Thank You to Our Volunteers

More Evidence on Smoking in the Workplace.

A recent poll released on November 16th, 2009 reported that the majority of smokers worldwide support smoking bans in the workplace. The survey was conducted by RTI International and Harris Interactive.

They surveyed some 3,500 employees who smoke and more than 1,400 employers, in 14 counties. They ask about workplace smoking and smoking cessation. The study shows nearly three fouths of smoking employees and nearly 90 percent of employers express that the workplace should be smoke-free.

The survey, sponsored by Pfizer, found employees thought that they spend an average of one hour a day smoking at work and 70 percent did not think it had a negative financial impact on their work place. But about half of the employers stated they did believe that smoking had a negative financial impact on their company.

Anthony Flecther, M.D, Honored for Work on Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission

Dr. Anthony Fletcher, a local cardiologist, Past President of the American Heart Association South Central Affiliate Board of Directors, and Past Chair of the Central Arkansas Board for the Association was honored on Wednesday, October 28th. Fletcher was honored for his service as a founding member of the Arkansas State Tobacco Commission and has served for the past eight years. The Commission was formed when the state began receiving dollars from the Master Tobacco Settlement lawsuit.



Also honored were General Bill Lefler, D.D.S. who served as the Chair of the Commission and Dr. Omar Atiq of the Cancer Institute. All three were honored at the luncheon held at Trapnell Hall in Little Rock. Each were founding members of the Commission that has the task of oversite for the seven components of the state programs set forth in Initiated Act 1 0f 2000.



Honoring Fletcher - Aaron Black, Executive Director of the Tobacco Settlement Commission for Arkansas

Little Rock Prepares for “Fight of Our Life” Against Stroke Tour

Kirk Franklin Fight of Our Life Health Tour

The “Fight of Our Life Health Tour” is a seven-city concert tour that will land in Little Rock on Sunday, October 25 at the North Shore River Walk during Central Arkansas’ Cityfest with Luis Palau. In each tour city, the American Heart Association held auditions for local Gospel artists or groups to either perform with Franklin or be his opening act. Local gospel group “True Praise” was chosen to perform with Franklin. Also scheduled to appear at CityFest are gospel artists: Truby, Anthony Evans, Craig Morgan, Toby Mac, Living Sacrifice, Bread of Stone, Seventh Day Slumber, Newsboys and Cayerio.

Cityfest will also feature world-class skateboarders, BMX team riders, X-Games freestyle motocross demos, even surf shows and a Family fun Zone for youth. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among African-Americans. The African- American population has almost twice the risk of suffering first-ever strokes as compared to Whites, and African-Americans ages 35-54 have four times the relative risk of stroke.

To increase awareness and educate the African-American community about their risk, Grammy award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has teamed up with The American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke Movement to launch the “Fight of Our Life Health Tour.” The theme is taken from Franklin’s 2007 album “The Fight of My Life” and uses the hit single “Declaration” as the underlying message of the campaign.

“Stroke is a serious health issue that is claiming the lives of our loved ones and we’re bringing increased awareness to help stop this devastation in our communities,” says Kirk Franklin. “I have teamed up with the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke Movement to bring the Fight of Our Life Health Tour. We’ll have concerts in seven cities with the hopes of empowering people and educating them about how to take control of their health. It’s time to stand up and do something about the thousands of people who are dying every year from stroke.” At each stop, thousands of concert-goers will hear an empowering message through the music, and Franklin will personally ask them to take the “pledge”—to make a declaration to take control of their health, reduce their risk for stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.

“Stroke is a devastating and pervasive disease in our community, yet we have not done enough to educate and facilitate prevention,” said Senator Tracy Steele, Stroke Health Ambassador. “Partnering with Kirk Franklin will expand awareness and hopefully motivate us to change our behaviors. He is an anointed lyricist and musician who has an amazing way of connecting with people. And he walks the talk – practicing a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise.”
About Cityfest and the Luis Palau AssociationCityFest is the wrap-up celebration of the Season of Service, a partnership with municipalities, churches and agencies to serve the needs of homelessness, families in need, health and wellness, education and neighborhood revitalization.

Produced by the Oregon-based Luis Palau Association in partnership with hundreds of local churches, businesses and individuals. Palau Festivals are faith-based celebrations featuring national recording artists, world-class action sports demonstrations, and activities for kids, teens and families. Since 1999, more than 8 million people have attended Palau festivals on four continents.

About Kirk Franklin: Kirk Franklin is the biggest selling Contemporary Gospel artist in the history of SoundScan, with over 14 million albums sold to date and over 20 #1 singles at Gospel radio. Franklin changed musical history in 1993 with the release of his debut album, KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE FAMILY, the first Gospel album to sell more than one million units. Franklin’s latest CD, THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE, was awarded two 2009 GRAMMY® Awards for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song for “Help Me Believe.” It follows his previous, RIAA-certified platinum CD, HERO, which remained in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts for close to two years after its release. To date, the musical trendsetter has garnered 7 GRAMMY Awards; an American Music Award; 35 Stellar Awards (gospel); 12 Dove Awards (CCM); 4 NAACP Awards; 2 BET Music Awards, a Soul Train Award and numerous others. In March 2009, Franklin resumed hosting the second season of the BET original series, SUNDAY BEST. The entrepreneur not only serves as host of the program, the channel's nationwide search for the next best gospel artist, but co-executive produces the series. A devoted husband, Franklin and his wife Tammy have been happily married for 13 years and are proud parents of four children.

Heart Attack Rates Drop after Smoking Bans Become Law

Heart attack rates drop after smoking bans implemented and continue downward over time
Please take a look at this story about a recent study on smoke-free air laws. We have known for sometime that smoke-free laws reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. But now from this recent study we know reduced exposure to secondhand smoke will reduce heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer over the long term. However, more and more studies are showing that communities that pass smoke-free laws are seeing an immediate and significant reduction in heart attacks after the laws go into effect.


Check out this recent study published on September 21, 2009.

Click on this link to read article. http://bit.ly/123rbu

Volunteers visit with Senator Mark Pryor On Healthcare Reform

Past President of the Central Arkansas Board of Directors, Dr. Russell Melchert, and Barbara Kumpe, Government Relations Director for Arkansas visited with Senator Mark Pryor during the August Recess for Congress. Dr. Melchert was able to present the Association key messages for Healthcare rreform for the Association. They are:

• Avalibility - healthcare for everyone



• Affordable - healthcare regardless of age, gender or any other factors



• Adequate - healthcare for all Americans regardless of prior health problems



• Understandable - provide better, more easily understandable information about their heatlh insurance benefits, cost and quality.,

Pryor was also presented messages from volunteers across the state for his support of the HEART for Women Act of which he was a co-sponsor.

Arkansas Celebrate Third Anniversary of Smoke-Free Air!

Barbara Kumpe-Government Relations Director speakers to supporters

On July 21st volunteers from across the state came together to celebrate the third anniversary of the state’s Clean Indoor Air Law. The law was passed in a special session of the Arkansas Legislature and signed into law by then Governor Mike Huckabee in April of 2006.

The law requires all public places to be smoke free. Juniata’s, a local Mexican restaurant in downtown Little Rock hosted the event and according to the manager they have and continue to enjoy a smoke free venue for the employees and customers. The restaurant and bar are a local music venue and from all indications going smoke free has been a good thing for performers, customers and employees.

What is your favorite smoke-free restaurant in the state? Tell us below in the comments section...personally I’m a fan of Just Like Mom’s in Sherwood.