Be Smoke Free In 2009

With the holidays in full swing and 2009 around the corner, Smoke Free Indy would like to wish each of you good health in the new year. One way to have a healthy year is by quitting smoking or by helping a loved one quit.


There are several free resources in Indianapolis that can help you quit.


You can call 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) to receive free telephone counseling and 2 weeks of free patch or gum. You can also log onto http://www.indianatobaccoquitline.net/.


If you would like to attend a class locally visit our website for providers that offer classes. Many of the classes are free and some even offer free patch or gum. http://www.smokefreeindy.com/services/cessation/resources/


We hope you have a fun and safe holiday. We will post again in 2009.

Hancock County Goes Smoke Free

Our neighbors to the east, Hancock County, are going completely smoke free in all workplaces including in bars in restaurants. The new law will take place in 90 days and will cover the entire county including Greenfield, McCordsville, Fortville and New Palestine.

Here is an article in today's Indianapolis Star about the passage of this law. The article features Smoke Free Indy's own Tim Filler.

Now if Hancock County, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, West Lafayette, Zionsville and Plainfield can all go completely smoke free, isn't it about time that Indianapolis does too?

Mickey Maurer IBJ Commentary On Smoke Free Air

In this weeks Indianapolis Business Journal (12/15/08-12/21/08), Mickey Maurer wrote a great commentary on why making Indianapolis and Indiana smoke free is so important. Thanks to Mr. Maurer for taking the time to write this editorial and to also recognize Smoke Free Indy and its efforts.


"..Smoke Free Indy knew better. It’s a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community based organizations and others founded in 2002 and dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke and tobacco usage through education, prevention and advocacy.
Smoke Free Indy cited a 2003 report offering a comprehensive view of available studies on the economic impact of smoke-free workplace laws that concluded bars and restaurants had nothing to worry about. The City-County Council was not convinced.
Today, Indiana can look at its own data. A 2007 study commissioned by Smoke Free Indy concluded that the 2005 ordinance has not had a negative impact on sales or employment. Studies of Marion County taxable food and beverage sales show overall food and drink sales were unchanged. Further study showed that the number of food and hospitality employees had not declined. ...."


If you pick up a copy of this weeks IBJ you can read the full commentary, they do not have it on-line.

Bruce Hetrick on Steve Simpson Radio Show

Long time supporter and Smoke Free Indy member Bruce Hetrick, of Hetrick Communications, recently appeared on the Steve Simpson's WIBC evening radio show to talk about making Indianapolis smoke free. Bruce did a great job at explaining why Indianapolis should be smoke free and why it would be best for the city. To check out Steve Simpson's blog and to hear the interview click here.

PRESENTATION TO THE CITY-COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

We will be presenting to the City-County Council Community Affairs Committee on December 3, 2008. The presentation will educate city council members on the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure and the benefits of having a comprehensive smoke free workplace law in Indianapolis.

WHAT: Smoke Free Indy Presentation to City-County Council Community Affairs Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 5:30pm

WHERE: Room 260 of the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

NOTES: The meeting is open to the public. All smoke free supporters are encouraged to attend!

Smoke Free Indy Asks City-Council For A Comprehensive Ordinance

On the 32nd anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, Smoke Free Indy asks the Indianapolis City-Council to pass a comprehensive smoke free workplace ordinance. Workers in bars, bowling alleys and private clubs are still not protected from secondhand smoke leaving them left behind in the current ordinance. On November 20th Smoke Free Indy launches a public education campaign to educate Indianapolis about the dangers of secondhand smoke in the workplace.

To read the Smoke Free Indy Press Release click here.

Come Celebrate the Great American Smokeout With Us!

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out (GASO) is an annual event in which smokers are encouraged to quit. This year, GASO is on November 20th and we are going to be celebrating in Indianapolis! There will be a large event with many participating organizations along with the American Cancer Society including; Riley Hospital, The Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Wishard Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Riley Hospital and the IUPUI Student Campus Center. There will be events at all of the participating organizations, encouraging smokers to quit and educating them about the health benefits of quitting. Smoke Free Indy will be celebrating at the IUPUI Campus Center. Not only will we be encouraging people to quit, we will also be educating about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Smokers who want to trade in their cigarettes can register to win a Wii and will receive 2 free weeks at a local gym and discounted food from the IUPUI food court.

