Give the Perfect Gift for your Golfer AND Fight Lung Disease
The Golf Privilege Book is the perfect gift for any golfer in your heart this year.   Read more...

Iowa’s Tobacco Control Report Card Grades Mixed
Iowa's tobacco control policies earned mixed grades, with low marks for Tobacco Prevention and Control Spending (F) and Cessation Coverage (F) and average to high marks for Cigarette Tax (C) and Smokefree Air (A) in the American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2009 report released today.   Read more...

New Freedom From Smoking Online Launched
The American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking (FFS) program has helped thousands of people quit smoking and is considered the gold standard for its clinically proven techniques.   Read more...

American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest Receives Recovery Act Funding for Reducing Diesel Emissions
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest has been awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to retrofit diesel vehicles across the Upper Midwest with engineering technologies which reduce diesel emissions.   Read more...

Meet Jerry Mathers!
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus along with Iowa born spokesman Jerry Mathers (who played the "Beaver" in the TV show "Leave it to Beaver") will be in Des Moines at the American Lung Association's office in Urbandale on Monday, October 12th from 9:00 - 11:00 am.   Read more...

Senate Passes Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
On June 11, 2009, the United States Senate took the nation one step closer to permanently altering the face of public health in America as it passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which grants the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight over the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.   Read more...

Behind the Headlines: Swine Flu
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a number of cases of swine flu in human adults and children living in several U.S. states.   Read more...

National Volunteer Recognition Week
The ALA in Iowa hosted a reception for their volunteers on Wednesday, April 22 in honor of National Volunteer Recognition week.   Read more...

Advocacy Day in Washington DC.
The American Lung Association held an Advocacy Day on March 25, 2009 in Washington, DC.   Read more...

Empower Youth on Kick Butts Day
Kick Butts Day may seem weeks away but now is the time to start planning for an event to empower youth to speak out against Big Tobacco.   Read more...

President Obama Hikes Federal Cigarette Tax to Help Kids
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest applauds President Obama for helping promote and preserve the health of some of America's most vulnerable children.   Read more...

Iowa's Smoke-free Policy among Nation's Best, First "A" Grade on Annual Report Card for Smoke-free Air
Iowa's new smoke-free air law has earned Iowa an "A" for Smoke-free Air policies in the American Lung Association's (ALA) State of Tobacco Control 2008 report released today.   Read more...

Celebrate Smoke-Free Homes for the Holidays
Thank you for your past support of smoke-free environments! The American Lung Association is encouraging everyone to pledge their home and car smoke-free.   Read more...

World COPD Day Celebrated
World COPD Day is being celebrated to recognize and raise awareness to the 4th leading cause of death in the United States.   Read more...

Quitting Smoking Saves Lives and Money
If you smoke, quitting can save you money as well as your life. However, where you live can help or hurt your ability to quit.   Read more...

Radon Causes Thousands of Deaths Annually
During national Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest is urging everyone to protect themselves by testing their homes for radon gas.   Read more...

November is COPD Awareness Month
November is COPD Awareness Month, and the American Lung Association is again partnering with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute on this year's "COPD Learn More Breathe Better" campaign.   Read more...

Historic Appeals Case Against Tobacco
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice and Public Health Intervenors, including the American Lung Association, presented oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals in a landmark case against the tobacco industry.   Read more...

Cleaner Alternatives for Winter Heat
As cooler temperatures mark the beginning of fall, the American Lung Association warns that the comfort of a roaring fire can be harmful to your health.   Read more...

Hundreds Walk For Lung Health In Des Moines
Camp, cures and clean air were among the motivating factors for 300 people who put on their walking shoes and participated in a 2 mile fundraising walk and community health fair sponsored by the American Lung Association of Iowa.   Read more...

Tobacco Trends On Campuses
The American Lung Association recently released a report that found one in five college students still continues to smoke.   Read more...

Going Back to School with Asthma
As the school bells get ready to ring, parents and other caregivers of children who have asthma should prepare for a possible peak in asthma episodes (also known as attacks or exacerbations).   Read more...

Lung Disease Death Rates Increasing
According to the latest report by the American Lung Association, Lung Disease Data, death rates due to lung disease are currently increasing while death rates due to other leading causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke are declining.   Read more...

