Washington, U.S.A — Trace Adkins, award-winning country music star, will compete on behalf of the American Red Cross during Donald Trump’s “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” on NBC. Adkins is a recent addition to the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and his family was helped by the organization after a fire. He was also recently named as the organization’s spokesperson for the 2012 Holiday Giving Campaign, encouraging people to “give something that means something” this holiday season.

“When my home was claimed by fire last year, Red Cross volunteers were among the first on-site,” Adkins said. “They looked after my family when I couldn’t be there and offered help. We were fortunate because we could replace the things we lost but that’s not always the case for every disaster victim. That’s when the Red Cross steps in. I am supporting the mission of the Red Cross and hope to help them reach more people in need,” Adkins said.

Adkins, a long-time supporter of members of the U.S. Armed forces, recently recorded several radio PSAsfor the organization’s Holiday Mail for Heroes program with his new song, “Tough People Do,” which will appear on his upcoming album on Show Dog-Universal (release date and title to be announced). People are encouraged to send holiday cards through the program and the Red Cross will distribute them to veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world.

“We are excited and very grateful that Trace Adkins’ will be playing ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’ on behalf of the American Red Cross,” said Red Cross President and CEO Gail J. McGovern. “We appreciate Trace’s remarkable commitment to the Red Cross and those we serve.”

Adkins, who, in addition to being a multi-platinum country music singer, is also an actor and author, will join 13 other business-savvy celebrity contestants to compete with the goal of raising money and awareness for their charity of choice. The last person standing will be chosen as the All-Star Celebrity Apprentice and will have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to his or her designated charity. Last season, “The Celebrity Apprentice” raised $3.1 million for charity, a record amount for the show. “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” will air Sundays on NBC in 2013.

Please visit the official show site for more details.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org .

Image Courtesy of  Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

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California’s attempt to raise the cigarette tax by $1.00 failed by less than a percentage point. 50.3 percent opposed the tax and 49.7 supported it. Proposition 29 planned to use the money generated from the tax to fund cancer research and anti-smoking programs, as well as replenish funds for anti-smoking campaigns.  The hope was to raise around $700 million per year.

The initiative would raise the tax to $1.87 per pack, only the 16^th highest in the country. However, raising taxes in other states, such as New York, has effectively lowered the amount of cigarettes bought, especially by young people. Medical News Today reports “Each ten percent increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by about seven percent.” Officials speculated that the tax would lower youth smoking by 13.7 percent, along with convincing thousands of others to quit smoking, and a larger number never to start.

A previous cigarette tax, Proposition 86, which would have raised the tax by $2.60 per pack, was defeated in 2006. The tax has not been raised since 2000, holding the cigarette tax at $.87 for twelve years.

According to Balletpedia.org, supporters included Lance Armstrong and the Livestrong Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association and others. Opponents included the California Taxpayers Association, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, FreedomWorks and Americans for Prosperity.

Phillip Morris led the Tobacco Companies on a massive campaign against the initiative, pumping millions of dollars into advertising that dropped support from two-thirds in March to less than half during the ballot reading on June 5.

According to the LA Times, Morris and his company conducted a classic “red herring” technique, diverting the attention away from the beneficial effects of the initiative and drew attention to where the money was going to go. They claim the goal of Proposition 29 is too narrow, and won’t solve many of the problems that California currently faces, such as a lack of funding for schools and roads. The Tobacco companies argued that cancer is only a small problem in comparison and that the money should be used in other ways to help the state.

Teresa Casazza of the California Taxpayers Association, said “Proposition 29’s good intentions are overshadowed by the fact that California simply cannot afford another billion-dollar government boondoggle to create another wasteful spending program.”

A majority of Californians support the tax for the obvious benefits, but enough were swayed by the opposing campaign to stop the law from passing.

Armstrong told the New York Times, “the defeat of this life saving initiative is a genuine tragedy. Big Tobacco lied to voters to protect its profits and spend $50 million to ensure it can continue peddling its deadly products to California kids.”

There is no doubt that the debate will continue with the next election and a new proposition in the hope of lowering the number of cigarette smokers.

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Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.

The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.

At BeSmartBeWell.com, real-life kids, like Maya, share their stories. Maya was only 5 years old when her family learned she had dangerously high triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood; having too much increases the risk for heart disease. By making changes to her diet and encouraging her to be active, Maya’s family helped her lower her triglycerides and improve her heart health.

“Fatness hurts your heart. If your heart is hurt, you won’t live that long,” says Maya in a video on the site. “I don’t want to be unhealthy and I’d rather have this diet than get those high triglycerides again.”

The alarming numbers

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated one out of every three kids in the United States is overweight or obese. It’s not that hard to understand how they got there. Kids can be picky eaters. Like most kids her age, Maya preferred pizza and chicken nuggets to fruits and vegetables, and her parents didn’t realize the health risks of this kind of diet.

