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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Five effective study skills for successful school year
The first day back to school can be a source of anxiety for both children and parents as they adjust to new routines, new teachers and friends, forthcoming homework assignments and, ultimately, tests.
To help parents and students kick-start the new school year successfully, Sylvan Learning-Albemarle offers five critical steps to help families make learning fun and easy. -
Support the fair
The opening lyrics to a song from “Charlotte’s Web” ring true.
“A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord.” -
Accurate, fair, unbiased reporting
It is the mission of any credible journalist or newspaper to report the facts, and the facts only. We must be, in the words of Washington Post Reporter and Editor Bob Woodward, “the best obtainable version of the truth.”
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This Week In Washington
As the August district work period moves along, I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with constituents throughout the district.
As your representative, it is my job to make sure I know firsthand of your experiences and challenges, and do all I can to represent and assist you. -
Location, location, location
There is a saying in the real estate business that the top three items to consider when buying property are location, location, location.
The same could be said when locating a community college, especially your community college here in Stanly County. -
Back to the books
The dreaded phrase many parents have been waiting for all summer most likely occurred on Wednesday morning.
“I don’t want to go to school.”
Hopefully the back-to-school blues were a little less intense this morning. -
This Week In Washington
Many of you have called or written in recent weeks with concerns about the failings of our nation’s immigration policy. For many years now, our federal government has failed at one of its primary jobs: protecting our nation’s borders.
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Right to vote should not be taken lightly
Everyone has a view on politics. In some form, politics is probably discussed by everyone each day, even if it is just a casual mention of a topic.
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When opportunity knocks, answer the door
We’ve dealt with a lot of changes and a lot of sorrow this year.
I have had many classmates and friends who have died this year and many other close friends of the family and relatives have passed as well. -
Cashing in on water is a good idea
Water has always been a valuable commodity. It is one of life’s necessities. It is used for drinking, cleaning, cooking, mixtures and other much needed resources and staples.
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