HELP IS HERE!
The "Help is Here Express" national bus tour will be in Iowa this week to help uninsured and financially-struggling patients affected by recent flooding access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.   Read more...

New Era Begins In IA
The ribbon was recently cut on the American Lung Association of Iowa's new Urbandale office location.   Read more...

Smokeless Tobacco Raises Cancer Risk
Smokeless tobacco is less dangerous than cigarettes, but still raises the risk of oral cancer by 80 percent.   Read more...

Iowa Is Smoke Free!
The Iowa Smokefree Air Act will be going into effect July 1st, and the American Lung Association of Iowa has been busy helping businesses with the transition.   Read more...

U.S. House Passes Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehab Act
The American Lung Association commends and thanks the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act today.   Read more...

Smoking Linked To Mental Decline
A recent study suggests that middle-aged smokers tend to perform poorly on tests of memory, reasoning, vocabulary, and verbal fluency, as compared to nonsmokers.   Read more...

Adult Asthma in Women linked to Heart Disease & Stroke
A recent study suggests that adult-onset asthma in women tends to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.   Read more...

Lung Cancer Risk Linked to Genetic Variant
A recent study is suggesting that a common genetic variant increases the risk of lung cancer...even in nonsmokers.   Read more...

Lung Cancer Test Looks Promising
Researchers are hopeful that a diagnostic blood test may one day be used alongside lung CT scanning in patients with suspected lung cancer.   Read more...

New Asthma Inhaler By Year's End
By year's end, millions of asthma sufferers will have to switch to inhalers that are chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free.   Read more...

Record Number Of Flu Doses Projected
Manufacturers of the flu vaccine expect to produce a record number of doses for next year's flu season.   Read more...

Now Is The Time To Quit!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published an update to its 1996 Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, which contains revised and improved recommendations to providers and clinicians so that they can better assist smokers in quitting.   Read more...

World Asthma Day
May 6th is World Asthma Day, organized to raise awareness and improve asthma care throughout the world.   Read more...

We've Moved!!
The American Lung Association of Iowa has moved its offices to 2530 73rd Street in Urbandale.   Read more...

Iowa Sees Slight Gain In State Of The Air Report
The State of Iowa received three "F" grades for particulate air pollution - one less than last year - in the annual "State of the Air" report card of the American Lung Association.   Read more...

Children More Vulnerable to Air Pollution
The effects of air pollution on children are becoming clearer according to recent stories in the news.   Read more...

Athletes And Asthma
The American Lung Association of Iowa in partnership with the Iowa High School Athletic Association will be hosting Athletes and Asthma - The Role of the Coach, on Wednesday, May 7th, at Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk.   Read more...

Iowa Is Smoke Free
Governor Culver signed Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act protecting thousands of Iowans from the harms of secondhand smoke.   Read more...

Birdies For Charity
The American Lung Association of Iowa will be participating in the 2008 Birdies For Charity fundraiser.   Read more...

Protecting Iowans From Secondhand Smoke
The American Lung Association of Iowa is excited by the passage of the Iowa Smoke-free Air Act, but vows to keep working until all Iowa workers are protected from secondhand smoke.   Read more...

Easier Treatment For Allergic Asthma
A recent study found that children ages 3 to 18 years suffering with allergic asthma, may benefit from an "under the tongue" or sublingual therapy.   Read more...

Cigarette Sales Plummet After Tax Hike
Sales of cigarettes in Iowa have dropped nearly 40% since the $1-a-pack tax increase took effect last March.   Read more...

Smoke-free Dining in Central Iowa
Since 2003, when the first Dining Guide was printed, more than 400 additional establishments have been added. There were 167 restaurants included in the original Dining Guide.   Read more...

Microwave Popcorn and Lung Disease
A recent study is suggesting that an ingredient in microwave popcorn can damage the airways and lungs.   Read more...

Smoking Increases Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke
A new study is suggesting that smoking may further damage blood vessels already weakened by high blood pressure.   Read more...

Flu Virus Wears An Overcoat
Researchers may have recently found a clue for the advancement of new flu treatments.   Read more...