But the consequences of an unhealthy diet can be significant. A recent study published in the journal Obesity showed that overweight kids are more likely to have high cholesterol, which is associated with higher heart-disease risk in adulthood.

“Type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides, high cholesterol–these used to be considered old people problems and we are seeing them in little kids,” says David Thoele, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist and one of the experts featured on BeSmartBeWell.com.

What can I do about it?

BeSmartBeWell.com/Childhood-Obesity provides practical information to help parents understand the health risks of childhood obesity. Produced by the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer, in collaboration with medical experts and national health organizations, BeSmartBeWell.com features:

• Life stories of real kids who are managing weight issues
• Interviews with parents who provide practical tips for getting kids to eat healthy
• Practical videos featuring leading health experts
• Reputable resources and links for more information
• Childhood obesity news and updates
• Health quizzes

At the site, visitors can also register for the monthly Spotlight Newsletter and News Alerts for in-depth articles and breaking news on childhood obesity and other important health topics.

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According to the American Heart Association, ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. That’s why The Quaker Oats Company, is encouraging women to take just five minutes a day to do something good for their hearts during American Heart Month through the “Nourish What Counts” campaign.

To support heart disease awareness and elevate the importance of preventative lifestyle changes for women, “Nourish What Counts” provides simple, proactive steps to help women eat healthy, become more active, take the quick American Heart Association “My Life Check” risk assessment and join the Go Red For Women movement.

Recent figures from the American Heart Association estimate that eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six American women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat, representing a significant disconnect between women’s beliefs about their heart health status – and reality.

“With the growing incidence of heart disease, it’s important now more than ever to help women make simple lifestyle changes,” said Andrew Sutherland, Senior Director of Marketing, Quaker Foods & Snacks North America. “For more than a century, Quaker has been committed to nourishing America’s families with heart-healthy whole grain oats, and we’re proud to help raise awareness with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.”

Throughout February, American Heart Month, QuakerOats.com will feature multiple ways people can start making changes in just five minutes. Nutrition tips, heart healthy recipes and exclusive fitness routines from Quaker Coach Bob Harper are also available. A sneak peek of tips includes:

• Eat heart healthy meals: You don’t have to go on an extreme diet to be more heart-healthy. Replace some of the refined grains you eat with whole grains. Start making the change at breakfast by eating 100% whole grain Quaker Oatmeal.Three grams of soluble fiber daily from oatmeal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Old Fashioned Quaker Oatmeal provides 2 grams per serving.

  Each serving of super grain Quaker Oatmeal helps provide energy plus fiber to fill you up and at least one serving of whole grains – a great first step towards meeting the recommended minimum of three daily servings of whole grains for overall good health.

• Increase your workout time: Take five minutes to post your favorite workout to Facebook or Twitter, and ask your social network to share their top picks in return. You’d be surprised what great workouts you can learn from your friends!

Experts cite lifestyle habits, like poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking as significant contributors to poor heart health among Americans. “While genetics play a role in everyone’s individual heart health, there are many simple things you can do to change your routine to benefit your heart,” said William H. Roach Jr., Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association.

“Over time, these changes could have a powerful effect on your life and your family. Partners like Quaker are so important because they help to extend our efforts to raise awareness and educate Americans about the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/GoRed

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Did you know that February is American Heart month? In addition to Valentine’s Day festivities, Lady Foot Locker wants you to celebrate your heart by making sure you take care of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women alike in the United States.

The best way to reduce your risk of heart disease is through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of both). That’s just 30 minutes a day, five times a week! Lady Foot Locker wants you to be prepared with the right shoes and clothing to get you moving:

• Physical activity is anything that will get your body moving and burn calories, which, in turn, will get your heart pumping. If you are looking for a training shoe that is made for everything from dancing to kickboxing, try the Nike Free TR Twist. The flexible sole will work with any activity you choose.
• Taking your daily walk or run outdoors is a great way to diversify your workout. If you are looking to start running, the right footwear is essential in order to protect your feet. The Asics Kayano 18 is a reliable sneaker choice by runners, known for its fit and function. The American Heart Association also recommends spending time outdoors as sunlight on your skin helps your body produce vitamin D, resulting in additional health benefits.
• Proper support and confidence in your apparel are key to a successful workout. Finding the right sports bra, one that provides comfort and mobility, is the foundation for any physical activity.
• If you’re looking for a fun way to express yourself even while working out, own it with exclusive graphic tees . They will be extra motivation to help you stay on the right track while making a statement about who you are.

Lady Foot Locker knows that looking good means feeling good, so start working towards a healthier you this February.

