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!