Record Participation At 801 Grand Power Climb
Over the weekend, nearly 700 individuals participated in the 5th Annual 801 Grand Power Climb in downtown Des Moines.   Read more...

Fire Fighters Take the Steps
On February 24th, 17 fire fighter teams from around the state will be climbing 41 floors in full gear (weighing over fifty pounds) as they compete in the American Lung Association's Fire Fighters Challenge at the 801 Grand Power Climb.   Read more...

House File 2212 Passes Out Of House
House File 2212 passed out of the House last night (Feb. 19). The final vote count was 55 yes, 44 no, 1 abstaining.   Read more...

Everyone Deserves the Right to Breathe Smoke-free Air
Smoke-free environments are a fiery issue at the Capitol. A statewide smoke-free bill lacking local control and exempting casinos is currently moving through the House.   Read more...

Flu Vaccine May Fall Short In Protection
This year's flu vaccine may not protect as well as previously thought, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).   Read more...

Smoking Cessation and Pregnancy
New research is suggesting that women rarely choose to use smoking cessation medication during pregnancy.   Read more...

Important Difference Between Severe And Mild Asthma
A recent study is reporting that there may be important distinctions between those suffering with severe asthma and those with mild or moderate asthma.   Read more...

Breast Cancer Treatment and Smoking Increase Lung Cancer Risk
A new study shows that women who smoke, and have undergone radiation treatment for breast cancer, dramatically increase their risk for developing lung cancer.   Read more...

Kids May Be Influenced By Movie Characters
A recent study suggests that youngsters may be influenced to start using tobacco due to watching movie characters who smoke.   Read more...

State of Tobacco Control Report Card Released
The American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2007 report, an annual report card on federal and state tobacco control legislation and policies, assigns only Ds and Fs to the federal government, but says 2008 presents an historic opportunity for Congress to make a dramatic impact on tobacco control across America.   Read more...

Governor Proclaims Jan 3rd Chronic Disease Awareness And Action Day
Iowa Governor Chet Culver today recognized the historic, bi-partisan work of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease and the Partnership for Better Heath in advance of the Iowa Caucuses on January 3, 2008.   Read more...

Studies Link Vehicle Pollution to Lung Function
Recently released studies demonstrate the real-world effects of motor vehicle pollution on lung function.   Read more...

Christmas Trees Aggravate Allergies
For a second year in a row, researchers are pointing toward the Christmas tree as the culprit for increased asthma, allergy, and sinus complications.   Read more...

New Christmas Seals® Website Launched
This year the American Lung Association is celebrating 100 years of Christmas Seals® by launching a new Christmas Seals® website.   Read more...

Lt. Governor Recognizes Volunteers
The American Lung Association of Iowa recognized the following volunteers for their work toward furthering the organization's mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.   Read more...

COPD - A Major Killer of Women
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an illness that claims the lives of 120,000 Americans a year. It is the fourth leading cause of death and is expected to be the third by 2020.   Read more...

Experts Release New Cystic Fibrosis Guidelines
New clinical standards for the treatment of cystic fibrosis were released recently, based on a two-year review of published research on patients aged six and older.   Read more...

Smoke Free Leaders Honored
The Central Iowa Tobacco-free Partnership, a coalition promoting a smoke-free Central Iowa, is proud to honor six key leaders in tobacco control.   Read more...

Actress Jennifer Garner Kicks Off Faces of Influenza Awareness Campaign
Actress and mother Jennifer Garner joined leading medical officials at a press conference on Monday, November 12th to kick off the American Lung Association's national public awareness campaign, urging Americans to get their annual influenza vaccination.   Read more...

New Program will Recognize Exceptional COPD Efforts
The American Lung Association has partnered with The Joint Commission to develop a new program in which hospitals, clinics, and providers may obtain the Certificate of Quality Distinction for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).   Read more...

LT. Governor Judge announces "5 Steps Toward a Healthy Iowa"
Lt. Governor Patty Judge has announced the 5 recommendations of her Commission on Wellness and Healthy Living to make Iowa a healthier state.   Read more...

November is COPD Awareness Month
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis—diseases that are characterized by obstruction to air flow.   Read more...