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Picture Audrey Hepburn, the beautiful, classy movie star, sitting to eat (perhaps breakfast?), walking through a crowded party or sitting in the backseat of a car.  What is the consistent image?  Take a look at the 1961 film classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a role she called “the jazziest of my career.”  What is the one thing that is undeniably classy and memorable about her role in this and other films?  It is her extra long cigarette holder.  How was the iconic Hepburn, or Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and other classic “Bogie” films, as well as many, many other movie stars of the golden era of Hollywood, allowed to be shown smoking in public virtually anywhere they desired?  They, and the public at large, were unaware of the dangers of smoking.  The deadly dangers.

Now, you can sit down to dinner or cozy up at your favorite bar and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn.  Heads might turn, but you will be completely within legal limits.  Cigarettes indoors, in public?  How can that be?  It might not be at the end of an extra long cigarette holder, like the one Hepburn favored, but it will be completely healthy and harmless.  Electronic cigarettes are the newest trend, and a very good one at that.  What better way to quit smoking than to continue going through the motions without any actual tobacco intake?  Well, as long as it’s an e-cigarette, you can.

According to a study conducted by the American Heart Association, approximately 25.6 million men and 22.6 million women in the United States are smokers.  Would many of these Americans quit smoking if it wasn’t a constant, difficult struggle to do so?  Sources say yes.

E-cigarettes are the new electronic smoking alternative that look and feel like real cigarettes, and allow smokers to get the sensation of smoking without any tobacco.  E-cigarettes have no carcinogens.  Instead of burning tobacco or a comparable smoking product, the e-cigarette atomizes a liquid into a tar-free and odorless vapor.  It is up to the smoker whether the cigarette’s liquid contains nicotine or not.

The device is a battery-operated, long-shaped tube.  Most of these cigarettes mimic the appearance of a cigarette or cigar, giving the e-cigarette the most authentic look possible.  Others look like a ballpoint pen (biros).  While there are disposable e-cigarettes on the market, the majority are reusable and come with replaceable and refillable cartridges.

An electronic cigarette is broken down into several components.  The mouthpiece, often referred to as the cartridge, is fixed to the end of a tube.  There is a small cup inside the mouthpiece that contains an absorbent material that is drenched in a liquid.  This liquid contains varying levels of nicotine, if any at all.  The cartridge can be refilled or replaced once it’s empty.

The cartridge contains a liquid referred to as e-liquid.  The e-liquid can contain hundreds of flavors, including menthol.  For smokers who want nicotine, they can get an e-liquid containing nicotine that has been dissolved in propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin — both common food additives.  According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are recognized as one of its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substances.  There are no known serious side effects with these ingredients and they have been used since the 1950s inside nebulizers and asthma inhalers.

The battery in most e-cigarettes is a lithium-ion battery and is rechargeable.  The battery powers the heating element, called an atomizer, and allows the liquid to heat up and vaporize.  Once vaporized, the liquid can be breathed in — inhaled.

In addition to the cartridge, there can also be a cartomizer.  A cartomizer is a one piece unit combining the cartridge with the atomizer.  It is screwed into the battery and used only once.  It is meant to be disposed of afterward, although, some people do refill them.  Cartomizers are the optimum choice for beginners because the cartomizers are sold prefilled with the flavor of choice.

The newest versions of e-cigarettes have a sensor that automatically starts the heating method when the device is sucked on.  Older versions use a button that needs to be pressed in during inhalation.  Most versions, especially the newer ones, have an LED, light emitting diode, that lights up when the device is made active to simulate the burning tip of a cigarette.

More research needs to be conducted, however, to test the safety of electronic cigarettes.  The FDA has refused some entry of shipments of these products coming into the United States since the components of e-cigarettes have not yet been tested for safety.  E-cigarette buyers will have to provide customs with a letter explaining the electronic cigarettes are for personal use.  “We basically don’t know anything about them [e-cigarettes],” Dr. Richard D. Hurt, director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic said.  “They’ve never been tested for safety or efficacy to help people stop smoking.”

All the same, e-cigarettes are the latest trend and can even be seen on the big screen.  Johnny Depp “smokes” electronic cigarettes in the film “The Tourist.”  Depp plays Frank, an American tourist in Italy, who meets Elise (Angelina Jolie).  Depp’s character explains the benefits of e-cigarettes throughout the movie to Angelina Jolie’s character.  On a much smaller screen, e-cigarettes have been seen on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Whatever your motivation for trying out electronic cigarettes, it should be acknowledged that the choice to move toward a tobacco-free lifestyle is a difficult, but important decision.  E-cigarettes can, and have, helped smokers quit completely.  When reformed smokers feel a nicotine craving, they can “light up” an e-cigarette, feel the simulated sensation, and curb the craving.

Since e-cigarettes produce no second hand smoke, your neighbors and friends will be happy that you chose the alternative method of smoking.  Smokers will no longer have to struggle with the health and social stigmas associated with smoking.  One day, they will not have to struggle with smoking at all.

For now, sit down at your favorite bar, take out your electronic cigarette and try to remember how Hepburn did it.  You might get some unwelcome, uneducated glares, but let that be your cue to start educating others.

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