So, come join us at the IUPUI Campus Center on November 20th from 10am-2pm. We will also have a Wii to play and other games in which you can register to win a Wii and other prizes. I f you can’t make it, tell a friend or loved one who smoke about the Great American Smoke Out and encourage them to quit, even if just for one day.

For more information on The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out, click:
http://www.acsf2f.com/gaso/aboutgaso.html
Event Location: IUPUI Campus Center

Adobo Grill Went Smoke Free

Thanks to the heads up from Feed Me/Drink Me for finding out that Adobo Grill has gone smoke free months after opening in their new location as a smoking establishment. I had always wanted to try Adobo Grill but had never seemed to make it to their old location off of 82nd and Allisonville. I was very excited to hear that they were moving downtown which would allow me to stop in one day for lunch, and if I really liked it than for dinner. Though when I heard they opened as a smoky place I swore off ever gracing their door. But hooray they finally made the right decision to go smoke free and to become a healthy restaurant and not a stinky secondhand smoke filled bar catering to 24 percent of the population.


Of course now there are some other restaurants downtown and throughout the city that have decided to cater to smokers as well (you know where they are) whoose I will also never go to. I would recommend that you also skip them, and or ask the management to have them become smoke free. It seemed to work at Adobo, maybe it can work other places too.

It’s Time For Change!!

Last week was a historical time for all Americans; no matter who you voted for in this election, “change” is the cry heard around the world. The profound message is we all can and do make a difference when we take action and get involved.

Take Note and Smoke Free Indy volunteers have been working together to draw attention to the big problem of smoky entertainment venues. The movement has been gaining support and building momentum. This cause is much like the presidential campaign executed by Obama, who re-wrote the book on campaign marketing by transforming the election into a true social movement. Everywhere you looked there were Obama yard signs, t-shirts, or volunteers hitting the pavement, knocking on your door willing and ready to discuss his agenda. That is exactly what Take Note and Smoke Free Indy are all about!

Take Note and Smoke Free Indy are grassroots networks of people just like you. It’s time to take ownership of this campaign and make it a true movement. Get on board and spread the word. Its time to make history! Join Take Note and Smoke Free Indy in making all of Indianapolis smoke free.

Call Out: Secondhand Smoke Survivor

Do you know someone who worked in a smoky establishment for an extended period of time and developed smoking related diseases (lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, heart attack, throat cancer, etc.) but they never smoked themselves?

If so please let me know. Smoke Free Indy is looking to share personal stories of individuals who have been personally impacted by secondhand smoke.

Indy Star Editorial

Here is a great Editorial in today's Indianapolis Star by American Cancer Society staffer Laura Furst. I think she makes an excellent point, how can we be green if there is still secondhand smoke and all its harmful chemicals still indoors?

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081027/OPINION01/810270308/1031

City won't be truly green until it's also smoke-free

Posted: October 27, 2008

In regard to The Star's recent editorial on SustainIndy, an important element of any green initiative was missing. Indianapolis deserves a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance. We need safe, breathable indoor air too.
Exposure to secondhand smoke is the third most preventable cause of death in the nation. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies secondhand smoke as a Class A carcinogen, a class reserved for the most dangerous substances, such as asbestos and radon.
All workers deserve protection from secondhand smoke, including those in offices, factories, bowling alleys and taverns.
Of the top 15 cities, Indianapolis is one of only four that do not have a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance and one of two without smoke-free bars. I ask the City-County Council and Mayor Greg Ballard to make this "world class city" a smoke-free one.

Laura Furst

Indiana Campaign Coordinator, American Cancer Society

NEARLY 100 SMOKE FREE ADVOCATES ATTEND RALLY CALLING SMOKE FREE AIR

Recently the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air (ICSA) hosted a rally in Greenfield to call attention to the importance of passing a statewide comprehensive smoke free law in Indiana.