American Lung Association Applauds Release of CDC Best Practices
The American Lung Association welcomes the update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs.   Read more...

COPD: Learn More, Breathe Better
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe.   Read more...

Linn County Urges State Legislature
The supervisors of Linn County, IA have formally pledged their support for local government control of smoking regulations.   Read more...

Sleep Tight, Breathe Right
Bedtime is anything but pleasant for people with allergies and asthma since that's very often the time when symptoms worsen.   Read more...

MMWR Reports Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has published new 2006 data on the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults and quitting among persons aged 18-35.   Read more...

FDA Regulation of Tobacco Debated in Committee
Today, the Subcommittee on Health of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce begins historic consideration of HR 1108, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.   Read more...

American Lung Association rolls out newly revised Freedom From Smoking cessation program
The American Lung Association is pleased to announce that the revised Freedom From Smoking Program is now available.   Read more...

Des Moines City Council Supports Local Control
The American Lung Association and the Central Iowa Tobacco-free Partnership had another success in Central Iowa Monday night with local control resolutions!   Read more...

U.S. House of Representatives Approves Cigarette Tax Increase
Last night the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of a 61-cent-per-pack increase in the federal cigarette tax.   Read more...

Influenza Season Approaching
Influenza or "the flu" is not merely the common cold, but a serious respiratory illness.   Read more...

Renewable Fuel Chopper Raises $113,000 for the American Lung Association Clean Air Choice Program
When Michael Murphy of Seymour, Iowa, was handed the keys to the E85-powered "Renewable Energy Chopper" during the halftime of the September 15th Iowa vs. Iowa State football game, he wasn't the only beneficiary of the "Join the Ride, Iowa" raffle.   Read more...

Our Children Are Vulnerable
Today's announcement of a new program to protect children enrolled in Head Start from exposure to secondhand smoke is an important public health measure   Read more...

Disparities in Lung Disease
Diverse communities throughout the nation continue to be disproportionately affected by lung diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).   Read more...

Breath of Fresh Air!
Asthma education got a breath of fresh air today when updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma were released by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Association (NAEPP).   Read more...

Students May Be In Danger
According to a recent survey by the American Lung Association, students with asthma may face dangerous situations when returning to classrooms this year.   Read more...

Blow the Whistle on Asthma
Earlier this week, the American Lung Association of Iowa held its Asthma Walk Kick-off Luncheon to increase awareness of the upcoming September 8th event.   Read more...

America’s First E-85 Chopper
This spring The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) unveiled the “Join the Ride Iowa” campaign to cast the spotlight on Iowa’s leadership role in renewable energy and its connection to Iowa agriculture   Read more...

Clean Air Choice Team Celebrates Grand Opening
On Saturday, June 16th , the Clean Air Choice team celebrated the grand opening of Big 10 Mart in Dubuque IA.   Read more...

Clean Air Choice Team in Fredericksburg
Recently the Clean Air Choice Team partnered with the Fredericksburg Farmer's Cooperative on a highly successful biofuels promotion   Read more...

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs May Lower Risk of Lung Cancer
Individuals who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs for more than six months cut their lung cancer risk by 55%, a Veterans Administration study suggests.   Read more...

XDR-TB Case Stirs Public Concern
As recently reported in the international news passengers and crew on two transatlantic flights were potentially exposed to a rare and unusually drug resistant form of tuberculosis called XDR-TB.   Read more...

World No Tobacco Day Celebrated
Thursday, May 31st, is the 17th annual World No Tobacco Day. World No Tobacco Day highlights the urgent need for lawmakers across the United States to pass laws that will reduce our nation's addiction to tobacco.   Read more...

Worksite Tobacco-Free Conference held in Des Moines
The American Lung Association of Iowa held a Making Your Worksite Tobacco-free Conference in Des Moines on May 17th.   Read more...

Research Finds Simpler Asthma Treatments Effective
Results of a recent study found that a simpler, once-a-day regimen of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist is just as effective as twice-daily inhaled corticosteroid treatments in patients with mild persistent asthma.   Read more...

Asthma Care Needs More Control
Current findings are causing a reevaluation of childhood asthma care. Only one in five asthmatic children has their disease under good control.   Read more...