Smoking Cessation Trust

06/11/2026

This morning at 9 AM on WWLTV

06/06/2026

The most important person on Team Alexander isn't here yet.

It's you.

Join us as we walk to honor those we've lost, support families facing Alzheimer's today, and help fund research for tomorrow.

Join Team Alexander or make a donation:
https://act.alz.org/goto/TeamAlexander

05/04/2026

https://www.givenola.org/give/teamgleason

10/03/2024

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

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

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

STEM Global Action

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

04/19/2024

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

02/10/2024

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

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

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

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

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

01/25/2024

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

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

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

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

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

12/10/2023

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

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

12/08/2023

The shoemaker's kid finally has shoes!

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

12/05/2023

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

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

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

How To Help Loved Ones Navigate Medicare Open Enrollment Successfully