Farm Aid Music And Food Festival Heads To New York On Sept. 21

June 2013

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.(June 14, 2013) — Farm Aid announced today that its annual benefit concert will return to the Northeast on Saturday, Sept. 21, taking place at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

“In New York and across the Northeast, family farmers are pioneering change in our farm and food system. This region has strong agricultural roots and offers fertile ground for new farmers and sustainable agriculture,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “On the Farm Aid stage in September, we’ll celebrate the hard work of family farmers and support their efforts to grow strong and healthy communities for all of us.”

Farm Aid 2013 will feature Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews. Additional artists will be announced soon. The concert benefits and promotes Farm Aid’s mission to keep family farmers on the land, strengthen and revitalize America’s food system, and support the growth of the Good Food Movement — the growing number of people seeking local, organic, humanely raised and family farm-identified food.

Farm Aid 2013 will be an all-day music and food festival featuring a unique mashup of artists and genres on the stage and serving concert-goers family farm-identified, local and organic foods with its own HOMEGROWN Concessions^®. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, concertgoers will have the chance to meet farmers, engage in hands-on food and farm activities, and learn about the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health.

“New York is pleased to host Farm Aid’s annual benefit concert this September in Saratoga Springs,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. “This star-studded event will support Farm Aid’s mission to promote family farmers and healthy eating, as well as raise awareness about the important role farms play in our economy and culture. Here in New York, we are continuing to grow our state’s vibrant agricultural industry through initiatives such as the FreshConnect program, which provides more avenues like farmers markets to connect New Yorkers with fresh, affordable and locally grown food products. We are also making important investments in regional food distribution hubs and marketing efforts like Taste NY to promote New York-made agricultural products and niche industries such as yogurt and wine, beer and spirits. New York is committed to its farmers, and so I commend Farm Aid for their work in helping farmers all across the nation flourish.”

Farm Aid has long collaborated with and supported organizations and organizers in the Northeast who are growing the Good Food Movement. Many of the region’s farmers have been served by Farm Aid’s hotline and Farmer Resource Network. Over the past 28 years, Farm Aid has made grants of more than $2.5 million in the Northeast region — nearly half a million in New York alone — supporting programs that expand access to family farm food and grow new markets for farmers, create change in the food system, and help farmers thrive.

“Over a year ago, several of my colleagues and I first hoped out loud that Farm Aid would come to New York State to celebrate and support our hard-working family farmers,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). “I am so pleased that Willie Nelson and Farm Aid have chosen New York to showcase the finest music talent in the world alongside our New York family farmers, who are producing some of the best dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables in the world.”

Tickets for Farm Aid 2013 will go on sale Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com and through the Farm Aid member pre-sale beginning June 18 at www.farmaid.org.

“Saratoga Performing Arts Center is tremendously proud and excited to host the 2013 Farm Aid music and food festival at our historic outdoor venue,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “Over the past 48 years, SPAC’s stage has been at the center of countless legendary concerts and live music events; Farm Aid may top them all with its superstar lineup of artists fueled by the crucial mission of promoting and supporting family farms, healthy eating and strong communities. SPAC itself is surrounded by a greenbelt of nearly 75,000 acres of beautiful, fertile Saratoga County farmland. The opportunity to be part of an event that will benefit these neighbors and farmers across America represents a defining moment in SPAC’s history.”

Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the local business community and offers corporate sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact Glenda Yoder

.

 For concert updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), and visit www.farmaid.org/concert.

 Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $43 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

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 **Editors and Producers Note: Advance credentials are required for all media to attend Farm Aid 2013. Please visit www.farmaid.org/media by Thursday, Sept.12, to apply. Media can download official Farm Aid photos and videos at www.farmaid.org/media.**

 Contact: Brittany Vanderpool, 202-248-5487 moc.mmocnavnull@looprednavb

Physician Assistants Officially Recognized as Key Healthcare Providers

June 2013

U.S. HHS Secretary Sebelius says PAs are key to a 21st Century Healthcare System

Washington — Today, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius emphasized the essential value of PAs while speaking before a general session at the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) 41st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.  In her remarks, Secretary Sebelius noted that all healthcare providers, including PAs, will play a critical role in meeting the needs of millions of new patients, especially those living in underserved communities.

“In medically underserved communities, and particularly in rural areas, PAs are an incredible lifeline to patients who might not have regular access to other healthcare providers. So it’s vital to do everything we can to bolster the work done by PAs,” Sebelius said.

