The Smoke-Free Movement

It's been a long time coming, but France is finally due some major kudos from the rest of the world after revealing yesterday the details of their comprehensive "Smoke-Free Decree." Starting on February, 1 most French workplaces will have to become smoke-free. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will have until January, 1 2008 before they will be required to be 100 percent smoke-free.

More and more governments are now realizing that all workers have a right to work in an environment free of cancer causing substances. With the passage of this decree France will join Ireland, Italy, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, Bermuda, Uganda, Malta, Uruguay, Hong Kong, and Bhutan in the list of countries that have enacted comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation, including smokefree restaurants and bars.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Another great commentary championing smoke-free laws was published today in the Chicago Defender. The article was written by Marian Wright Edelman, President and Founder of the Children's Defense Fund and Action Council. Miss Edelman focuses on the danger secondhand smoke smoke poses to children and how supporting anti-tobacco legislation can ensure childen the Healthy Start to life they all deserve.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 8:47 AM | Permalink | Comments   

The newly elected national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently proclaimed that if the VFW is to modernize their image and expand their range of services, that all VFW halls should adopt a smoke-free policy. According to VFW Commander, Gary Kupris:

"We are a democratic organization that is letting 20 percent of the population tell us that the post will fail if people can’t smoke inside. That’s bunk. I know many VFW members and spouses who will not attend post meetings or events because of the smoke. I have read many articles about the VFW being the last building in town where indoor smoking is still permitted … and some members quoted in the newspaper are celebrating as if they just won a great battle against government and social interference. Comrades, that is not a victory, it is a sad commentary that unfortunately paints all of us with the same brush.”

The full transcript of Mr. Kupris' speach can be found here.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Smokers wanting to kick the habit should take a red marker and make a big circle around Nov. 16 on the calendar. In the circle, write “quit smoking today” to remember the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

In its 30th year, the American Cancer Society is encouraging smokers to go smoke-free for a day and consider giving it up for good.

In Illinois, approximately 22 percent of adults are smokers, about the same as the national average. According to the Society, more than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, but only five to 10 percent are successful on any given attempt.

“To increase your success rate of remaining smoke-free, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, cessation specialist or establish a support system of friends and family,” said Dr. Arthur Hoffman, American Cancer Society medical ambassador and a leading smoking cessation expert at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “Smokers need methods to resist the urge to smoke after they quit and how to use tools like relaxation techniques, nicotine replacement therapy, or other medications to help them make their quit attempt a long-term success.”

In fact, kicking the habit can have instant benefits to a person’s health. Twenty minutes after quitting, a person’s heart rate drops. Within days and weeks, lung function will begin to increase, making it easier for the organ to handle mucus, clean itself and reduce the risk of infection.

A year after quitting, the excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s risk. Within five years of quitting, a former smoker will experience an improved sense of taste that can increase as much as 30 percent. Additionally, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s death rate after 10 years.

When someone quits smoking they are not only protecting their health, but they’re improving the health and safety of others by reducing exposure to deadly secondhand smoke. In June, the U.S. Surgeon General reported an estimated 126 million Americans are regularly exposed and no level of secondhand smoke is safe. Even brief exposure can cause immediate harm, especially to infants and children.

Since the Great American Smokeout began 30 years ago, lung cancer incidence and death rates have declined in men; per-capita cigarette consumption is at it lowest since World War II; 17 states have become smoke-free and 43 states have raised tobacco excise taxes in the past five years.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Wednesday's Chicago News-Star featured a terrific editoral endorsing smoke-free legislation.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 1:25 PM | Permalink | Comments   

On November 20th at 5:00pm the Springfield City Council will hold a hearing regarding a proposed bill to repeal Springfield’s current smoke-free ordinance that was just passed in January. There has not been adequate time to analyze how the ordinance has affected the local economy. We cannot let this important, life saving piece of legislation get overturned. A repeal of this ordinance would be a significant blow to Springfield workers’ rights and to the health of all citizens. If you believe that your health is too important to be sacrificed, go out and make your voice heard:

• Call your local alderman and tell them that you support a 100 percent smoke-free ordinance
• Write a letter to the editor
• Call into a radio show

And most importantly…

• Attend the Springfield City Council hearing on November 20 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Michelle at 217-546-7586.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 2:32 PM | Permalink | Comments   

It may not be as obvious as working in a bar or restuarant, but prison employees including guards, wardens, and medical staff are unprotected from the dangers secondhand smoke. The proposed state-wide smoke-free oridance does not currently cover prisons, but every worker in the state of Illinois deserves to breathe clean air regardless of where they are employed or what tax bracket they occupy. This holds true for employees of prisons and state correctional facilities. White collar employees shouldn't be the only ones who are guaranteed a work environment with clean air! Here is a link to a new organization that is working to get prison employees covered under the proposed ordinance:

http://www.smokefreeillinoisprisons.org/index.html

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments