A new study reported that young adults that suffered strokes were often smokers or had abused drugs and alcohol in their lifetime.
Conducted in Ohio and Kentucky, the findings indicated that long term damage to the heart, blood, and arteries resulted from heavy drug use or drinking and put substance abusers at a higher than average risk earlier in life.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 800,000
people in the United States have a stroke every year, and strokes are the most
common cause of serious long-term disability. One study of 2007 data found that
almost five percent of people who had a stroke that year were between ages 18
and 44."
The current study included people from Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
who'd had a stroke before they hit 55.
Dr. Brett Kissela from the
University of Cincinnati and his colleagues reviewed medical charts for blood or
urine test results or other records of substance abuse for close to 1,200 stroke
patients.
In 2005, the most recent year covered, just over half of
younger adults who suffered a stroke were smokers at the time, and one in five
used illicit drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. Thirteen percent of people
had used drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of their stroke, according to findings
published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.
"The rate of
substance abuse, particularly illicit drug abuse, is almost certainly an
underestimate because toxicology screens were not obtained on all patients,"
said Dr. Steven Kittner, a professor of neurology at the University of Maryland
School of Medicine in Baltimore who also wasn't part of the research
team.
"It's certainly underreported," he told Reuters Health.
The
rate of smoking, drug use and alcohol abuse - defined as three or more drinks
per day - seemed to increase among stroke patients between the mid-1990s and the
mid-2000s.
But Kissela and his team said they can't be sure whether more
people were actually using those substances or doctors were just getting better
at testing for and recording drug abuse.
The study also can't prove that
patients' drug or alcohol use directly contributed to their strokes. It's
possible, for example, that people who abuse drugs also see their doctors less
often or engage in other risky behaviors that increase their chance of stroke,
Josephson explained.
He said the study emphasizes the importance of
learning and quickly recognizing the signs of a stroke - such as weakness on one
side of the body and dizziness - even for young people. Some treatments can only
be used during a short "window of opportunity" after the stroke.
"We see
patients all the time who have symptoms that are classic for a stroke and
those symptoms are not recognized as being stroke symptoms because of the idea
that, รข€˜Well, that's something that happens only to older people,'" he
said.
Source: The Chicago Tribune
Friday, November 30, 2012
UDETC Offers Free Training Courses
FREE TRAINING COURSES
The Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center is offering FREE distance traning opportunities that provide local neighorhoods with useful information on best practices to address the serious problem of underage drinking. Current courses include:
Conducting Compliance Check OperationsThis four-hour online training provides basic guidelines and operational
information on reducing sales of alcohol to underage purchasers through
compliance investigations of alcohol retailers. The course presents rationales
for carrying out these investigations and emphasizes the importance of reducing
youth access to alcohol thereby reducing youth related crime in the community
and improving the quality of life.
Environmental StrategiesThis two-hour online training is designed to increase the participant's skill
level and understanding of environmental prevention practices and share
effective strategies for States, Territories, and/or communities to address
alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems from an environmental standpoint.
Party Prevention and Controlled Party Dispersal -
New!This 6-hour training discusses the role of enforcement and community agencies in
preventing underage drinking parties and safely dispersing them when they do
occur. It describes the problem of underage drinking in general and youth
drinking parties in particular. This course recognizes that to be successful,
any underage drinking strategy must be supported by law enforcement, the
judiciary and the community. Consequently, this course examines not only the
mechanics of successful controlled party dispersal operations, but also how
controlled party dispersal is part of a larger effort to focus investigations,
change community perceptions and promote joint law enforcement and community
efforts. This course includes information on conducting controlled party
dispersal operations, legal strategies, marketing and media and police –
community roles and relationships.
The UDETC offers a wide array of information, resources, and funding opportunities to assist local communities address the issues and consequences associated with underage alcohol consumption....be sure to check it out.
The Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center is offering FREE distance traning opportunities that provide local neighorhoods with useful information on best practices to address the serious problem of underage drinking. Current courses include:
The UDETC offers a wide array of information, resources, and funding opportunities to assist local communities address the issues and consequences associated with underage alcohol consumption....be sure to check it out.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Branding + Fundraising = SUCCESS!!
Our friends at Big Duck are hosting an upcoming "Bagels at Big Duck" workshop entitled, "Brandraise to Fundraise".
This topic discusses how communities can use their brand identity to help improve fundraising campaigns.
When: Thursday, December 6, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Where: Big Duck, 20 Jay Street, Brooklyn 11201
Cost: $40.00
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Overview: Campaigns are always an opportunity to emotionally connect with your community, and your brand should be the foundation of any fundraising effort.