PAs already care for more than 300 million patients in nearly every medical setting, and the demand is expected to increase substantially under the Affordable Care Act. In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 30 percent increase in PA jobs over the next decade.  There is currently a higher demand for spots in PA programs than there are places available, and more than 60 new PA programs are currently awaiting accreditation. With the significant increase in PA programs, it is projected that more than 10,000 PAs will enter the workforce per year by 2020, helping to offset the growing shortage of physicians.

“With more than 90, 000 certified PAs and over 6,000 newly graduated PAs joining their ranks this past year, the field comprises one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the U.S.,” said AAPA President James E. Delaney, PA-C.

The PA profession is tapping a variety of highly skilled resources to build its workforce, including military veterans. The U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration has earmarked $2.5 million to 13 of the nation’s PA programs to make it easier for veterans to leverage their military training to become PAs.

PAs were named as one of three primary healthcare providers in the Affordable Care Act. They are nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine as part of a physician-led team. PAs perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling, and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes. All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow PAs to practice and prescribe medications.

Also as part of its conference, AAPA is recognizing PAs who are leaders in their field, raising the bar on patient care and improving access to healthcare for millions worldwide. AAPA’s PAragon Award honorees include: PA Service to Underserved Award Winner Sixtus Atabong, PA-C, of Lubbock, Texas; Outstanding PA of the Year Award Winner Jeffrey Callard, PA-C, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Humanitarian PA of the Year Award Winner Earle Canfield, PA, of Grand Rapids, Mich; Preceptor of the Year Award Winner Joseph Cohen, PA-C of Apex, N.C.; Federal Service of the Year Award Winner Earl Morse, PA-C, of Springfield, Ohio.; Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achievement Winner (posthumously) Ron Nelson, PA-C;  and President’s Award Winner John Trimbath, PA-C, of Cleveland, Ohio.  In addition, Marcia Bouton, PA-C, Christopher Castellano, PA-C and Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, are being honored with awards for publishing.

Visit www.youtube.com/aapavideo to learn more and see videos about the 2013 PAragon Award winners.

About the American Academy of Physician Assistants

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for physician assistants. It represents a profession of more than 90,000 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and within the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. It works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants and to enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare.

Visit www.aapa.org to learn more about the profession and www.pasconnect.org to see PAs in action.

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Contact: Patrick Dunne (703) 400-9397Patrick Dunne

Report shows community-based programs improve the lives of young adults with mental health challenges

May 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 07, 2013) — A new report indicates that young adults (ages 18–25) taking part in community-based treatment programs achieve positive outcomes in behavioral and emotional health, daily life skills, employment, enrollment in school, and reduced homelessness. This report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shows that older adolescents and young adults who had participated in these SAMHSA-supported treatment programs reported lower levels of substance use disorders.

The report, Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges, indicates that 20 percent of young adults living in U.S. households had a mental health condition in the last year.  Of these, more than 1.3 million had a disorder so serious that their ability to function in many aspects of everyday life was compromised.

To address this need SAMHSA sponsors a wide range of programs directed toward treating many behavioral health challenges facing older adolescents and young adults including mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders.   In many instances they have helped older adolescents and young adults achieve recovery and move onto live full, productive lives.

For example, among older adolescents and young adults participating in the SAMHSA-sponsored Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, 28 percent showed significant improvement in their behavioral and emotional health within the first six months, and 38 percent showed significant improvement within the first year.  Many participants reported they had greater confidence in their abilities to perform important life skills such as preparing meals and securing rental agreements.  Homelessness dropped by 36 percent after six months in services among those ages 18 and older participating in the program.

Similarly among older adolescents and young adults participating in the SAMHSA-sponsored Emerging Adults Initiative (EAI) program the report showed a 30 percent increase in young adults reporting that they had a stable place to live within the community and a 37 percent increase in those stating they had positive functioning in everyday life.

“These data show that treatment is effective. Young people who experience mental or substance use disorders can recover and lead healthy, productive lives with improvements in employment opportunities, housing, education and emotional well-being,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.

The report also shows that many participants in SAMHSA sponsored substance use treatment programs were also treated for mental conditions and that this treatment had a beneficial effect in terms of mental well-being and recovery from substance use disorders.  Among those older adolescents and young adults who participated in these programs there was a 34 percent decrease in the number of young adults who reported experiencing mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety and an 80 percent increase in the number of young adults who were living in the community. In addition, in SAMHSA’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women program, 86 percent of participating young adults reported no substance use after six months of treatment (versus only 40 percent of those entering the program) and 29 percent reported being employed or in school (versus only 13 percent of those entering the program).

