Smoking Cessation Trust

10/03/2024

In her insightful article on NOLA.com, Margaret Delaney highlights the impactful work of Dr. Eric Griggs, a dedicated community health advocate in New Orleans. I’m proud to know Doc Griggs, having appeared on his WBOK 1230AM talk-radio show many times as an advocate for the Smoking Cessation Trust. With his guidance, the Trust successfully enrolled over 126,000 Louisiana smokers in a decade, all achieved through grassroots efforts and without any advertising. His passion for helping people overcome ni****ne addiction is truly inspiring.

Doc Griggs has also been a steadfast supporter of STEM NOLA since its launch in 2013. He actively participates in STEM Saturdays, engaging with children to share the importance of healthcare and STEM education. His commitment to exposing, engaging, and inspiring future innovators through hands-on activities demonstrates his belief in the potential of young minds to create change in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through his work, he shows that learning can be fun and transformative.

Beyond his community work, Doc Griggs is known for his honest approach to healthcare communication. He believes that building trust requires constant dialogue with the community, allowing for questions and understanding. His dedication to demystifying health topics and dispelling myths, especially during the pandemic, underscores his commitment to public health education. As he continues to evolve in his field, particularly with emerging technologies like AI, Doc Griggs remains a beacon of hope and knowledge for many.

STEM Global Action

Who is 'Doc Griggs'? This TV and radio personality brings health knowledge to a community understanding in New Orleans, Louisiana and nationally.

04/19/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FVwzuRNrk7R7py3w/?mibextid=KsPBc6

02/10/2024

Laura Williamson, for American Heart Association News, presents a comprehensive overview of the historical perceptions and current challenges surrounding heart disease in women. Historically, heart disease was predominantly seen as a male issue, with women's health concerns often overlooked. Even in the mid-20th century, medical focus on women's health was limited, with heart disease research largely centered on men. This bias persisted until the late 20th century when studies like the Framingham Heart Study began highlighting sex-specific patterns in heart disease.

Despite advancements, disparities persist, with women often receiving inadequate treatment and facing higher mortality rates compared to men. Efforts to address these disparities, such as the Go Red for Women campaign, have made strides in raising awareness, but gaps in knowledge and healthcare disparities remain, especially among women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Recent research has shed light on various factors influencing women's heart health, including menopause, pregnancy complications, and autoimmune disorders. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding how heart disease affects women from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Structural racism and social determinants of health contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for a more diverse and inclusive medical workforce. Initiatives to increase representation among healthcare providers, especially women and individuals from diverse backgrounds, are crucial for improving care and addressing biases in diagnosis and treatment.

Promoting healthy habits from an early age is also essential for long-term heart health. While progress has been slow, continued efforts are necessary to ensure equitable access to care and better outcomes for all women affected by heart disease.

For most of the 20th century, heart disease was considered a man’s disease. While research over the past several decades has shown it to be as big a threat – if not bigger – to women, prevention, diagnostic and treatment gaps remain.

01/25/2024

This wonderful article, written by Laura Williamson for American Heart Association News, explores the history of the annual statistical reports compiled by the American Heart Association (AHA) on the impact of cardiovascular disease. Over the years, this massive effort has grown into a comprehensive book-length report produced by a team of experts, covering various topics with chapter headings. However, almost a century ago, it all started with one woman – Jessamine Whitney.

Whitney, an early statistician and a baseball enthusiast, began producing statistical reports on heart disease mortality for the AHA in 1927. Fascinatingly, her initial report, spanning 30 pages, covered mortality data on heart disease, tuberculosis, cancer, and pneumonia. At a time when modern computing didn't exist, Whitney's solo efforts were remarkable. Dr. Seth Martin, a cardiologist and chair of AHA's 2024 statistics update, praised Whitney's pioneering work, emphasizing the manual effort she must have put into tabulating charts and numbers.

Jessamine Whitney, recognized for being the first woman to drive a car in Puerto Rico and the only woman delegate to the 1929 International Conference on the Classification of Causes of Death, played a crucial role in shaping the AHA's mission. Her early reports laid the foundation for the AHA's ongoing statistical updates, guiding the organization's investments, priorities in advocacy, and research.

Whitney's unique skills, honed through her passion for baseball analytics, made her a trailblazer in compiling statistics that continue to be the heart and soul of the AHA's mission.

A century ago, baseball-loving Jessamine Whitney authored the first statistical reports on heart disease mortality for the American Heart Association – by herself.

12/10/2023

https://mailchi.mp/d53ce765d74e/my-on-new-online-portfolio-9411102

To all the incredible individuals I've had the privilege to work alongside, I'm thrilled to say that "the shoemaker's kid finally has SHOES!" My NEW online portfolio is now live and has been UPDATED, thanks to the generous endorsements and testimonials from fantastic colleagues, bosses, clients, and...

