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Today CNN ran an article about Greece imposing a smoking ban in their country. This caught my eye because while I was in Europe this summer I was told that the European union has decided to enforce a smoking ban for the 27 countries that are included in this group. The smoking ban includes smoking in indoor spaces like restaurants and bars. I was surprised that all the countries agreed to enforce this rule because several of these countries have very high rates of people smoking. In fact, the article discusses how people in Greece associate smoking with having a good time. The article talks about a previous smoking ban in Greece that was a failure because their were no consequences to ignoring the ban. This time Greece is enforcing the ban by creating fines for the restaurant as well as the person that is smoking. The health minister noted that in order to make this ban successful people need to understand the health benefits of reducing or quitting smoking. She thinks this is the key to changing current behavioral patterns for smokers.
Here are some of the health reasons why it is better to not smoke. From a health perspective I think it is wonderful that the European nations are taking a stand for the health of their countries. For example, medical studies have proven the health risk of cigarette smoking for many diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) smoking has been associated with 90 percent of lung cancer deaths for men and 80 percent of lung cancer cases for women. Cigarette smoking increases the risks of coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, emphysema and bronchitis. It impacts fertility and birth outcomes like preterm delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome. It increases the risk of several types of cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, stomach cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and cancers of the larynx, pharynx, cervix, esophagus, cancer, pancreas, mouth, and the uterus. Smoking clearly impacts health in a negative way.
Here in the United States we are still working on smoking bans in public places. In the Washington D.C. area it seems we are working on this one county at a time. I am glad to see that the medical studies are starting to make positive impacts around the world.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living. Dr. Dae is a featured chef with www.myfoodmyhealth.com. Dr. Dae is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.com.
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If the public was honestly and truthfully informed about the effects of second-hand smoke, there would be fewer no-smoking laws in this country.
A little smoke from a handful of crushed leaves and some paper that is mixed with the air of a decently ventilated venue is going to harm or kill you?
There has never been a single study showing that exposure to the low levels of smoke found in bars and restaurants with decent modern ventilation and filtration systems kills or harms anyone.
As to the annoyance of smoking, a compromise between smokers and non-smokers can be reached, through setting a quality standard and the use of modern ventilation technology.
Air ventilation can easily create a comfortable environment that removes not just passive smoke, but also and especially the potentially serious contaminants that are independent from smoking.
(Link removed by EmpowHER Moderator.)
September 2, 2010 - 8:20pmThis Comment
Another interesting note is that the CDC is recommending that movies with cigarette smoking should be rated "R."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67I4MG20100819
September 2, 2010 - 12:28pmThis Comment