The report was released today during SAMHSA’s press briefing for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day), SAMHSA’s annual celebration highlighting the importance of caring for every child’s mental health.  Awareness Day is part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on public awareness and support, and is being observed on May 9 this year. More than 135 national organizations and federal agencies and programs are collaborating to provide greater access to community-based mental health services and supports for all children, youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions and their families as part of Awareness Day 2013.

Across the country, more than 1,100 communities are celebrating this annual observance with local events; social media campaigns; and dance, music, and visual activities with children to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health.

To download Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges and view the full list of field references, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children.

 # # #

 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Contact: SAMHSA Press Office; 240–276–2134

SAMHSA honors Demi Lovato, celebrates resilience in young adults at annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day observance

May 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 07, 2013) — Today, chart-dominating singer, songwriter, and actress Demi Lovato was recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for her work as a mentor to young adults with mental health and substance use challenges.  Lovato received the award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day press briefing, held at the University of the District of Columbia Community College in Washington, D.C.

“Every young person faces challenges as they work toward becoming an independent adult, and for those with mental health challenges, it can be even more of a struggle,” said Lovato.  “I want those young adults to know that your life has meaning and you can reach out to someone you trust for support and overcome any challenges in your life.”

At the press briefing, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed new data reports being released during Mental Health Awareness Month, including the first-ever Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report supplement on children’s mental health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  She also announced a State Informational Bulletin from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services describing effective services for children and youth with serious mental health conditions and encouraging the use of services such as respite care, parent support providers, and intensive wraparound care coordination.

In celebration of Awareness Day, SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde announced the release of a new SAMHSA publication, Promoting Recovery and Independence for Older Adolescents and Young Adults Who Experience Serious Mental Health Challenges, which provides information about how community-based programs are improving the lives of youth and young adults with mental health and substance use challenges.

“We applaud Ms. Lovato for her willingness to speak out about her experiences in support of youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges,” said Hyde.  “This type of support, coupled with effective community-based programs for these youth and young adults can help them overcome any challenges and go on to live healthy, fulfilled lives.”

The briefing served as a launch for SAMHSA’s Awareness Day that includes events and activities in more than 1,100 communities and more than 135 public and private organizations. As part of the launch activities, SAMHSA will premiere the Awareness Day virtual event today at 3 p.m. EDT on http://www.samhsa.gov/children as part of its Awareness Day celebrations.  The virtual event features a message from Lovato to young adults, in addition to stories from young adults from across the country who have overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience after achieving social connectedness in housing, education, employment, or in accessing health care services.

For more information about Awareness Day, new publications, and to view the Webcast of the press briefing and the virtual event, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/children.

Follow #HeroesofHope to join the conversation about National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on Twitter.

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 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Contact: SAMHSA Press Office; 240–276–2134

Celebrity Stylist Johnny Wright and ZuriWorks Take on the “Big Chop to Stop Cancer”

March 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2013) — Today, celebrity stylist Johnny Wright joined ZuriWorks for Women’s Health (ZuriWorks) at the Immortal Beloved salon to launch its new national cancer awareness campaign, “It’ll Grow Back: Big Chop to Stop Cancer.” The campaign’s mission is to inspire black women and their allies to help save lives. Wright, hairstylist to first lady Michelle Obama, is offering his services to local women getting a “big chop,” i.e., a dramatically short haircut in exchange for donations to ZuriWorks.

The “Big Chop to Stop Cancer” campaign invites women to cut their hair to promote cancer screenings, early detection, treatment and recovery, while embracing personal beauty in all its forms. Early detection is critical to saving lives because cancer often goes undiagnosed in black women until it has reached a particularly aggressive stage. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women are more likely to die from nearly all forms of cancer than women from any other racial or ethnic group.

“Cancer is the No. 1 killer of black women ages 34 to 44 years old. And yet, many women facing cancer fear the side effects associated with cancer treatment, including hair loss,” said Dr. Andrene Taylor, Executive Director of ZuriWorks. “For black women, this concern may prevent them from seeking cancer screenings that could provide live-saving early detection. By working together, we can empower ourselves, our mothers, sisters, friends and the entire community to embrace health and hope.”