Ready to explore how branding and fundraising go hand in hand, but not sure where to begin?
Explore how to speak with a single voice across all channels of communication, learn how your brand will strengthen future fundraising campaigns, and enjoy some bagels and coffee.
IS IT TIME TO RETHINK YOUR WEBSITE?
REMINDER: Big Duck will also be presenting our upcoming workshop, "Is It Time to Rethink Your Website?"
When:Thursday, January 17th, 2013.
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Cost: FREE
This presentation offers a a guide to understanding how websites have changed over time; discuss the benefits and drawbacks of redesigning your site; and learn about the features necessary to make your website useful and relevant to your target audience.
REGISTER TODAY.
This topic discusses how communities can use their brand identity to help improve fundraising campaigns.
When: Thursday, December 6, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Where: Big Duck, 20 Jay Street, Brooklyn 11201
Cost: $40.00
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Overview: Campaigns are always an opportunity to emotionally connect with your community, and your brand should be the foundation of any fundraising effort.
Ready to explore how branding and fundraising go hand in hand, but not sure where to begin?
Explore how to speak with a single voice across all channels of communication, learn how your brand will strengthen future fundraising campaigns, and enjoy some bagels and coffee.
IS IT TIME TO RETHINK YOUR WEBSITE?
REMINDER: Big Duck will also be presenting our upcoming workshop, "Is It Time to Rethink Your Website?"
When:Thursday, January 17th, 2013.
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Cost: FREE
This presentation offers a a guide to understanding how websites have changed over time; discuss the benefits and drawbacks of redesigning your site; and learn about the features necessary to make your website useful and relevant to your target audience.
REGISTER TODAY.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Partnership for a Healthier NYC - Neighborhood Grants
NOVEMBER 26, 2012. The Fund for Public Health in NYC on behalf of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) and the Partnership for Healthier New York City
released a Request For Proposals to support local neighborhoods in the
development and implementation of community-wide environmental strategies that
address issues of:
Healthy Eating:
In collaboration with the Borough Lead Organization for the Neighborhood Contractor applicant’s borough, work to develop and implement evidence-based/evidence-informed, environmentally impactful and scalable projects that will result in the availability of healthier food options and reductions in unhealthy foods/beverages and/or portion sizes to a significant portion of the neighborhood’s residents.
Alcohol:
In collaboration with the Borough Lead Organization for the Neighborhood Contractor applicant’s borough, engage at least 10 community stakeholders (schools, youth groups, faith-based institutions, etc.) to facilitate learning and discussion about alcohol and its impact on their communities.
Tobacco:
In collaboration with the Borough Lead Organization for the Neighborhood Contractor applicant’s borough and the NYC Coalition for a Smoke Free City, work with property managers, tenants, and others on adoption of voluntary smoke-free policies by housing entities reaching one (1) to two (2) multi-unit buildings (containing a minimum of 30 units total).
Active Living:
In collaboration with the Borough Lead Organization for the Neighborhood Contractor applicant’s borough, actively support at least one built environment project to improve active recreation opportunities, active transportation and/or stair use/active movement through buildings.
Amount: $300,000 to no more than 30 organizations ($10,000
each) to fund activities within each domain area.
Deadline: December 17th at 3:00pm
DOWNLOAD RFP HERE
Timeline:
EVENT | DATE |
Release of Request for Proposals | November 19, 2012 |
Inquiry Period | November 19-November 27, 2012 |
Questions Due to lnguyen@fphny.org (questions received after this date will not be answered) |
November 27, 2012 at 10:00 am |
Pre-proposal Meeting Partnership for a Healthier New York City 40 Worth Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10013 Conference Room 5.2 and 5.3 Advance registration is required. Register by contacting Lnguyen@fphny.org by Tuesday, November 27th. For those that cannot join in person, a conference call option will be made available. Call-in number: 866-213-1863 Access code: 6381139 |
November 30, 2012 at 10 am |
Answers posted at http://fphny.org/whatsnew/rfps |
December 7, 2012 |
Deadline for receipt of proposals (late proposals will not be accepted) |
December 17, 2012 at 3:00 pm |
Notice of Award | January 22, 2013 |
Anticipated Contract Start Date | February 18, 2013 |
Non-awarded applicants are notified | March 4, 2013 |
Due date for last activity/deliverable of contract | September 15, 2013 |
Contract End Date | September 29, 2013 |
Creating Your Coalition Identity (VIDEO)
A major step for all community partnerships to achieve is the creation of a solid brand identity. Developing a recognizable brand allows groups to connect to their audience and promote their values and message to the masses.
