For an article about the graphic photo warnings the FDA will now require on cigarette packaging. The FDA will mandate that 50% of the front and rear panels of cigarette packages will be covered with color graphics showing what happens when you smoke.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/03/AR2009080302229.html?hpid=sec-health
And for the latest on E cigarettes – a link to update you on this growing trend. There is a kiosk for “Smoke Anywhere” at the foot of the escalators in Lynnhaven Mall.
http://www.cigarettesreviews.com/category/electronic-cigarettes
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Ending the Tobacco Problem: Resources for Local Action
New Website Serves as a Resource for Local Action
The Institute of Medicine recently launched Ending the Tobacco Problem: Resources for Local Action, a new tobacco cessation website aimed at providing community coalitions with information to take action in their local communities. Based on the IOM's 2007 report, the website provides examples of organizations that have taken actions similar to or based on the report's recommendations, serving as a model for other communities. The website covers topics such as smoking in the movies, smoke-free beaches, and smoking cessation programs. Visit the site online at www.iom.edu/tobacco.
The Institute of Medicine recently launched Ending the Tobacco Problem: Resources for Local Action, a new tobacco cessation website aimed at providing community coalitions with information to take action in their local communities. Based on the IOM's 2007 report, the website provides examples of organizations that have taken actions similar to or based on the report's recommendations, serving as a model for other communities. The website covers topics such as smoking in the movies, smoke-free beaches, and smoking cessation programs. Visit the site online at www.iom.edu/tobacco.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Newly Pregnant Smokers Have a 15-Week Window to Quit
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, March 26 (HealthDay News) -- Pregnant women who quit smoking before the 15th week of pregnancy reduce their risk of premature birth and having small babies to that of nonsmoking women, a new study finds. It's known that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, small babies, stillbirth and neonatal death, but no study until now has determined whether stopping smoking in early pregnancy reduces the risks of small babies and premature births, the study authors said.
"Pregnant women who smoke should be encouraged and assisted to become smoke-free early in pregnancy," said lead researcher Dr. Lesley McCowan, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Women who don't quit smoking by 15 weeks are three times more likely to give birth prematurely and twice as likely to have smaller babies, compared to women who stopped smoking, McCowan said. The findings were published in the March 27 online issue of BMJ. For the study, McCowan's team collected data on 2,504 pregnant women. Eighty percent did not smoke, 10 percent had quit smoking and 10 percent were current smokers.There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous premature birth between women who did not smoke and those who had stopped by week 15 (4 percent vs. 4 percent). The same was true for having smaller babies (10 percent vs. 10 percent), the researchers found. However, women who continued to smoke had higher rates of spontaneous preterm birth than woman who quit (10 percent vs. 4 percent) and higher rates of smaller babies (17 percent vs. 10 percent). The study also found that women who stopped smoking weren't more stressed than women who continued to smoke, McCowan noted. "Health professionals who care for pregnant women need to ask about smoking, advise about the importance of stopping, and, where possible, refer for extra support early in pregnancy to assist women to become smoke-free," she advised. Dr. Richard Frieder, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, said the study authors didn't explain whether this difference in low birth weight and gestational age at delivery actually translates into a measurable difference in newborn health. "We assume this to be true, but there was only about a half pound difference in birth weight and six days difference in gestational age. These numbers are not very impressive that one would think a big difference in neonatal health would be achieved. Still, we should assume that a half pound and six days more of gestation is better and that we should strive to help women stop smoking," he said. There are other big issues at play when it comes to babies, women and cigarette smoke, Frieder added. "Babies that live in 'smoking homes' have a much higher risk of respiratory ailments, such as asthma and pneumonia and SIDS. In addition, women are more susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of cigarette smoke than men. The tobacco industry specifically targets women, despite this well-known fact," he said.