Proceeds from Big Chop to Stop Cancer benefit the health, hair care and other services ZuriWorks provides to women living with cancer. ZuriWorks believes that shaping the way black women understand their hair in the larger context of their health will empower them to overcome fears about treatments such as chemotherapy –and help them begin to view cancer screenings as part of their beauty regimen. Leaders in the beauty and hair care industries are joining forces with ZuriWorks in this unique opportunity to raise awareness of women’s health issues. ZuriWorks partners include Jane Carter Solution, Shea Moisture, Joyful Bath Co., Bo Beam Natural Hair Products, Sydelle Cosmetics, Diary of Natural Gal, Twist Locks, and Love, Jaha Hair Studio, Signature Image Salon, Le Chic Salon, Imagine Photography Studio, House Studio, Hotel Helix, Vanguard Communications, Howard University Cancer Center, and Soft Sheen-Carson.

 ZuriWorks for Women’s Health’s mission is to unite the health, beauty and arts industries in order to save women’s lives from cancer by raising awareness, increasing screenings, reducing delays in treatment, and empowering women living with cancer to live well. For more information about ZuriWorks or how individuals and hair salons can participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer, visit http://www.zuriworks.org/.

Contact: Matt Forke; 202-248-5484; moc.mmocnavnull@ekrofm

Vanguard Wins Honorable Mention at PRWeek Awards

March 2013

WASHINGTON — (March 07, 2013) D.C.-based Vanguard Communications, a Hispanic woman-owned, full-service public relations and social marketing firm, received an honorable mention as PRWeek’s “Small PR Agency of the Year” at a ceremony last night at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.

The PRWeek Awards represent the highest accolade in the PR industry, presented each year to the best corporate, nonprofit, agency and education teams and the work they produce.

“It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged among such an esteemed and talented group of PR industry colleagues.” said Vanguard president and founder Maria Rodriguez following the awards ceremony. “I am so grateful to have a client base that allows us to be innovative and creative while working to promote issues that we care about, and I’m very proud to work among a team of passionate, dedicated communication experts.”

Vanguard continues its forward momentum in 2013, following its 25th anniversary year. Last summer, the firm released its first Purple Paper™ — a guide to help communicators measure their social change efforts. This year, Vanguard will issue its second Purple Paper™, titled Branding Social Change, to be released in July.

Each year, nearly 1,000 PRWeek Award applications are submitted to 35 award categories that recognize PR’s best campaigns, techniques, personalities, academic curricula and agency teams. The winners are selected by a group of venerated judges from the communications industry, representing leading in-house corporate communications teams, agencies, PR professors, service companies and nonprofits.

Vanguard was named PRWeek’s “PR Agency of the Year 2003″ and was a finalist for the PRWeek Nonprofit Campaign of the Year in 2006 for its “Road to the White House Kitchen” campaign on behalf of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs.

For more information about Vanguard Communications, visit vancomm.com, “like” Vanguard on Facebook, follow Vanguard on Twitter @VanComm and watch our video, Giving the Gift of Social Change.

Vanguard Communications is a Hispanic woman-owned firm committed to communications initiatives that can change attitudes and perceptions and encourage public debate about critical social issues such as health, mental health, safe food and farming, the environment, education and other quality-of-life concerns.

Contact:Scott Rieder (202)-248-5476 moc.mmocnavnull@redeirs

Civil Rights Organizations Encourage Bold Action to Support College-Career Readiness

February 2013

WASHINGTON — (February 13, 2013) The Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE), a coalition of leading civil rights and education advocacy organizations, supports President Obama’s federal challenge to redesign American high schools so that they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy. In response to the president’s State of the Union address, the coalition encourages Congress and the Administration to take immediate action in support of stronger high schools that provide equitable access to a high-quality public education.

“Far too many students, particularly students of color, Native students, and those from low-income communities, leave high school wholly unprepared for the rigors of college coursework or the modern, high-tech workplace,” says CHSE Executive Director Rufina Hernández. “These students will make up the majority of America’s future workforce—the lifeblood of our nation’s prosperity. We cannot continue to ignore their needs.”

Data from the Alliance for Excellent Education shows that the “one unifying characteristic” of the nation’s lowest-performing schools is the disproportionate representation of poor students, students of color, and those from tribal communities within their student bodies.

Therefore, CHSE specifically seeks policies that drive the meaningful engagement of communities of color and Native communities, provide educators with the supports they need to help students succeed, and offer all students unfettered access to an education that prepares them for college and beyond.

“We cannot wait,” says Hernández. “Now is the time to demonstrate that we—as policymakers, educators, advocates, parents, and communities—can come together to give our young people the opportunity to create a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Visit www.highschoolequity.org to read CHSE’s Plan for Success, including recommendations for redesigning American high schools to provide every student with a high-quality education that prepares them for college, work, and life. Join the conversation on Twitter @hsequity and on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/hsequity.

CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that are focused on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Contact:Kirana Bammarito (202) 248-5471 moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

Health Care System Falls Short on Stress Management

February 2013

Washington (February 07, 2013) — When it comes to stress management and wellness, there is a gap between what Americans want from their health care system and what they actually get, according to a new survey released today by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Findings from Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive among 2,020 U.S. adults in August of 2012, suggest that people are not receiving what they need from their health care providers to manage stress and address lifestyle and behavior changes to improve their health.

While Americans think it is important that health care focuses on issues related to stress and living healthier lifestyles, their experiences do not seem to match up with what they value. For example, though 32 percent of Americans say it is very/extremely important to talk with their health care providers about stress management, only 17 percent report that these conversations are happening often or always.

“When people receive professional help to manage stress and make healthy behavior changes they do better at achieving their health goals,” says APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD. “Unfortunately, our country’s health system often neglects psychological and behavioral factors that are essential to managing stress and chronic diseases. In order for our nation to get healthier, lower the rates of chronic illnesses, and lower health care costs, we need to improve how we view and treat stress and unhealthy behaviors that are contributing to the high incidence of disease in the U.S.”

Americans who receive little or no stress or behavior management support from their health care provider are especially vulnerable.  This is a sizeable group, with slightly more than half (53 percent) of Americans saying they receive little or no support for stress management from their providers, and 39 percent saying that they have little or no behavior management support. The same respondents were more likely to indicate that their stress increased in the past year compared to those who do get support from their health care provider (38 percent with little/no support vs. 29 percent with a lot/great deal of support). The situation appears to be worse for the 20 percent of Americans who report experiencing extreme stress (an 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale). More than two-thirds of U.S. adults with high stress (69 percent) say their stress has increased in the past year, yet 33 percent of U.S. adults say that they never discuss ways to manage stress with their health care provider.

Survey findings also show that Americans struggle to keep their stress to levels they believe are healthy. Even though average stress levels across the country appear to be declining (4.9 on a 10-point scale vs. 5.2 in 2011), stress levels continue to surpass what Americans define as a healthy level of stress (3.6 on a 10-point scale). And for many Americans, stress is on the rise — 35 percent of Americans say their stress increased this past year.

Millennials Challenged by Stress and Lack Support

Millennials (age 18-33) in particular seem to have trouble managing their stress and getting health care that meets their needs. The Stress in America survey found Millennials reporting an average stress level of 5.4 on a 10-point scale, exceeding the national average (4.9). This generation also gives its health care lower marks than Americans across the country: Millennials are less likely than people nationwide to give their health care an “A” grade (25 percent vs. 31 percent). Nearly half of Millennials (49 percent) do not believe or are not sure that they are doing enough to manage their stress, and few say they get stress or behavior management support from their health care provider. Only 23 percent think that their health care provider supports them a “lot or a great deal” in their desire to make healthy lifestyle and behavior changes, and just 17 percent say the same about their health care providers’ support for stress management.

The Connection between Chronic Illness and Stress

The Stress in America survey found that U.S. adults with a chronic illness seem to lack support for stress and behavior management when compared to Americans overall, and compared to those who do not have a chronic illness. Americans with a chronic illness are less likely than those without a chronic illness to say they are doing enough to manage their stress (59 percent vs. 66 percent). And for those with a chronic illness who say they get little or no stress management or behavioral support from their health care provider, stress is on the rise — 41 percent said their stress increased in the past year compared with 35 percent of Americans overall.

Although Americans living with a chronic illness see their health care provider more frequently than those without a chronic illness, people living with a chronic illness do not necessarily receive better stress management support. Half of those with a chronic illness (51 percent) see their health care provider three or more times annually compared with only 17 percent of those without. Despite more frequent visits, only one quarter (25 percent) of those with a chronic illness say that they get “a great deal or a lot” of stress management support from their health care provider. But those who say that their health care provider supports them a great deal or a lot for stress or behavior management fare much better than those who do not receive such support.  Sixty-eight percent of the former group report they are doing enough to manage stress. This compares to only 54 percent who say they receive little or no support.

