Latest news with #HaroldWimmer
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Updated CDC Recommendations Aim to Help Protect Millions of People 50 and Older and Adults at High Risk from Potentially Serious Lung Infection
American Lung Association campaign educates adults about pneumococcal pneumonia CHICAGO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, an estimated 150,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common form of bacterial pneumonia. To help protect people from this potentially serious lung disease, the American Lung Association, in partnership with Pfizer, is raising awareness about updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and urging individuals at risk to get vaccinated. To help people stay healthy, the CDC issued updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for adults to expand eligibility. The following groups are recommended for vaccination: 'Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and when it does, the disease can disrupt a person's life for weeks and, in severe cases, result in hospitalization or even death. Thankfully, vaccination is available to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia,' said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. 'If you've been vaccinated before, it's still essential to talk to your healthcare provider, as additional vaccinations may be recommended, depending on the type or timing of vaccination received previously.' Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial infection. Unlike some illnesses, developing pneumococcal disease once does not protect against getting it again. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can develop quickly and include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and chest pain. Adults with chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease face increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. Data shows that adults aged 50 and older are 6.4 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia than younger adults aged 18-49. For those aged 65 and older, the risk of hospitalization increases more than tenfold. The American Lung Association and Pfizer are committed to increasing awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia and ensuring those at risk have access to lifesaving information and resources. For more details on pneumococcal pneumonia and vaccination, visit About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association P: 312-801-7629 E: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Lung Association
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Topline: A staggering drop in Black homeownership
A For Sale sign displayed in front of a home on February 22, 2023. (Photo by) Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: green cities; a stunning decline in Black homeownership; America's most polluted air; an unusually long stretch without homicides; and Minnesota's most conservative county. The Washington Post has used data from the Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service to map tree cover across the country's urban areas. Tree cover is primarily a function of the local climate — they grow readily in areas that were naturally forested before the arrival of Europeans, and less so in places like deserts. More than half of Atlanta is covered by trees, for instance. Less than 9% of Phoenix is. But policy plays a role too, and some cities are taking steps to plant more of them for a variety of reasons, including their cooling effect on the urban environment. Here in Minnesota, where the eastern forests meet the central prairie, you can see the gradient in canopy cover as you drive west. Duluth, for instance, is about 40% trees. Minneapolis-St. Paul is closer to 30%. Less than 15% of Fargo-Moohead has tree cover. A recent report by the Minnesota State Demographic Center shows that the overall rate of homeownership since 1970 has held steady at roughly 72%. But there has been a precipitous decline in Black homeownership over the same period. In 1970, for instance, 42% of Black families were homeowners. In 2022 just 26% were. 'In other words, since the 1970s, Black or African American householders have been increasingly concentrated into rental housing units,' according to the analysis. 'This is a historical trend unique to Black or African American households.' The decline has been consistent across every decade except the 1990s. Another interesting wrinkle: The decline happening almost exclusively among U.S.-born Black families. Among Black immigrants, homeownership rates increased. The numbers suggest that Minnesota's well-known racial disparities, among the worst in the nation, owe more to Black families falling behind than to white ones getting ahead. The fact that Minnesota-born Black families seem to be doing worse than their new immigrant counterparts is especially damning, and a sign that policymakers' efforts to address the state's disparities are failing. They're mostly in California, according to the American Lung Association's latest State of the Air report. But a couple Midwestern cities also make the list, including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and Cleveland. The study finds, overall, that nearly half of the U.S. breathes in unhealthy levels of air pollution. 'Air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick, and leading to low birth weight in babies,' said Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association. 'This year's report shows the dramatic impact that air pollution has on a growing number of people.' The findings are especially concerning this year as the Trump administration is taking steps to both weaken federal regulations on air pollutants and to stop collecting much of the data that scientists use to track air pollution around the world. The 62 days between February 15 and April 18 mark the longest homicide-free stretch in Minneapolis since at least 2017, the Star Tribune reports. It's a nice little milestone but bear in mind that homicides are currently falling virtually everywhere in the country, making it difficult to ascribe Minneapolis' recent dry spell to any particular policy or policing decision. So far this year, Minneapolis homicides are down by more than 50% from where they were last year at this time. That's an impressive number, but it remains to be seen whether it's the start of a durable trend or just the reflection of the regular ebb and flow of violent crime. It's Morrison County in north-central Minnesota, population 34,000, per the Star Tribune. More than 70% of the county's voters picked Donald Trump in the last three elections, and the overwhelming majority of them remain pleased with their pick despite the economic chaos he's already caused. Morrison is virtually all white and in the bottom fifth of the state for household income. Several of the voters who spoke with the Star Tribune appear to be deeply misinformed on basic facts about American society. One government employee, who believes antifa was behind Jan. 6 and who is indefinitely postponing building a new home because of Trump's policies, told the paper he remains 100% devoted to the billionaire convicted felon in the White House: 'He's me, just at a lot bigger level.'
