More publicity needed on smoke-free living

How many have taken an early start to quit smoking? November is Lung Cancer and Tobacco Awareness Month! The color for lung cancer is white or pearl. Tobacco awareness is brown. Lavender is the color representing all cancers.

Last month, there was a letter on the Opinion Page, concerning smoking bans. It would have made a great story for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. So little is written about tobacco awareness, and lung cancer.

Stephanie Truly’s article has been the only thing the paper has printed, and we are halfway through the month.

The paper could invest some time in printing at least one tip, or what changes your body makes, when one gives up cigarettes.

The funding for lung cancer is severely lacking, compared to breast. It would be great if all cancers received the same funding.

Funding enables states to provide education, smoking cessation classes, or even a support group. Sixty-five thousand nonsmokers die yearly, from secondhand smoke, than women die of breast cancer.

The only way to have a safe environment for workers and patrons, is to implement a Smoke Free Air Act, which eliminates indoor smoking in all buildings. Smoke has no boundaries; smoke can waft into the nonsmoking areas.

Secondhand smoke contains 60+ carcinogens and 4,000 toxins remaining in the air, for up to two weeks. I was surprised to learn that no ventilation system will completely remove secondhand smoke. The only sure way is to eliminate smoking indoors completely.

New York City, adopted the Smoke Free Air Act in March of 2003. This change increased sales of two million dollars for the better, in the first year bars and restaurants enacted the Smoke Free Air Act. Other cities have had an increase in their business, when there is no-smoking.

Something else to think about; cigarettes are comparable to meth. Both are very addicting. Both include smoking toxic chemicals. Both contain carcinogens, and toxins. The similarities are frightening.

Here are a few insightful quotes from those in government on Smoke Free Air Act:

Eric Turner, Indiana State representative:

“Indiana is behind the curve. In other states, you can take your children and babies (into restaurants) and know they’ll not have to breathe secondhand smoke.”

Quoted In: Higgins, W., “Smoke-free workplace advocates gather at Statehouse,” Indianapolis Star, Sept. 8, 2010.

Hugh Holliman, North Carolina state representative:

“There is overwhelming scientific evidence that proves secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory illnesses and kills tens of thousands of Americans every year. It is time for North Carolina to join the growing momentum across the nation to protect the rights of all our citizens to breathe clean, smoke-free air.”

Quoted In: [n.a.], “No smoking: House bill would bar lighting up in workplaces, bars and restaurants,” Fayetteville Observer, Jan. 30, 2009

Joseph Vitale, New Jersey senator:

“Thousands of workers each and every day are exposed to secondhand smoke. Why should thousands of casino workers be subject to cancer and emphysema?”

Quoted In: McAleer, P., “Full ban on casino smoking approved by Senate,” Press of Atlantic City, June 22, 2007.

There are several more I could post, but the message is clear. The only way for smoke-free air is to eliminate indoor smoking. Certainly the restaurant and bar business benefits.

Google American Lung Association for more facts and tips on how to quit, and see what changes your body goes through, when you stop. I know there are enough changes for a new fact each day for the month of November.