SOURCES: Lesley McCowan, M.D., associate professor, obstetrics and gynecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Richard Frieder, M.D., associate clinical professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; March 27, 2009, BMJ, online
THURSDAY, March 26 (HealthDay News) -- Pregnant women who quit smoking before the 15th week of pregnancy reduce their risk of premature birth and having small babies to that of nonsmoking women, a new study finds. It's known that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, small babies, stillbirth and neonatal death, but no study until now has determined whether stopping smoking in early pregnancy reduces the risks of small babies and premature births, the study authors said.
"Pregnant women who smoke should be encouraged and assisted to become smoke-free early in pregnancy," said lead researcher Dr. Lesley McCowan, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Women who don't quit smoking by 15 weeks are three times more likely to give birth prematurely and twice as likely to have smaller babies, compared to women who stopped smoking, McCowan said. The findings were published in the March 27 online issue of BMJ. For the study, McCowan's team collected data on 2,504 pregnant women. Eighty percent did not smoke, 10 percent had quit smoking and 10 percent were current smokers.There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous premature birth between women who did not smoke and those who had stopped by week 15 (4 percent vs. 4 percent). The same was true for having smaller babies (10 percent vs. 10 percent), the researchers found. However, women who continued to smoke had higher rates of spontaneous preterm birth than woman who quit (10 percent vs. 4 percent) and higher rates of smaller babies (17 percent vs. 10 percent). The study also found that women who stopped smoking weren't more stressed than women who continued to smoke, McCowan noted. "Health professionals who care for pregnant women need to ask about smoking, advise about the importance of stopping, and, where possible, refer for extra support early in pregnancy to assist women to become smoke-free," she advised. Dr. Richard Frieder, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, said the study authors didn't explain whether this difference in low birth weight and gestational age at delivery actually translates into a measurable difference in newborn health. "We assume this to be true, but there was only about a half pound difference in birth weight and six days difference in gestational age. These numbers are not very impressive that one would think a big difference in neonatal health would be achieved. Still, we should assume that a half pound and six days more of gestation is better and that we should strive to help women stop smoking," he said. There are other big issues at play when it comes to babies, women and cigarette smoke, Frieder added. "Babies that live in 'smoking homes' have a much higher risk of respiratory ailments, such as asthma and pneumonia and SIDS. In addition, women are more susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of cigarette smoke than men. The tobacco industry specifically targets women, despite this well-known fact," he said.
SOURCES: Lesley McCowan, M.D., associate professor, obstetrics and gynecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Richard Frieder, M.D., associate clinical professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; March 27, 2009, BMJ, online
Patient Education videos
Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center has formatted a patient education video 'Stop Smoking for Good' into three You Tube videos: 1. Help to Stop Smoking; 2. I'm So Happy I Stopped Smoking; 3. Stopping Smoking: Why is it so Hard".
Links are attached. Please feel free to use these as you see fit for patients and/or other health professionals. I would be interested in any feedback you receive regarding the videos - such as which is most useful, for who, and why. Please feel free to contact me directly at burke.michael1@mayo.edu with any feedback.
Help to Stop Smoking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfvaSKGVxk
I'm so Happy I Stopped Smoking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcF8hkpHueM&feature=related
Stopping Smoking: Why is it so Hard? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ewwzazHfq4
Each of the videos does mention our Residential Treatment Program and if anyone wants more information on those you can go to our web site http://ndc.mayo.edu/ and follow the link for the Treatment Programs.
Links are attached. Please feel free to use these as you see fit for patients and/or other health professionals. I would be interested in any feedback you receive regarding the videos - such as which is most useful, for who, and why. Please feel free to contact me directly at burke.michael1@mayo.edu with any feedback.
Help to Stop Smoking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfvaSKGVxk
I'm so Happy I Stopped Smoking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcF8hkpHueM&feature=related
Stopping Smoking: Why is it so Hard? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ewwzazHfq4
Each of the videos does mention our Residential Treatment Program and if anyone wants more information on those you can go to our web site http://ndc.mayo.edu/ and follow the link for the Treatment Programs.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Kick Butts Day on March 25th
This is a campaign created by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and helps to raise young adult's awareness about the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke. Great Resources!!!
Kick Butts click here - http://kickbuttsday.org/resources/downloads.php
Kick Butts click here - http://kickbuttsday.org/resources/downloads.php
Thursday, February 19, 2009
GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES RESTAURANT SMOKING BAN
Lawmakers in Virginia have passed a partial ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. The measure restricts smoking to separately ventilated rooms in restaurants, to private clubs and to outdoor patios. The bill now goes to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who supports it.
Some Key Points:
-The measure, SB1105, bans smoking in bars and restaurants except for private clubs, facilities with separate smoking areas equipped with independent ventilation systems and establishments that have open-air outdoor patios.
-Other provisions in the legislation would make it effective Dec. 1, 2009 and permit bar and restaurant employees to work outside designated smoking areas without facing professional punishment.
-That legislation, SB1106, would have made it illegal to smoke in a vehicle when a child is present and created a $100 penalty for violations.
Read the story here.
Senate rejects House changes that weaken anti-smoking bill
The Virginian-Pilot/ February 16, 2009
The Senate today rebuffed House amendments to a proposed statewide smoking ban for most bars and restaurants.
The bill’s patron, Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, asked the Senate to reject the changes that the House of Delegates passed last week, calling them unacceptable.
One of the House amendments would have allowed smoking in any establishment during hours that they did not admit minors. Another removed a requirement that businesses install separate ventilation systems if they wish to provide a room for smokers; the amendment required only that a door separate the smoking room.
Northam said the amendments “basically were unacceptable” to a lot of the people who have worked on the proposed ban. The legislation carried some bipartisan support with endorsements from both Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and House Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford.
Northam said he believed lawmakers will be able to build support over the next few days for something closer to the original legislation.
The Senate complied with his request and rejected the House amendments by a vote of 11-28. The bill now goes back to the House.
The power shift is playing out in the trenches
The Virginian-Pilot/ February 15, 2009
By the time Del. Terry Kilgore finished gouging out exceptions to a proposed smoking ban last week, the bill couldn't have doused a cigarette in a typhoon.
Backed by a band of rural Republicans and Democrats, the far Southwest lawmaker enjoyed a fleeting victory. Kilgore believes the ban on smoking in restaurants and bars will pass despite his opposition, and the future promises fresh defeats.
In 2011, House and Senate districts will be adjusted to account for population shifts in the state. The balance of power will tilt more sharply toward suburban communities in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
"Rural Virginia is probably on their last hurrah right now," said Kilgore, who lives the farthest from the Capitol of all 140 legislators. "We're going to be outnumbered big time after the next Census."
Read more: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/02/power-shift-playing-out-trenches
Americans for non smokers rights
Air Filtration"? That's Just Tobacco Companies Blowing Smoke Again. To read more click here:
http://www.no-smoke.org/getthefacts.php?id=15
http://www.no-smoke.org/getthefacts.php?id=15
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Propossed cigarette tax will raise $155 million to help offset Medicaid budget shortfall
Hampton Roads has been blessed with a strong economy in recent years. Shipbuilding, cargo transfer and other industries have fueled strong economic growth that has helped many in our communities.
However, the effects of hard economic times are affecting the entire Commonwealth and Hampton roads especially. Cargo imports are down and the potential loss of an aircraft carrier threaten the region. More and more Virginians in the area are losing their jobs and turning to state services such as unemployment and Medicaid in order to survive. But the State is feeling the effects of the economy as well and can’t sustain its current levels of service.
The Governor has proposed a budget that cuts back on all core services, but hits Medicaid funding especially hard. The Governor's budget would reduce Medicaid reimbursements from the current 75 percent of cost to 70 percent of cost for inpatient services. And it gets worse. The Governor also offset further cuts by proposing a 30-cent tax increase on tobacco. Smoking costs Virginia's Medicaid program more than $400 million per year. The new proposal would offset that cost by raising an additional $155 million. Because Medicaid is a federal mandate, the federal government would match the state money dollar for dollar. Without the state money from the tobacco tax and the federal match, Medicaid stands to lose more than $300 million on top of what the Governor has already proposed cutting. That would drop Medicaid inpatient reimbursements down to 50 percent of cost. At 50 percent of cost, health providers in Hampton Roads would be forced to cut services and eventually lay off workers. It is estimated that more than 1,300 workers in health care and other industries across Eastern Virginia would be laid off if the tobacco tax, or its equivalent revenue, is not used to fund Medicaid. These workers are essential to providing all health care services in the area, and all Virginians would feel the effects.
Please act now to tell your Hampton Roads-area legislators that Medicaid must be funded in order to preserve access to health care in Virginia.Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/vhha28199954.aspx
However, the effects of hard economic times are affecting the entire Commonwealth and Hampton roads especially. Cargo imports are down and the potential loss of an aircraft carrier threaten the region. More and more Virginians in the area are losing their jobs and turning to state services such as unemployment and Medicaid in order to survive. But the State is feeling the effects of the economy as well and can’t sustain its current levels of service.
The Governor has proposed a budget that cuts back on all core services, but hits Medicaid funding especially hard. The Governor's budget would reduce Medicaid reimbursements from the current 75 percent of cost to 70 percent of cost for inpatient services. And it gets worse. The Governor also offset further cuts by proposing a 30-cent tax increase on tobacco. Smoking costs Virginia's Medicaid program more than $400 million per year. The new proposal would offset that cost by raising an additional $155 million. Because Medicaid is a federal mandate, the federal government would match the state money dollar for dollar. Without the state money from the tobacco tax and the federal match, Medicaid stands to lose more than $300 million on top of what the Governor has already proposed cutting. That would drop Medicaid inpatient reimbursements down to 50 percent of cost. At 50 percent of cost, health providers in Hampton Roads would be forced to cut services and eventually lay off workers. It is estimated that more than 1,300 workers in health care and other industries across Eastern Virginia would be laid off if the tobacco tax, or its equivalent revenue, is not used to fund Medicaid. These workers are essential to providing all health care services in the area, and all Virginians would feel the effects.
Please act now to tell your Hampton Roads-area legislators that Medicaid must be funded in order to preserve access to health care in Virginia.Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/vhha28199954.aspx
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jan 28th - Smokefree Bills in Senate - Need speakers!
The smoke-free bills in the Senate will be heard in the special subcommittee on smoking of the Senate Education and Health Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th at 4:30 pm in Senate Room 1 in the CAPITOL Building (not the General Assembly Building).
The bills to be heard include:
SB 1057 - Senator Mary Margaret Whipple ( VFHF Bill)
SB 1160 - Senator Richard Saslaw - prohibits smoking in restaurants
SB 1382 - Senator Stolle - VFHF opposes this bill
(other bills could be referred to the committee as well)
If you or your members are able to testify in subcommittee please contact Nicole Pugar at nicole@vfhf.org with Virginians for a Healthy Future (VFHF) or at 804-225-5828.
We do not yet know how much time will be allotted for speakers in favor of smoke-free legislation and if this is going to be a subcommittee meeting or a public hearing (as took place last year). As we learn more we will let you know.
The bills to be heard include:
SB 1057 - Senator Mary Margaret Whipple ( VFHF Bill)
SB 1160 - Senator Richard Saslaw - prohibits smoking in restaurants
SB 1382 - Senator Stolle - VFHF opposes this bill
(other bills could be referred to the committee as well)
If you or your members are able to testify in subcommittee please contact Nicole Pugar at nicole@vfhf.org with Virginians for a Healthy Future (VFHF) or at 804-225-5828.
We do not yet know how much time will be allotted for speakers in favor of smoke-free legislation and if this is going to be a subcommittee meeting or a public hearing (as took place last year). As we learn more we will let you know.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Postpartum Protocol Script for Tobacco Quit-Line Counseling Now Available Online
In collaboration with ten other organizations, Legacy has published an online protocol designed to be used as a practical tool by tobacco quit-line counselors during their sessions with postpartum women. The protocol offers detailed counseling guidelines for counselors to use as they encourage and support postpartum mothers to quit smoking, or remain quit after delivery and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
Learn more and access the protocol. <http://www.reviewsite.net/legacy_e-news/dec_2008/article5.html>
Learn more and access the protocol. <http://www.reviewsite.net/legacy_e-news/dec_2008/article5.html>
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
CROC’S Initiates Clean Indoor Air Week
Please see the attached press release from our YCAT member Laura Wood Habr at Croc's. Croc's has declared next week as Clean Indoor Air Week and will donate part of their proceeds to YCAT and Clean Indoor Air initiatives. It's a great way to support the tobacco free issues we all have been advocating for and have a great dining experience as well.
Remember, we have many restaurants in Virginia Beach who have voluntarily gone smoke free. If you need any smoke free guides, please let me know and I will get them to you. Since it's publication there have been other restaurants who have also gone smoke free. See the complete list at http://www.vahealth.org/cdpc/TUCP/smoke-free/.
Remember, we have many restaurants in Virginia Beach who have voluntarily gone smoke free. If you need any smoke free guides, please let me know and I will get them to you. Since it's publication there have been other restaurants who have also gone smoke free. See the complete list at http://www.vahealth.org/cdpc/TUCP/smoke-free/.
Virginians for a Healthy Future Coalition Legislative Update Conference Calls
What: Update of the status of all smoke-free legislation
When: Every Friday during the 2009 Session
Friday, January 16
Friday, January 23
Friday, January 30
Friday, February 6
Friday, February 13
Friday, February 20
Time: 2:00 pm
Call in number: 1-800-353- 1667 (number for this week only)
Passcode: 334679
When: Every Friday during the 2009 Session
Friday, January 16
Friday, January 23
Friday, January 30
Friday, February 6
Friday, February 13
Friday, February 20
Time: 2:00 pm
Call in number: 1-800-353- 1667 (number for this week only)
Passcode: 334679
Friday, January 9, 2009
Data show parents may be unaware of third-hand smoke health risks
MedPage Today (12/30, Smith) reported, "Now that the risks of second-hand smoke to children have gained credibility, new concerns have arisen about 'third-hand smoke' -- the toxins left on surfaces once tobacco smoke dissipates." According to their paper appearing in the January issue of Pediatrics, researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children surveyed "1,478 adults...by telephone in November 2005," and found that "93 percent of the respondents thought that second-hand smoke was dangerous to children's health, including 95.4 percent of nonsmokers and 84.1 percent of smokers." But just "61 percent thought that third-hand smoke was hazardous, including 65.2 percent of non-smokers and 43.3 percent of smokers." Noting that "such toxins are especially hazardous for children who breathe near the surfaces, crawl and play on them, or touch and mouth them," the authors concluded that clinicians should emphasize "that third-hand smoke harms the health of children may be an important element in encouraging home smoking bans."
New Study - Smoking bans reduce heart attacks
A new study conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests smoking bans can significantly reduce hospitalization rates for heart attacks, Reuters reports.
http://www.rwjf.org/publichealth/digest.jsp?id=9255&c=EMC-ND141
Study Finds Smoke-Free Policy Reduced Heart Attack Hospitalizations in Colorado City
http://www.rwjf.org/publichealth/digest.jsp?id=9255&c=EMC-ND141
Study Finds Smoke-Free Policy Reduced Heart Attack Hospitalizations in Colorado City
Oregon expands smoking ban
Oregon Expands Smoking Ban to Include Bars, Taverns
On January 1, Oregon became the 21st U.S. state to expand a workplace smoking ban to include restaurants, bars and taverns, the Associated Press reports.
On January 1, Oregon became the 21st U.S. state to expand a workplace smoking ban to include restaurants, bars and taverns, the Associated Press reports.
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