To read the full Stress in America report or to download graphics, visit www.stressinamerica.org.

For additional information on stress, lifestyle and behaviors, visit www.apa.org/helpcenter and read APA’s Mind/Body Health campaign blog www.yourmindyourbody.org. Join the conversation about stress on Twitter by following @apahelpcenter and #stressAPA.

 Methodology

The Stress in America survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 3 and 31, 2012, among 2,020 adults aged 18 and older who reside in the U.S. The four generations noted in this report are defined as the following: Millennials n=340 (18 – 33 year olds), Generation X n=397 (34 – 47 year olds), Boomers n=1040 (48 – 66 year olds), and Matures n=243 (67 years and older). Among the 2,020 adults surveyed, 1,424 report having been diagnosed with one or more of the following: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease or heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight, stroke, asthma or other respiratory disease, chronic pain, depression, an anxiety disorder, arthritis, or obesity. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. To read the full methodology, including the weighting variables, visit www.stressinamerica.org

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 137,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.

 Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll®and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy, and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research. Harris possesses expertise in a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Additionally, Harris has a portfolio of multi-client offerings that complement our custom solutions while maximizing our client’s research investment. Serving clients in more than 196 countries and territories through our North American and European offices, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients—stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

Contact: Scott Rieder, (202) 248-5476 moc.mmocnavnull@redeirs

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Sistema de salud se queda corto al atender manejo del estrés

February 2013

WASHINGTON  (Febrero 07, 2013) — En materia del manejo del estrés y el bienestar, existe una brecha entre lo que el sistema de salud ofrece y lo que esperan de éste los estadounidenses, incluidos los hispanos. Es esto lo que ha revelado una nueva encuesta que ha publicado hoy la Asociación Americana de Psicología (American Psychological Association, APA).

Los hallazgos de la encuesta Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection, (El estrés en los Estados Unidos™: La desconexión con los servicios de salud) indican que los estadounidenses adultos—en particular los hispanos—no reciben lo que necesitan de parte de sus proveedores de servicios de salud para manejar el estrés y efectuar cambios en su estilo de vida y su conducta que ayuden a mejorar su salud. La encuesta, que se realizó a través de Internet en agosto de 2012, estuvo a cargo de Harris Interactive. En la misma participaron 2.020 adultos, entre éstos 391 hispanos, de 18 años o más y que residen en los E.E. U.U.

Si bien los hispanos piensan que es importante que los servicios de salud den mayor atención a los asuntos relacionados al estrés y a llevar estilos de vida más saludables, sus experiencias no parecen estar a la par con lo que éstos estiman importante. Por ejemplo, a pesar de que el 39 por ciento de los hispanos dice que es extremadamente importante o muy importante hablar con su proveedor de servicios de salud sobre el manejo del estrés, sólo el 18 por ciento indica que este tipo de intercambio ocurre con frecuencia o siempre. Los hallazgos de la encuesta demuestran también que el nivel promedio de estrés entre los hispanos podría ir en aumento en comparación con los niveles informados en 2011 (5.3 en una escala de 10 puntos, frente a 5.1 en 2011). Esto es a pesar de una tendencia a la baja para los estadounidenses en general (4.9 en una escala de 10 puntos, frente a 5.2 en 2011). Del mismo modo, 33 por ciento de los hispanos adultos afirma que su nivel de estrés ha aumentado en el pasado año.

“Cuando la gente recibe ayuda profesional para manejar el estrés y realizar cambios saludables en su conducta, alcanza con mayor éxito sus metas de salud”, dice el director ejecutivo de la APA, Norman B. Anderson, PhD. “Desafortunadamente, el sistema de salud de nuestro país con frecuencia descuida los factores psicológicos y conductuales que son de vital importancia para el manejo del estrés y las enfermedades crónicas. Para ser una nación más saludable, reducir los índices de enfermedades crónicas y disminuir el gasto en salud, tenemos que mejorar la forma en que vemos y tratamos el estrés y las conductas no saludables que contribuyen a la alta incidencia de enfermedades en los E.E. U.U.”

Son especialmente vulnerables los estadounidenses que reciben poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Este nutrido grupo de personas, entre las que se encuentra más de la mitad de los hispanos (51 por ciento) y de los estadounidenses en general (53 por ciento), indica que recibe poca o ninguna ayuda para manejar el estrés de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Además, 38 por ciento de los hispanos dice recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo de la conducta.

