Ex-smokers have higher risks for bowel diseases

Compared to people who've never smoked, former smokers have a higher risk of developing two inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a new study. "The increased risk of ulcerative colitis following smoking cessation persisted even two decades after cessation," said Dr. Leslie Higuchi, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.

Following up on earlier shorter-term studies of the subject, Higuchi and her team collected information from nearly 230,000 female nurses who were surveyed about their behavior and health status from 1976 and 1989. Over time, Higuchi and her colleagues found, 144 out of about 124,000 never-smokers developed Crohn's disease, while 117 out of 51,000 ex-smokers and 75 out of 53,500 smokers also developed the autoimmune disease. After taking into account other risk factors, such as age, weight and hormone therapy use, they determined that smokers were 90 percent more likely to develop Crohn's than women who never smoked and ex-smokers were 35 percent more likely.

 The more people smoked, the higher their risk. For instance, women who had smoked a pack a day for 10 to 25 years were 1.7 times as likely to develop Crohn's as someone who never smoked, while women who smoked a pack a day for more than 25 years were 2.3 times as likely. The researchers found that smoking was also tied to ulcerative colitis, an inflammation of the colon that can cause pain, diarrhea and bleeding. Higuchi's group found that 190 non-smokers, 167 former smokers and 43 current smokers developed colitis during the study period. The picture became more complicated when the researchers compared ex-smokers to current smokers, as quitters actually had a 50 percent higher risk of colitis than people who continued the habit. Current smokers had the same risk as the women who never smoked, something that has been shown in other studies.

Sneaky smokers hide the habit from their parents

Most smokers who hide their habit make it a point not to tell their parents, grandparents and children, according to a recent study. Although half of the smokers interviewed are open about their habit, 70 per cent of those who hide it do so from their parents. A further 20 per cent hide it from grandparents and 14 per cent from their children. This emerged from a study carried out as part of the EU-wide Ex-smokers Are Unstoppable campaign that focuses on encouraging Europeans to stop smoking. Smoking continues to be the main cause of preventable death and disease in the EU, with 29 per cent of Europeans smoking.

The campaign’s website – exsmokers.eu – offers an iCoach or digital health coach platform that helps smokers quit at their own pace. The research carried out in Malta, among a sample size of more than 200 people, showed that 41 per cent were smokers and 12 per cent were ex-smokers. Many smokers, 44 per cent, felt smoking prevented them from feeling healthy and in control of their health or from practising sports. A further 10 per cent said it caused problems in bars. Around a third said that they found it toughest to resist having a cigarette when socialising with other smokers, when drinking alcohol and after a meal. Others found it difficult to resist when stressed and first thing in the morning.

A third of respondents said they would feel proud if they never smoked again and a similar percentage thought they would feel healthy and motivated to maintain their health. However, 19.8 per cent said it would make them anxious and 14 per cent said they would feel less sociable. The survey found that the most helpful factors in quitting smoking were willpower and motivation. In fact, the biggest barrier to giving up smoking was lack of willpower. The “positive” aspects of smoking included stress man­agement and enjoying a smoke when drinking. More than a quarter, 28 per cent, expressed a wish to quit smoking within a year and 14 per cent said they wanted to quit but over a longer period.

Why are Americans more afraid of gaining weight than smoking cigarettes?

Which is a more serious problem for America, smoking or overeating? According to a Gallup poll released this week, 67 percent of the nation's adults think of cigarettes as an "extremely serious" or "very serious" social problem, compared with 81 percent who say the same for obesity. Gallup first started asking this question in 2003, and now, for the first time, respondents have shown that they're more worried about jiggly thighs than blackened lungs.

The idea seems to have made its way to Wall Street and Washington, too. Just this week, a group of equity strategists from Bank of America and Merrill Lynch proclaimed that "global obesity is a mega-investment theme for the next 25 years and beyond," and the Food and Drug Administration approved a weight-loss drug for the second time in two months—having finally calmed its nerves after the deadly fen-phen scandal of the late 1990s.

The shift in public opinion suggests a dangerous and unintended consequence of the war on obesity. Years of epidemiological work have shown that smoking is far worse for your health than being fat. So much worse, in fact, that any suggestion to the contrary should be taken as a sign that our priorities are getting all mixed up.

