Smith letter sparks thoughts about smoking concerns
May 13th, 2008, 4:13 pm · Post a Comment · posted by dbrannan
I received a letter from Linda Smith, a member of the board of directors of the American Lung Association, this week.
Smith, who is an R.N. from Edwardsville, pointed out that life expectancy of American women is dropping, due in part to increased smoking rates.
Cancer is becoming the leading cancer killer among women and more women are dying from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Many with COPD also suffer from emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Smith wrote me and said:
“Currently, we are without federal legislation to regulate manufactured tobacco products, including how the tobacco companies market their deadly products. This year, the U.S. Congress has an opportunity to stop the tobacco industry’s harmful practices and protect our children. Congress is considering bipartisan legislation that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory authority over the tobacco industry.”
Smith went on to say that the support of U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, D-Collinsville, is needed in the bipartisan legislation to regulate the tobacco industry.
Another point by Smith that is staggering is that more than 1,100 minors begin smoking every day in this country. Most of those lives will be shortened as they age and suffer from cardiovascular diseases and COPD.
I am not a big proponent of government regulations of this and that, but we should consider some of what Smith is saying in regard making sure children are protected.
We need to educate our children of the perils of smoking. I have spoken with my two young children numerous times about what happens when a person smokes. If we talk enough about it, maybe when the peer pressure comes, they will think before they puff.
I also encourage women and men alike to consider tossing away their cigarettes. By doing so, it will make a huge difference in your life.
I’d like your thoughts on the legislation proposed over the tobacco industry and perspectives on smoking. If you smoke, why do you? Do you worry about the health risks?
