diaz says.

Inevitably, though, comes the time to cut the apron strings. At the Sinai center, “the official age is 10 to 22,” Diaz says. “Sometimes they don’t want to go.”

Bridge to Adulthood

Young women who seek out birth control providers may also find unexpected resources. “More and more women are turning to Planned Parenthood for basic health care, from contraception to pelvic exams to cancer screenings,” says Cecile Richards, the federation president, adding that the “health centers are obviously a critical entry point into the health care system for millions of Americans.

Another “bridge” might be the military health system; for others, it’s college.

The University of Maryland Health Center in College Park serves a student body of 37,000 strong. Kelly Kesler, MS, CHES, is assistant director of health promotion at the health center, which includes a women’s health center, mental health unit and an urgent care clinic as well as an orthopedic surgeon onsite once a week.

Between freshman and senior year, students do pick up patient skills, Kesler says.

Some health visit basics they might not have known: “Okay, you can’t just walk in and they’re going to see you right now. You need to make an appointment,” Kesler says. Or at the pharmacy, “some student had never had to bring in their own prescriptions. Some aren’t sure of the difference between a generic and name-brand medication.”

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of prevention: learning stress-management techniques now, basics like sleep hygiene,” Kesler says. Above all, college health care “is an opportunity for students to learn about advocating for themselves.”

Skills for the Heath-Savvy

Although you seldom see adult patients in pediatric practices, it still “is a shock when a youth and their family learn that they cannot continue to be seen by their pediatrician,” White says. “The fact that there’s no posted policy that warns you that you will have to move on to an adult health care provider is amazing.”

The transition process “is pretty straightforward,” she says. “You need to know how to communicate about your medical condition and what to do to stay healthy, have a copy of your medical record, know how to make a doctor’s appointment and get your prescriptions. You should learning these skills at 13 and have a transition plan by age 14.”

Yet some 25-year-olds might not be able to say with confidence (1) “I know my medication and dosages,” (2) “I know when to call my health provider to report a change in illness status” and (3) “I have an emergency plan.”

Can you fill in the blanks about your family medical history? Could you locate your medical records? Could your kids?

“I believe my current cardiologist has all my medical records,” Len Ward says. He doesn’t sound too sure. “I wouldn’t know where to start,” says Ebonie Williams.

Taking control of your medical record doesn’t have to be a big deal, White says: “I just discuss what’s in it and give it to kids on a flash drive; you just download it. They just put it on their computer. I ask them to keep it in a secure place where it stays confidential.”

Hard Times, Hard on Your Health

In light of his self-employment and preexisting condition, Len Ward considers health insurance a lost cause. “I’m always thinking, ‘when is the other shoe going to drop?’” he says.

“This age need access and services but are least likely to get it,” Diaz says. “This really needs to be looked at in health care reform.”

Shani Muhayman, 28, is currently unemployed. She budgets “severely” to keep health insurance through COBRA. “It costs $374 a month,” she says. “It’s a bit much to afford that and rent and everything else.” She’s hopes to find a job in the Washington, D.C., school system before her coverage runs out.

According to a recent Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, “young adults in the 19 to 24 and the 25 to 29 age groups were at greatest risk of being uninsured, with over a third without health insurance.”

Advises White, “Look at your parent’s insurance; find out how long you’re covered, or if you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which often includes health insurance. These are two options to research.”

Youthful Plusses

A spirit of independence and advocacy can serve you well.

As a new college graduate, Muhayman recalls, “I applied for work at a nonprofit. I asked about health insurance and was told they did not offer it at the time." So she negotiated: “As a condition for me to get the job, I said I would be willing to begin the process of looking for health insurance” for the organization. They took her up on the offer.

Although Len Ward wryly advises peers: “don’t be a freelance comic book writer; have a better plan than I did,” things are looking up, with his first book due to come out in November. He recently went to Capitol Hill with the American Heart Association to lobby for health care reform, and just returned from a yearly gig as a counselor at a camp for kids with heart conditions.

Idealism and resilience are important attributes, here’s another:

“Students have an advantage over older folks like us,” Kesler says. “They are very much attuned to health technology. They visit respected health consumer Web sites, they can use their iPhones as pedometers and they can use a variety of apps to track their health” online.

It’s awards season in the Commonwealth; a time for us to pause to recognize those extraordinary policy makers and volunteers whose dedication makes it possible for us to continue to fight heart disease and stroke in Kentucky.

We were pleased to present Senate President Pro Tempore Katie Stine of Southgate and Representative Addia Wuchner of Burlington each with the “You’re the Cure Legislator of the Year” award for their policy work in fighting childhood obesity.

We were also delighted to present Dr. Creighton Wright with the 2009 Great Rivers Affiliated Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Wright is a longtime volunteer-advocate who has helped time and time again to move public health policy in both Kentucky and Ohio. Whether at the local level on smoke-free air, at the state level on tobacco prevention efforts or the federal level on funding for heart disease and stroke research and healthcare reform, Creighton has always been an outstanding advocate.

Linda Ball, a longtime volunteer and Lexington board member, received the 2009 Kentucky You’re the Cure Volunteer of the Year award. Linda, a heart disease survivor herself, has been a strong proponent for cardiovascular research funding. Over the last couple of years, she has shared her story with lawmakers in both Frankfort and in Washington, D.C.

Thank you, Linda and Creighton, for your continued commitment to helping advance the mission of the American Heart Association!

You’re the Cure “Legislators of the Year,”
Senator Katie Stine and
Representative Addia Wuchner.




Kentucky You’re the Cure “Volunteer
of the Year,” Linda Ball.







Dr. Creighton Wright receives the AHA
Great Rivers Affiliate Distinguished
Service Award

As a former Ohio school superintendent with a lifelong commitment to the education and well-being of Ohio’s children, Jim Bischoff has been a longtime friend to the American Heart Association and is truly a “super” advocate.


As a survivor himself, Jim’s enthusiasm for improving the heart-health of Ohio has become his personal passion and, wherever there is a need, he is there. From testifying before legislative committees to attending state lobby days, from joining us on Capitol Hill each year to calling and meeting with his lawmakers on a routine basis, Jim’s persistence and dedication has been key to many of our advocacy successes in the Buckeye state.

“Jim is more than a great volunteer for the American Heart Association. He is our partner,” said Ohio Advocacy Director, Cresha Auck. “Jim understands the impact of policy change. He asks questions and does whatever he can to make a difference with a ‘can-do’ attitude!”

We can’t thank Jim enough for his dedication to improving the heart-health of Ohio!

You're the Cure: Testimonials from the Great Rivers Affiliate

Who is part of You're the Cure? What do they think about advocacy? What is their favorite part of advocating on behalf of heart disease and stroke? Find out with this great video of some of our top advocates in action! Hear it in their own words! Heart disease and stroke. You're the Cure!

She used her platform as a newspaper publisher to write about her experience, hoping it would help others. And it did. As a survivor herself, Teresa “wants to do all that I can to make sure that other women don't ignore symptoms and get help. And I want to help point out that even young women can be struck down with heart disease.” We are certainly grateful for Teresa’s dedication to fighting the No. 1 killer in the nation!