Here is an exert from their press release "Nearly 100 smoke free advocates and concerned citizens joined with members of the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air (ICSA) to rally in Greenfield Thursday evening to ask Indiana legislators to adopt a comprehensive statewide smoke free workplace law that protects ALL employees from exposure to secondhand smoke in Hoosier workplaces. The event included a panel session followed by a question-and-answer period with the public. Panelists included: a pulmonologist, a local hospital CEO, a longtime Indiana casino worker, a business owner, a common council president, a youth leader and a tobacco control professional...... In bringing about the forum, smoke free advocates renewed their push for a statewide smoke free air law that protects all Hoosier workers from secondhand smoke exposure. The town hall meeting is the first in a series of grassroots events planned for communities across Indiana."



WIBC also picked up the rally http://www.wibc.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=101212.



To learn more about ICSA visit http://www.worksmokefree.com/.



In the future we hope to host a rally with ICSA to promote comprehensive policies in Indianapolis and within the entire state. We will keep you posted on the time and date of this rally.

Dangers of Smoking Hookah

Did you know that within scientific studies hookah has shown to be MORE harmful than cigarettes?

Did you know that hookah can be addictive? Did you also know that when smoking hookah a person could inhale the same amount as 100 cigarettes?

Did you also know that students at Colorado State University contracted oral herpes after sharing a hookah pipe?

Here is a blog by Schmoffly in which he did an excellent job summarizing the harmful health hazards hookah, take a second to check it out.

"Although it is a very enjoyable and relaxing activity, it can be dangerous to a person’s health, even if just used once...."

The Vogue Goes Smoke Free for a Night!

The Vogue, an Indy hotspot in the heart of Broad Ripple hosted a concert for two national recording artists, Dar Williams and Shawn Mullins on September 20th. The Vogue, normally a smoking establishment went smoke free for the night of the concert. The Vogue, one of Indy’s most popular nightclubs, went smoke free and did not go broke. More clubs and bars should catch on that entertainers want and demand to work in smoke free establishments!

Smoke free air ordinances are good for health AND good for business.

If anyone made it to the show, please feel free to express your thoughts on the show

Upcoming Event

According to Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation statistics (http://www.in.gov/itpc/files/Adultsmoking_2007.pdf), nearly half of Hoosier adults with less than high school education are current smokers. Tobacco is claiming more that 9,800 lives in the state of Indiana each year and costing the state over $2 Billion annually in health care bills! The target of tobacco industry marketing and publicity are young adult males (18 to 24 year old).

In partnership with other local organizations we will attending the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County's Community Block Party at the Washington Park Family Center (3130 E. 30th St.) on September 27, 2008 from 10-2 p.m. At this event we will offer Peak Flow readings and information on cessation and the impact tobacco has on ones health and the health of their family.

There will be other sponsors doing health screenings and giving away clothes and food to those in need. Health promotion is for everyone, no matter your economic status or cultural background we are all Human Beings. At this event we will continue to focus our efforts towards helping others beat an unhealthy addiction that impacts our health as much as our state economy.

Be there! All are welcome!

Smoking in Movies

It is amazing how one little letter (G, PG, PG-13 or R) can affect the behaviors and attitudes of so many people! The movie rating system is a board of parents that determines what movies are appropriate for certain viewing audiences. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, they determine the rating according to: theme, language, violence, nudity, sex and drug use.

Smoke Free Indy supports Smoke Free Movies. Movies that have smoking in them should be rated R. Many of the characters on screen help to define what is acceptable to our youth. Kids are very smart and perceptive. Hopefully Hollywood takes advantage of this opportunity to increase the positive influences that they bring into our lives.

Check out the spots that Smoke Free Movies are running during both national conventions. If you want more information, you can visit http://www.smokefreemovies.ucsf.edu/.

