Opinion
More reasons not to smoke
Sunday, October 18, 2009 — New research confirms that secondhand smoke from cigarettes can cause acute coronary events such as heart attack and chest pain, according to a report released this past week by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
The IOM report, “Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects: Making Sense of the Evidence,” sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggests the strength of association between secondhand smoke and acute coronary events is compelling and provides evidence showing a cause-and-effect relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and heart problems.
“These findings are further evidence that North Carolina can expect to see significant health benefits when our smoke-free law goes into effect in January,” said David Goff, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention and professor of Public Health Sciences and Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
“North Carolina struggles with cardiovascular disease, so any policy that reduces heart attacks is sure to help many people,” Goff continued.
“At a time of great concern over the financial sustainability of our healthcare system, smoke-free laws represent an inexpensive approach to reducing heart attacks, and, probably, other cardiovascular conditions.”
North Carolina’s smoke-free law goes into effect in January 2010. It prohibits smoking in restaurants and bars, but does not apply to other workplaces.
The findings confirm data from the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General report on the consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke that stated there “is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.” Nearly 440,000 Americans die each year of smoking-related illnesses and about 38,000 of these deaths are from secondhand smoke. About 35 percent of those deaths are related to cardiovascular disease.
“This report makes it increasingly clear that smoke-free policies are having a positive impact in reducing the heart attack rate in many communities,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., American Heart Association President.
“There’s no question that secondhand smoke has an adverse health impact in workplaces and public environments. We must continue to enact comprehensive smoke-free laws across the country to save lives and reduce the number of new smokers.”
“More Americans are trying to limit their exposure to secondhand smoke to improve their health and reduce the burden of healthcare costs related to tobacco use,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.
“Smoke-free policies will make a huge dent in the $10 billion spent annually on healthcare costs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Currently, 70 percent of the nation has smoke-free laws for workplaces, restaurants or bars.
- Opinion
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County recognized for conservation effort
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners has received a 2009 Governor’s Conservation Award from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
The award specifically recognizes Stanly County for environmental protection leadership in its opposition to Alcoa’s (APGI) efforts to obtain a new license to operate four hydroelectric projects along the Yadkin River. -
Spring has made its return
Saturday, at approximately midnight, is the official first day of spring for 2010, and Spring is definitely in the air as we will be seeing temperatures this weekend creeping ever closer to the 70 degree mark.
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Funding needed for big projects
Last week, Commissioner Gene McIntyre spent time in Washington and met with our three national congressional leaders.
McIntyre shared with his fellow commissioners Monday night that he talked individually with Rep. Larry Kissell and Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagen regarding a number of key projects within Stanly County that needed funding. -
Remember safety this St. Patrick’s Day
This Wednesday marks the annual celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. The day is a national holiday of Ireland: a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.
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This Week In Washington
In honor of all the women of the 8th Congressional district, and in celebration of the Women’s History Month, I want to tell you a little bit about some of what I've done to address women’s issues in the 111th Congress.
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This Week In Washington
We are all too familiar with the devastating effects of manufacturing job losses in our region of North Carolina. I spent 27 years working in a textile mill that closed in 2003. While I moved on to teaching, many of my friends lost their jobs as bad trade deals shipped those jobs to other countries.
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Goals and standards make great schools
Yet another educational study has emerged and is now debated within a discipline forever searching for new figures, new emerging trends, new and unique methods for squeezing as much improvement in student performance that might be possible. This new study making rounds within the educational establishment is noteworthy in the way it dismisses the stylish in favor of common wisdom and the tried and true.
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Showing your true colors
Team spirit was shown on Friday at many points around the county.
Local schools and individuals participated in a dress-up day to benefit the V Foundation.
By paying a minimum of $5 to the foundation, individuals were allowed to don their favorite team’s colors in anticipation of the rivalry game Saturday night between Duke and UNC. -
Trying to point students in the right direction
This evening the SNAP will be welcoming everyone in the South Stanly area to join us at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for a Meet & Greet.
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Stand up and be counted, participate in the Census
In just a couple weeks, between March 15-17, each of us will be receiving our 2010 Census questionnaires by mail. We will have until April 15 to answer and return them.
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