En general, es más probable que aquéllos que indicaron recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud reporten un aumento en sus niveles de estrés durante el último año, frente a los que dijeron recibir este tipo de apoyo (38 por ciento con poco o ningún apoyo, frente a 29 por ciento con bastante o mucho apoyo). La situación parece ser peor para el 20 por ciento de los estadounidenses en general que informó haber experimentado estrés extremo (8, 9 ó 10 en una escala de 10 puntos). Más de dos terceras partes de los adultos estadounidenses con altos niveles de estrés (69 por ciento) afirma que su nivel de estrés ha aumentado en el pasado año. Sin embargo, 33 por ciento de los estadounidenses adultos indica que nunca dialoga sobre el manejo del estrés con los proveedores de servicios de salud.

La generación del milenio se enfrenta al desafío del estrés y a la falta de apoyo para manejarlo

La llamada generación Millennials, aquéllos entre los 18 y 33 años, parece tener especial dificultad para manejar el estrés y procurar servicios de salud que satisfagan sus necesidades. La encuesta Stress in America reveló que los Millennials muestran un nivel promedio de estrés de 5.4 en una escala de 10 puntos, más que el promedio a nivel nacional (4.9). Esta generación también otorga calificaciones más bajas que el resto de los estadounidenses a los servicios de salud: los Millennials tienen menos probabilidades que la población general de dar la calificación de “A” a los servicios de salud que reciben (25 por ciento, frente a 31 por ciento). Casi la mitad de los Millennials (49 por ciento) no cree o no está segura de que hace lo suficiente para manejar el estrés y pocos dicen recibir apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Sólo el 23 por ciento piensa que los proveedores de servicios de salud le brindan “bastante o mucho” apoyo en su esfuerzo por realizar cambios conducentes a un estilo de vida y a conductas más saludables. Sólo el 17 por ciento dice lo mismo sobre el apoyo para el manejo del estrés recibido de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud.

La relación entre las enfermedades crónicas y el estrés
La encuesta Stress in America reveló que los estadounidenses adultos con alguna enfermedad crónica parecen recibir menos apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta en comparación con la población general y con aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas. Es menos probable que los estadounidenses con alguna enfermedad crónica indiquen que hacen lo suficiente para manejar el estrés que aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas (59 por ciento, frente a 66 por ciento). Además, las personas con alguna enfermedad crónica que dicen recibir poco o ningún apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud enfrentan un aumento en los niveles de estrés—41 por ciento afirmó que su nivel de estrés aumentó en el pasado año, en comparación con 35 por ciento de la población general.

A pesar de que los estadounidenses con alguna enfermedad crónica visitan a sus proveedores de servicios de salud con mayor frecuencia que aquéllos sin enfermedades crónicas, las personas con alguna enfermedad crónica no necesariamente reciben un mejor apoyo para el manejo del estrés. La mitad de aquéllos con alguna enfermedad crónica (51 por ciento) visita sus proveedores de salud tres o más veces al año, comparado con sólo 17 por ciento de las personas sin enfermedades crónicas. A pesar de una mayor frecuencia en consultas, sólo una cuarta parte (25 por ciento) de aquéllos con alguna enfermedad crónica indican que reciben “bastante o mucho” apoyo para el manejo del estrés de parte de los proveedores de servicios de salud. Sin embargo, a aquéllos que afirman que su
proveedor de servicios de salud les brinda bastante o mucho apoyo para el manejo del estrés o de la conducta les va mucho mejor que a los que no reciben este apoyo. Sesenta y ocho por ciento de las personas en el primer grupo indican que están haciendo lo suficiente para manejar el estrés, en comparación con el 54 por ciento que afirma recibir poco o ningún apoyo.

Para leer el informe íntegro de Stress in America o para descargar gráficas visite el sitio web www.stressinamerica.org.

Para más información sobre el estrés, el estilo de vida y la conducta, visite el sitio web www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo y lea el blog de la campaña de la APA (en inglés), Mind/Body Health, www.yourmindyourbody.org. Participe en el diálogo acerca del estrés en Twitter siguiendo @apahelpcenter y #stressAPA.