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Shocking list of cities where polluted air is slowly killing its residents
A shocking new report has revealed the most dangerous US cities for air pollution, where toxic conditions could be damaging residents' health day after day. Air pollution, which triggers a multitude of health problems, is one of the world's biggest killers. The American Lung Association compiled the new rankings based on weighted averages of unhealthy air days. Cities earned their positions based on ozone measurements that indicate dangerous breathing conditions. Long Beach in Los Angeles County topped the list of metropolitan areas with the worst ozone pollution, followed closely by several California neighbors. Visalia, California, made number two on the list and Bakersfield-Delano was in third place. The devastating rankings expose how millions of Americans are unknowingly breathing harmful air that experts warn can lead to serious respiratory issues, heart disease, strokes, and even premature death. Mesa, near Phoenix in Arizona, claimed the fourth spot in the ozone pollution rankings, while Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, California rounded out the top five most polluted areas. Denver-Aurora-Greeley, Colorado earned the sixth spot, with Houston-Pasadena, Texas following at number seven. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, in California, landed at eighth place, while Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem - which spans both Utah and Idaho - secured the ninth spot. Dallas-Fort Worth area, extending across Texas and Oklahoma, completed the list of the top ten. The list continues with Sacramento-Roseville, California at number eleven, followed by gambling mecca Las Vegas-Henderson, Nevada at twelve and Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado ranking 13th. The San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland corridor appears at number fourteen. America's third-largest city, Chicago-Naperville - which spans Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin - comes in at 15th place. Surprisingly, New York-Newark, the nation's largest metropolitan area stretching across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, closes out the list at number sixteen. The World Health Organization has warned that close to 7 million people die each year from exposure to unhealthy air. 'Families across the U.S. are dealing with the health impacts of air pollution every day, and extreme heat and wildfires are making it worse,' said Harold Wimmer, the president and CEO of the American Lung Association. Air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick, and leading to low birth weight in babies. 'This year's report shows the dramatic impact that air pollution has on a growing number of people. 'Even as more people are breathing unhealthy air, the federal staff, programs and policies that are supposed to be cleaning up pollution are facing rollbacks, restructuring and funding challenges.' 'For decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to ensure people have clean air to breathe, from providing trustworthy air quality forecasts to making sure polluters who violate the law clean up.' 'Efforts to slash staff, funding and programs at EPA are leaving families even more vulnerable to harmful air pollution. We need to protect EPA.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Report reveals staggering scale of silent crisis affecting millions: 'Families even more vulnerable'
Nearly half of Americans are now breathing unsafe air — and the numbers are only getting worse. A new "State of the Air" report from the American Lung Association reveals that more than 156 million people in the U.S. are living in areas with unhealthy levels of smog and soot — up 16% from last year and the highest in the decade. This marks a troubling step backward in the fight for clean air, especially as extreme heat and wildfires, both intensified by the planet's overheating, continue to fan the flames. The report analyzed data from 2021 to 2023 and found nearly 43 million exposed to failing grades in all three major air quality categories: year-round soot (fine particulate matter or PM2.5), short-term spikes in soot, and ozone (also known as smog). These pollutants are linked to serious health problems — from asthma and heart attacks to preterm births and impaired brain function. PM2.5 — often produced by wildfires, diesel engines, and power plants — can even cause lung cancer. And smog? Experts liken it to a sunburn on your lungs. The 2023 wildfire season, especially smoke from Canada that blanketed U.S. cities, played a huge role in this surge. Combined with heat waves, it pushed air quality in many areas to dangerous new lows. Breathing polluted air doesn't just affect your lungs — it impacts nearly every organ in your body. "Air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick, and leading to low birth weight in babies," Harold Wimmer, the president and CEO of the American Lung Association, told the Guardian. What's worse: the areas hardest hit often lack adequate air monitoring altogether. More than 70 million Americans live in places where no official data is collected — a dangerous blind spot where families are left alarmingly unaware. And this gap might be exacerbated with the current administration's shifting priorities. "Efforts to slash staff, funding and programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are leaving families even more vulnerable to harmful air pollution," Wimmer explained. The good news: change is possible — and already happening in ways that will help, even if much more is needed. Some cities are investing in clean public transit and electrifying school bus fleets. Others are passing laws that phase out dirty diesel trucks and gas-powered appliances. Federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act are helping families upgrade to cleaner, more efficient home systems. On an individual level, you can check your local air quality index before heading outside by searching "AQI" with your town or zip code, wear a mask on high-pollution days, and consider switching to an induction stove or using air purifiers at home. