Doctors support raising the smoking age

Teenagers looking to buy cigarettes in New York may have to look elsewhere if a city council proposal is approved and signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The proposal would raise the legal age to buy any form of tobacco from 18 to 21. But will it be effective in limiting smoking among young people?
Approximately 90% smokers have already started smoking by age 18, according to the Surgeon General.
"Of every three young smokers, only one will quit, and one of the remaining smokers will die from tobacco-related causes," according to the Surgeon General's 2012 report, "Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults."

Local business offers employees money to quit smoking

A Bakersfield business owner is encouraging employees to live a healthier lifestyle by offering a cash incentive to quit smoking.
Leaders with Econo Air know that it’s hard to quit smoking cold turkey, but they’re learning having a smoke-free environment does have its benefits.
It’s one of the best decisions Daniel Frye has ever made.
“I gave it up and three months later I didn’t want a cigarette anymore. It’s been three years now and still no cigarettes,” said Frye.
Frye has smoked since he was a teenager and says he began seeing the benefits of kicking the habit almost immediately.
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Michigan businesses forced to go smoke-free seeing positive results

More than three years after Michigan’s Smoke Free Air Law went into effect, bar and restaurant owners around Metro Detroit — and their customers — have adapted to the new policy.

While many restaurateurs concede business suffered initially after the law became effective in May 2010, the results have been mostly positive since. Prohibiting smoking in most public places has meant cleaner walls and vents, a more diverse clientele and a healthier environment for customers and employees alike.

“I think a lot of businesses have acclimated,” said Justin Winslow, vice president for government affairs at the Lansing-based Michigan Restaurant Association. “There was a recalibration that was difficult for some smaller bars. There was certainly a culture change that people had to adjust to.”Dunhill cigarettes online.

Efforts to make certain outdoor areas in U.S. smoke-free

The next step in the fight against smoking is moving to parks, beaches and college campuses.

Smoking bans have nearly doubled in the last five years, with the tally now at nearly 2,600 and more are in the works.

A doctor told Heartland News that she is in favor of even outdoor smoking bans because she says any exposure to second hand smoke is not good.

"Any exposure puts you in danger," said Vascular Surgeon Dr. Colleen Moore. "The smallest amount of nicotine causes inflammation in those vessels and puts you at risk for developing, arteriosclerosis which will subsequently cause heart attacks, strokes, peripheral vascular disease and can prompt aneurysm formation."

What is interesting is what local businesses think of smoking bans in general.

Broadway Biergarten is a new place that just opened up on Broadway in Cape Girardeau

Owner Rob Foeste says they decided to go smoke free not because he is against smoking, but because right now smoke free is better for business.

"I specifically believe that it is the business owner's choice on whether they want to go smoke free or not," said Foeste. "Really, the public is going to dictate it and right now they are definitely dictating towards smoke free."

Banning outdoor smoking seems to be a trend that is growing. However, we are not aware of any push in the Heartland as of yet.