Newsletter Feature - MD

We are pleased to announce the American Heart Association’s Lobby Day in Maryland, on February 7^th in Annapolis!

“Doubt is our Product” is a quote from a former tobacco executive in 1969. Tobacco companies have tried to sew doubt into the minds of Americans for decades. They want you to doubt that their products are harmful to your health. They want you to ignore that the World Health Organization says smokers are likely more vulnerable to severe and potentially life-threatening cases of COVID-19. They want you to forget that they have a history of marketing flavored tobacco, including menthol to communities of color.

“Doubt is our Product” is a quote from a former tobacco executive in 1969. Tobacco companies have tried to sew doubt into the minds of Americans for decades. They want you to doubt that their products are harmful to your health.

This legislative session has seen some highs and lows in Maryland for heart health issues. Here are some of the highlights, lowlights, and where we still need your help.

Water plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Drinking water supports muscles, joints, and tissues; improves the digestive system; and keeps bodies hydrated. This is vital to the well being of children and their growth. Drinking water helps with learning as well. If a child is well hydrated, they can see better results in their efforts in school. Staying well hydrated helps improve short-term memory, fine motor skills, and visual attention – all things that help the success of kids in the classroom and beyond.  But- how kids hydrate also matters.

Our mission is to be a relentless force for a heart-healthy world—and we cannot do it without you. So, we have a request, and this one is simple.

We are hoping you can change some HEARTS and minds.

Do you have a connection with a local legislator, school board member, state representative, state senator, member of Congress, or anyone with government influence? If so, you may be the best channel to influence their HEARTS by advocating with yours.

As we begin the holiday season, so too do we begin the start of all our favorite yummy, cozy, tasty treats that we all love and sometimes wait all season to enjoy. But, this is also a time where we can get off track with our goals of making healthier food choices. This is all the more difficult when access to healthier foods is a struggle. Here are some tips for how you can have a heart healthier holiday season – and help ensure others have a good shot at one too.

Now that kids are returning to school, it’s a good time to think about how we can support their healthier eating habits while making sure the choices available are not only good for them, but what they’ll actually eat!

Access to healthier foods can be difficult for many families and children in rural communities and cities who don’t live close to any store with fresh produce and if they do, then the quality might also make it a barrier. This is why we are working to support programs that help children and families access healthier foods. Programs like produce RX, where doctors prescribe healthier foods for families, and they can receive them free at participating stores. Or supporting the expansion of food assistance for families that need it most. During our worst moments the past couple of years, we learned how many people are really facing food insecurity. If we can help make it easier to access healthy foods, then we can give children and families a better opportunity for longer, healthier lives.

Are you looking for more ways to be active and getting around your community? The good news is that all residents have the right to ask their local governments to pass the Complete Streets policy.  When communities pass Complete Streets, streets will include bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps. These roadway features increase accessibility to schools, parks, and playgrounds for all residents, improving everyone’s health by making it easier and safer to be active.