12/08/2023

The shoemaker's kid finally has shoes!

My digital portfolio features examples of impactful marketing communications projects -- including campaigns, articles, and other content.

12/05/2023

Medicare's 2024 Annual Enrollment Period ends Thursday, December 7. In a recent report by Forbes Health contributor Margot Lester, the challenges of navigating Medicare's annual open enrollment period are highlighted. This time can feel overwhelming for many Medicare enrollees as they try to make informed decisions about their medical and prescription drug coverage. Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), emphasizes that individuals can assist their loved ones in navigating this process and making wise choices regarding healthcare.

Data from the NAC and AARP show that over half of family caregivers in the U.S. advocate for their loved ones with various healthcare services. This advocacy, particularly common among Black and rural Americans, has seen an increase in involvement from secondary caregivers in recent years. The report offers five ways to make the Medicare open enrollment process less burdensome and more successful for the people being cared for.

These strategies include being prepared by familiarizing oneself with Medicare and avoiding common mistakes, approaching the task with patience and understanding, understanding the specific needs of the individual, seeking assistance from available resources such as State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), and being vigilant against potential fraud during this period.

How To Help Loved Ones Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment Successfully

10/11/2023

Twelve years ago, I lost my mom, Clare, to Alzheimer's. This cruel disease has also taken both my grandmothers, and my godmother, Kathleen, currently battles with it. In Louisiana, 94,700 individuals aged 65 and older, that's 12.4% of the population, suffer from Alzheimer's, while over 200,000 dedicated caregivers provide a staggering 363 million hours of unpaid care. Orleans Parish bears the highest Alzheimer's rate in the state at 15.4%.

As a former family caregiver for my mom, I understand the immense challenge and am deeply grateful for those who devote their hearts to this cause. That's why I'm proud to be a part of the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter's Board of Directors and to serve on the Walk Planning Committee for NOLA's 2023 Walk To End Alzheimer's. I'll also be leading a team once again as Team Captain.

Join me, along with friends and family, on October 28, 2023, at the Faubourg Brewery, as we take steps to make a meaningful impact.

JOIN MY TEAM: "The Real" Team Alexander!

The Alzheimer's Association's mission is clear: to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other forms of dementia. We aim to accelerate global research, promote risk reduction and early detection, and maximize the quality of care and support for those affected.

If you can't make it to the event, you can still support this vital cause by making a donation. I'm currently at 43% of my goal of $1,000, and every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to a world without Alzheimer's.

Join my walk team or contribute to the Alzheimer's Association's mission by visiting my Walk Page here:

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=16590&pg=personal&px=21254282

Together, we can change the course of this disease and bring hope to countless families. Let's make a difference, one step at a time!

I am participating in Walk to End Alzheimer's. Donate today and help me reach my goal.

01/25/2023

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jimmy-triays-cancer-fund-raiser?utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=undefined&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Our family has created this GoFundMe page to include you all on Jimmy Triay’s journey in… Donna Triay needs your support for Jimmy Triay's Cancer Fund Raiser

11/03/2022

TBT - 125,769 Louisiana smokers enrolled in the Smoking Cessation Trust from 7/11/12-7/1/22, while the state's adult smoking rate plummeted from 24.8% in 2012 to 18.3% in 2020.

Enrollment strategy including provider partnerships, media relations, influencer marketing, networking, public speaking, outreach and grass roots efforts, helped to introduce the Smoking Cessation Trust to Louisiana smokers who began their ni****ne addictions prior to 9/1/88. Strategy contributed to enrolling 125,769 Louisiana smokers from 7/11/12 to 7/11/22 with NO PAID ADVERTISING (SCT was not allowed to advertise).

The Trust enrolled 118K Louisiana smokers from 1/1/14-7/11/22.

www.SmokeFreeLA.org

07/11/2022

Smoking not only impacts your cardiovascular health, but also the health of those around you who don’t smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke carries the same risk to a nonsmoker as someone who does smoke. Risks include stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

Ready to Quit? Call 337-312-8690 today!

smokingtreatmentcenter.com

07/11/2022

'The startup used regulatory loopholes and marketing to make ni****ne cool. Now the FDA threatens to shut the company down, but new rivals are taking over.'

Fight teen addiction, lung injury, clinical depression and Big To***co's ni****ne traps TODAY!

***co
https://www.wired.com/story/juul-nears-its-last-gasp/

The startup used regulatory loopholes and marketing to make ni****ne cool. Now the FDA threatens to shut the company down, but new rivals are taking over.