ITC cigarette sales fall, shares drop

ITC, which supplies four out of every five cigarettes sold in India, was dealt a new blow after quarterly tobacco product sales unexpectedly dropped, sending its shares lower even as net profit increased by a fifth. The company, India's fifth-largest by market capitalisation and 30.8 percent owned by British American Tobacco, generates about half its revenue from cigarettes. Government curbs on tobacco use pose a challenge to sales.

 Cigarette sales volumes fell about 2.5-3 per cent from the previous quarter, according to three analysts briefed by the company on its fiscal first-quarter results. They had expected flat volumes. "The crucial part for ITC would be to further ramp up its efforts towards reducing its dependence on the cigarette business," said G. Chokkalingam, executive director and chief investment officer at Centrum Wealth Management, which recently sold some of its ITC shares.

Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state, in early July increased the value-added tax on cigarettes to 50 percent from 17.5 percent. The northern state contributes 5 percent of the company's sales by value. "After Uttar Pradesh a lot of states will look at hiking the taxes on tobacco products because of its health hazards," said Chokkalingam. ITC said net profit rose to Rs 1,602 crore in the quarter ended June 30 from Rs 1,333 crore a year earlier, after the company boosted cigarette prices in April.

 Analysts had expected a 23 per cent rise in earnings, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The company does not provide details on sales volumes in its earnings statements. Shares in ITC, which also sells food and owns hotels and is a staple of fund portfolios for its defensive nature, fell as much as 2.5 per cent after the results and ended 1.77 per cent lower, lagging the broader market.

Synthetic marijuana finds a following among the young

Synthetic, designer drugs were just starting to make waves in Jefferson Parish last fall when Lt. John Ladd, a detective with the Sheriff's Office narcotics division, visited the hospital rooms of two Metairie teenagers hospitalized after smoking man-made marijuana. One 14-year-old girl went into immediate cardiac arrest after taking a toke and had to be resuscitated at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie.

The other, a 16-year-old girl, smoked before what turned out to be a frightening trip to the Esplanade mall in Kenner. "They were walking into the mall, and she sees the bushes and trees talking to her and jumping around. She passed out, and they called EMS," Ladd said. Both girls told Ladd they had been smoking "POW!," an illegal "botanical potpourri" sold by The Rob Shop, a smoke shop with two locations in Metairie.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office investigators on July 19 announced the arrests of the business's owners, Robert Bentel Jr. and Robert McPhail, along with nine other suspects in a wide-ranging crackdown on synthetic marijuana manufacturing and distribution in the parish. Detectives seized more than $1 million in cash, drugs and other assets.

Anyone can quit smoking; Why women shouldn't vote GOP

You can quit smoking
 -- If anybody says they can’t go cold turkey quitting tobacco, they are stone-cold liars. I’ve gone three days without a cigarette, because my little buddy wants me to quit. If I can do it, anybody can.

Against Baldwin school tax
-- The next time the vote comes up for the Baldwin County schools tax, I’m going to vote no. If Baldwin County is in such a bad fix, how can they afford these new computers? They need to teach students to sit down with a pencil and paper. That’s going to be lost with them just punching everything in a computer.


Quit firing teachers
-- I also see where the 2012-13 year approaches, the Mobile County schools are building new schools and buildings. If you have money to build new schools, you have money to pay the teachers. Stop firing the teachers.


The queen looked lovely
-- I’m calling about this picture the Press-Register put in about Queen Elizabeth. That’s the most beautiful picture I’ve seen of her. It really did make her look nice. It doesn’t look like she is in her 80s.


If it’s wrong, it’s wrong
-- Why do Mobilians care about gambling so much? People buy lottery tickets and gamble in Biloxi all the time. If something is wrong, it is wrong to do it anywhere and anytime.


Here’s a cry for help in Foley
-- Regarding the cry for help in Gulf Shores, I’d like to say ditto to that person. I have a cry for help in Foley. I’m a resident and can’t get out in this traffic. They need to come up with something besides the Beach Express -- people apparently aren’t using that bridge. The traffic is ridiculous in Foley.