Metodología
La encuesta Stress in America fue realizada por Internet en los Estados Unidos por Harris Interactive, en representación de la Asociación Americana de Psicología, entre el 3 y el 31 de agosto de 2012, con la participación de 2.020 adultos mayores de 18 años residentes en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo 391 hispanos. Las cuatro generaciones estudiadas en esta investigación se definen de la siguiente manera: Millennials n=340 (18-33 años), generación X n=397 (34-47 años), Boomers n=1040 (48-66 años), y maduros n=243 (67 años ó más). Entre los 2.020 adultos encuestados, 1.424 reportaron haber sido diagnosticados con una o más de las siguientes afecciones: diabetes tipo 1, diabetes tipo 2, cáncer, enfermedades del corazón o ataques del corazón, colesterol alto, alta presión, sobrepeso, accidentes cerebrovasculares, asma u otra enfermedad respiratoria, dolor crónico, depresión, trastornos de ansiedad, artritis u obesidad. Esta encuesta en línea no se basa en una muestra probabilística y por lo tanto no se puede estimar el margen de error de muestreo. Para leer la metodología en su totalidad, incluyendo las variables principales, visite el sitio web www.stressinamerica.org.

La Asociación Americana de Psicología (American Psychological Association, APA), radicada en Washington, D.C., es la principal organización científica y profesional que representa la sicología en los Estados Unidos y la mayor asociación de psicólogos del mundo. La membresía de APA está compuesta por más de 137.000 investigadores, educadores, psicólogos clínicos, asesores profesionales y estudiantes. La APA, a través de sus divisiones en 54 subcampos de la psicología y sus afiliaciones con 60 asociaciones estatales, territoriales y provinciales de Canadá; trabaja para el logro del progreso de la psicología como ciencia, como profesión, y como medio de fomentar el bienestar humano.

Harris Interactive es una de las firmas de estudios de mercado personalizados más importantes del mundo. Emplea la investigación, la tecnología y el acumen comercial para transformar la información en acción. Conocida extensamente como Harris Poll® y por ser pioneros en la aplicación de metodologías innovadoras de investigación, Harris ofrece soluciones patentadas en las áreas de conocimiento de mercados y clientes, gestión marca y de reputación corporativas, e investigación de mercado, publicidad, relaciones públicas y comunicaciones. Harris ofrece conocimientos especializados en una amplia gama de industrias, incluyendo salud, tecnología, relaciones públicas, energía, telecomunicaciones, servicios financieros, seguros, medios de comunicación, ventas al detalle, restaurantes y bienes empacados para consumidores. Además, Harris, que cuenta con clientes en más de 196 países y territorios por medio de sus oficinas en Norteamérica y Europa, se especializa en proporcionar soluciones de investigación que mantienen a la firma — y a sus clientes — a la vanguardia de lo que vendrá. Para más información, visite www.harrisinteractive.com.

Contacto: Kirana Bammarito, P: ((202) 248-5471  E:moc.mmocnavnull@otirammabk

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Recent Media Coverage Misstates Facts on FDA Pain Medication Recommendations

January 2013

ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 29, 2013) — The American Academy of Physician Assistants found recent media coverage misstating the facts on proposed changes to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules for prescribing pain medications containing hydrocodone.

In a 19-to-10 vote, the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee recommended reclassifying hydrocodone from a Schedule III drug to a Schedule II one, rather than imposing a rule that would “ban nurse practitioners and physician assistants from prescribing the drugs,” as some major news outlets erroneously reported. This reclassification would limit prescription of these medications in states where PAs and other healthcare providers are not already authorized to prescribe Schedule II drugs. Currently, PAs can prescribe Schedule II medication in all but 14 states.

“While PAs are keenly aware of the overwhelming problems caused by the misuse of prescribed drugs — including products containing hydrocodone — we also urge policymakers to be cautious when legislating policies that will limit access to pain medications for patients with legitimate clinical needs, “ said James Delaney, PA-C, AAPA president. “AAPA continues to support and promote the responsible prescription of medication as part of the profession’s dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare.”

In 2012, AAPA recommended to Congress that a proposal to reclassify hydrocodone products from Schedule III to Schedule II be eliminated from the Prescription Drug User Fee Act and expressed concern that other legislated barriers imposed on Schedule II drugs have made it more difficult for some patients to receive or refill legitimate prescriptions.

The recommendation by the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee does not mean that hydrocodone products will be automatically moved to the Schedule II classification, or that the FDA will agree to implement the committee’s recommendation. If approved by the FDA, the committee’s recommendation would then be subject to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ regulatory process before implementation.

About the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for physician assistants. It represents a profession of more than 86,500 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and within the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. It works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants and to enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare. Visit www.aapa.org to learn more.

Contact: Patrick Dunne, P: (571) 319-4394  E:gro.apaanull@ennudp

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