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Clean air isn't just a dream — it's a choice. And the more we push for stronger protections and smarter habits, the closer we'll get to making it a reality. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Lake, Porter counties receive failing grades in air pollution report
Lake County received three failing grades from the American Lung Association, and Porter County isn't much better. The findings come on the heels of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's possible air pollution exemptions for corporations. 'Even as more people are breathing unhealthy air, the federal staff, programs and policies that are supposed to be cleaning up pollution are facing rollbacks, restructuring and funding challenges,' Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said in a Wednesday news release. 'For decades, (the EPA) has worked to ensure people have clean air to breathe, from providing trustworthy air quality forecasts to making sure polluters who violate the law clean up. Efforts to slash staff, funding and programs at EPA are leaving families even more vulnerable to harmful air pollution. We need to protect EPA.' On Wednesday, the American Lung Association released its 2025 'State of the Air' report, which found that 156 million people live in areas that received failing grades for either ozone or particle pollution, according to the organization's website. The American Lung Association is the leading organization focused on improving lung health and preventing lung disease, according to its website. Lake County failed in all three categories: ozone pollution, 24-hour particle pollution and annual particle pollution. Porter County only received a passing grade for annual particle pollution. 'Families across the U.S. are dealing with the health impacts of air pollution every day, and extreme heat and wildfires are making it worse,' Wimmer said in the release. 'Air pollution is causing kids to have asthma attacks, making people who work outdoors sick, and leading to low birth weight in babies. This year's report shows the dramatic impact that air pollution has on a growing number of people.' Ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and other health effects including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births and impaired cognitive funding, according to the American Lung Association. The organization also found that particle pollution can cause lung cancer. Ashley Williams, executive director of Just Transition Northwest Indiana, said the American Lung Association's grades are unsurprising and appalling. In a Thursday statement, Williams said state agencies continue to issue industry permits that 'sorely lack consideration of public health, cumulative pollution impacts and environmental harms.' 'We call for accountability and investments in alternative, renewable solutions that are severely overdue to address this situation,' Williams said in a statement. 'The urgency has never been more dire in light of EPA's recent funding cuts and executive orders from (Gov. Mike Braun) that undermine environmental justice.' Corporations could apply for presidential exemptions to sections of the Clean Air Act by March 31, according to the EPA website. The exemptions were allowed to advance President Donald Trump's executive orders. Trump will decide which corporations receive exemptions based 'on the merits.' Exemptions can be extended for up to two additional years and can be renewed. The EPA's website does not say when exemptions will be awarded. According to Post-Tribune archives, an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Law and Policy Center showed that more than 500 facilities in 45 states were invited to apply for exemptions. Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel facilities in Northwest Indiana were included. Both companies were unable to comment on the exemptions. Gary Advocates for Responsible Development sent a letter to U.S. Steel executive leadership, asking to disclose whether the corporation requested an exemption for its Gary Works facility. GARD sent the letter to U.S. Steel on April 16, and as of April 21, the advocacy organization had not yet heard back. U.S. Steel, on Thursday, did not respond to Post-Tribune's request for comment about the letter. Northwest Indiana communities 'have a right to know' if U.S. Steel applied for exemptions, GARD's letter said. 'The U.S. Steel Gary Works steel mill is one of the largest sources of air pollution in Northwest Indiana, an area that has been overburdened by dangerous and dirty air for decades,' the letter said. 'Residents of these communities and steel workers face elevated risks of respiratory illness, brain damage and cancer from steel mills' emissions.'
