A newly released MDCH publication on the Impact of Heart Disease and Stroke in Michigan: 2008 Report on Surveillance , provides a comprehensive report on cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, risk factors associated with CVD and some of the resources/facilities of interest in reducing and controlling CVD in Michigan. This publication is the product of the Michigan Cardiovascular Alliance, MDCH Epidemiology Section and the Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition and Physicial Activity Section and will inform the strategic planning that will begin in September to identify priority initiatives in the state to reduce the burden of CVD in Michigan.   

 Michigan Tools for Healthy Schools: local-level needs assessment tools to support Coordinated School Health.

 A Summary of the new Michigan legislation:Michigan Public Act 493 decreases the availability of mercury-based blood pressure manometers. 

  Congratulations to 103 Schools for Promoting Healthy Environments 
Schools all over Michigan were recognized and applauded for taking significant steps to make their environments healthier at the Eat Healthy + Play Hard = Smart Students Conference on April 23, 2008.  The 2008 Award School Recipients were given 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mention.  To learn more about the program and how your school could be recognized in 2009 visit the website at http://mihealthtools.org/greatschools/ 

 Highlights of the 2007 MiBRFS Trends in Physical Activity This brief summary of key findings from the Michigan Behavorial Risk Factor Survey BRFS provides information on the percent of Michigan residents reporting on obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes and it features the trends in physical activity.

 A Guide for Michigan Legislators on Heart Disease & Stroke
This guide, supported by the American Heart Association, offers concise statistical trends on Heart Disease and Stroke in Michigan and an overview of some statewide initiatives to reduce these diseases.

 Building Healthy Communities Grant Opportunity for local health departments.  See the Technical Assistance (TA) Manual for a list of key references, evidence based strategies, and promising practices related to the Building Healthy Communities grant opportunity.