The Impact of Smoke Free Air

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/NEWS01/808140397
A recent study completed by the University of Kentucky found that the number of ER visits for asthma related causes decreased by 22 percent after the city of Lexington passed a comprehensive smoke free air law. This study is significant because it further highlights the harmful effects that secondhand smoke has on the human body and the impact smoke free air laws have on the healthcare system. This research relates to the study completed by Indiana University, which found that after Monroe County’s comprehensive smoke free indoor air law was passed, the number of hospital admissions for heart attacks decreased by 59 percent. http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/print/5610.html

Imagine what could happen here in Indianapolis if we went completely smoke free? Reduced heart attacks, decreased asthma emergencies, fewer smokers, the possibilities are endless…

Smoke Free Fair?

While attending the Indiana State Fair, I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a smoke free event. They demonstrated their commitment to a healthier Indiana by taking a step closer in protecting Hoosiers from secondhand smoke. It appears the process is being implemented in phases, as they did allow designated smoking areas for staff, vendors, and attendees who could not go the distance without a smoke. This was a good attempt, but some smokers were not willing to visit these areas to light up, which was disappointing, considering they had over 25 areas highlighted on the map. Hopefully next year they will continue their commitment in helping us all live healthier lives by truly making the entire fair completely smoke free!

New Quit 2 Win Contest in Indiana!

We are so excited about the return of the “Quit 2 Win” contest in Indiana. The “Quit 2 Win” contest is a great motivator for people to set a quit date and stay quit! Research shows that the first 30 days is when folks are at the greatest risk for relapse, and the “Quit 2 Win” contest provides just one more reason not to light up! People who use a combination of tobacco cessation medications and counseling may increase their chances of success four times! So, encourage those you know to “Quit 2 Win”!

The contest will offer cash prizes totaling $5,000, including a top prize of $2,500. Once the winner is determined, the prizes will be awarded later this fall. To sign up locally for the contest, people can visit any one of the following locations: Wishard Health Services, HealthNet, Inc. clinics, IU School of Dentistry, St. Francis Hospital, Minority Health Coalition of Marion County and at the Marion County Health Department.

For more information on the “Quit 2 Win” contest and to register go to http://www.in.gov/inshape/2702.htm.

FDA Regulation of the Tobacco Industry

Below is an op-ed urging passage of the legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over tobacco products written by Bishop Michael J. Coyner of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.

Thanks to UMC and Bishop Coyner for this timely op-ed in support of HR1108 [the FDA bill in the House] and S.625 [the FDA bill in the Senate]. In the House, HR 1108 is eligible for a vote by the full House, and is expected to happen at any time in the next two weeks or so.

Please contact your U.S. Representative, as well as Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh, in support of this legislation.

If you’re not sure who your US Representative is, you can get contact information by clicking here: http://www.house.gov/writerep/. You can contact Senator Richard Lugar by telephone at (202) 224-4814 or by email: senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov, and you can contact Senator Evan Bayh by telephone at (202) 224-5623 or by web form at: bayh.senate.gov/contact/email.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080715/OPINION01/807150324/1031/article?AID=/20080715/OPINION01/807150324/1031

Letter to the Editor in the Weekly Nuvo Newspaper

Lindsay Grace, Smoke Free Indy supporter, had a featured Letter to the Editor in Indianapolis' Nuvo. Check it out!

Welcome

This is the first post in a series of posts about making Indianapolis smoke free and making it an overall healthy place to live. If you have questions about this process or about quiting tobacco or other healthy lifestyle items, please let me know.



So you say; 'Aren't we already smoke free?'

The answer of course is No...

Indianapolis is smoke free in all businesses and restaurants and NOT in bars that do not allow anyone under 18 in, bowling alleys are not smoke free, nor are private clubs or private businesses that do not allow anyone from the public inside.



So now you say; 'Oh, so what do YOU want to be smoke free?'

The simple answer is every indoor public place.



According to the CDC secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, simply put its a killer. So removing secondhand smoke from enclosed spaces makes it NOT a killer and makes Indianapolis a healthier place to live.