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America put together a fantastic 1 hour program to help neighborhoods learn about creating their own unique identity....check it out!
Creating Your Coalition Identity....VIEW HERE
Love Your Block RFA - Due November 30th
Here is a great funding opportunity for local neighborhoods.....
Location: NYC Service
253 Broadway, 8th Fl
New York, NY 10007
Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to get through security.
We look forward to reading your application!
Best,
NYC Service
Love Your Block (LYB) is a special partnership between NYC Service and Citizens Committee for New York City that provides a unique opportunity for city residents to transform and beautify their neighborhoods and leverage City services. Resident-led volunteer groups (grantees) receive a grant of $1,000 to transform a city block. LYB grantees also receive project-planning and community-building assistance, as well as assistance with local media coverage for the project.
_________________________________________
The deadline for this year’s Love Your Block grants is Friday,
November 30th.
NYC Service and Citizens
Committee for New York City’s Love Your
Block grant program is inviting volunteer-led neighborhood groups from across
the city to run projects in the Spring that will transform their blocks and help
beautify New York City.
If you intend to apply for a grant, please
make sure all of your materials are in by this date (please click here for
application materials).
If you have any questions about the application
process, please do not hesitate to contact Ayodele Oti via email
at aoti@cityhall.nyc.gov, or via telephone at
212-442-7652.
Also, NYC Service and Citizens Committee for New York
City are hosting a Grant Application Information Session tomorrow
(November 27th) from 6pm to 8pm. To RSVP, please
contact Wilfredo Florentino at
wflorentino@citizensnyc.org
Location: NYC Service
253 Broadway, 8th Fl
New York, NY 10007
Note: Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to get through security.
We look forward to reading your application!
Best,
NYC Service
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Transformation (The Floyd Taylor Story) - Part 2
This is a 3 part series detailing
the story of Floyd Taylor, a youth member of the
Forward South Bronx Coalition.
Forward South Bronx Coalition.
by Cedric McClester
There’s
a saying that is apropos right here. “No one cares how much you know,
until they know how much you care.” Eventually, Floyd was introduced to
the then executive director of SFI, Mr. Jose Ferrer who took Floyd under his
wing and introduced him to what he called “mirror therapy”. Mirror
therapy calls for an individual to do some serious introspection, as if looking
in a mirror. It also requires the individual to ask themselves questions,
like where am I now, and where would I like to be, and what do I have to do to
get there? Floyd is a testament to the effectiveness of mirror
therapy. Since undergoing Mr. Ferrer’s mirror therapy, Floyd has grown leaps
and bounds. He is highly regarded at SFI, where he is now employed as a summer
youth worker and serves as an inspiration to other potential winners.
Thanks
to the largesse of the Prevention Resource Center (PRC), Floyd was recently
offered a unique opportunity. He was given a scholarship to the recently
concluded CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) 2012, 11th
Annual Mid-Year Training Institute, held in Nashville, Tennessee.
This year’s theme was, “Ticket To Community Change” As
originally scheduled, Floyd was to be accompanied by Cedric McClester, the SFI
staffer that serves in the capacity as Convener/ Chairperson of the Forward
South Bronx Coalition. Due to his mother’s emergency surgery, which put her
in the intensive care unit of the hospital, McClester had to cancel his travel
plans. This presented both the Forward South Bronx Coalition and the PRC
with an interesting dilemma. The question was, should Floyd attend the
CADCA training institute unaccompanied, knowing he had never been to an event
of that nature before, in addition to never having flown? Where one
might have expected Floyd to be crestfallen at the news that Mr. McClester
would be unable to attend, Floyd remained upbeat about the prospect of still
going.
Clearly,
the mirror therapy worked. Both Mr. Ferrer and Mr. McClester coached
Floyd on travel arrangements and what to expect when he got there. He was
instructed that if he ran into any difficulty to contact either, day or
night. Floyd called when he was boarding the airplane and also upon his
arrival.
That
was the last either of them heard from Floyd until his return.
End of Part
Two
About the Contributing
Blogger
Cedric McClester is the Director of Community Relations
for SFI (formerly Sports Foundation, Inc.). Sports Foundation Inc. is a social
service organization that provides free counseling, sports, health and education
programs and activities for today's youth. He is also the coordinator of the
Forward South Bronx Coalition. The vision of the Forward South Bronx Coalition
(FSBC) is to create a culture within the South Bronx that promotes healthy
living, hopefulness, and connectedness within the community to instill a sense
of present and future possibilities.
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