6,500 in Lincolnshire quit smoking this year

NHS Lincolnshire said around 6,500 people have successfully quit smoking this year thanks to its new self-help service. The Phoenix Stop Smoking Service, part of Lincolnshire Community Health Service’s (LCHS) NHS Trust, has managed to reach its annual targets in helping people across the county quit smoking. Some 12,000 people signed up for the service last year. Of that, 6,500 (54%) managed to quit their smoking habit in just four weeks.

The service lead at LCHS, Stephanie Heathcote, said: “The Phoenix team has worked extremely hard and has produced some incredible results with higher quit rates than ever before.” “The Pheonix Stop Smoking Service works closely with healthcare professionals, including GPs and pharmacies and has dedicated advisors on hand at venues throughout the county, including at its four Health Shops in Boston, Skegness, Gainsborough and Lincoln.”

She added: “Clients are four times more likely to stop smoking with the help of Phoenix. The service offers free appointments to suit individual needs, including late evenings, Saturdays and also a telephone service.” “It’s never too late to stop smoking as the health benefits are immediate.”

First State Super excludes tobacco

Superannuation fund First State Super has wiped from its investment portfolios all companies involved in the manufacture of tobacco products, in a move welcomed by cancer specialists. Chief executive Michael Dwyer said the decision to exclude the cigarette and tobacco companies from its entire investment portfolio followed strong feedback from the health industry, which represents about 40 per cent of the fund's 770,000 members.

 "In reaching its decision the Trustee Board had been particularly mindful of its many members who work in the health sector, especially members from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne," Mr Dwyer said in a statement on Thursday. "Our decision reflects both the strong views expressed by our employers and members and our support for government initiatives to minimise tobacco consumption," he said. He said a review of each fund's investment strategies showed excluding tobacco companies would not compromise returns.

 "Our analysis shows there will be inconsequential financial impact from this decision for members investment returns. "It adds to the decision that the exclusion of direct tobacco investments is unquestionably the right thing to do," he said. Cancer clinicians and researchers at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre welcomed the announcement. Health professionals, including specialists at Peter Mac, have urged all superannuation companies to exclude tobacco-related corporations from their default investment options.

 Peter Mac Radiation Oncologist Dr Bronwyn King applauded First State Super for "breaking the mould". She said the fund manages superannuation contributions for more than 300,000 Australian health workers and was the default fund for many Peter Mac staff. Dr King said smoking was the single largest preventable cause of death in Australia, with more than 15,000 deaths in Australia caused by tobacco-related cancer and other lung diseases every year. The chair of Peter Mac's Lung Service, Professor David Ball, said the move by First State "should be replicated across the superannuation industry".

Hospital smoking problem drags on

NHS Fife is again facing up to the long-running problem of smokers gathering outside hospitals after complaints that maternity wards are being affected at the new-look Victoria. The hospital has not had its troubles to seek since opening in January but the latest challenge is one that has often cropped up in the past. The smoke from those at the entrance is wafting its way into the nearby maternity raising concerns for the welfare of the babies there. 

 Past measures such as installing large plant pots at the main entrance of the Queen Margaret Hospital - to push the smokers further away from the doors - were tried to little effect. People arriving at the Dunfermline hospital often had to walk through palls of smoke from puffing patients, staff and visitors. NHS board member John Winton said, "There's certainly no simple answer to this long-standing problem. "We've all seen it - patients in wheelchairs, in their housecoats, at the doors of a hospital smoking.

"There has been the suggestion of making smoking shelters but the problem is that no smoking is allowed in hospital grounds. "That's the policy: 'no smoking' but it can't really be enforced if people are smoking outside. "Now people are saying the smoke is going up and into the maternity wards. "Dave Stewart (NHS Fife operations division committee chair) has the idea of asking MSPs if the law can be changed.

"That would create other problems if police had to be called because somebody was smoking. "I'm reticent about making any suggestions over this because any plan can be shot down and there are no easy answers. "If someone speaks to them about smoking they're likely to get a load of abuse and it could get out of hand in some cases."

Victorian smoking rates hit record low

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Smoking rates in Victoria have dropped below 15 per cent for the first time, and health bodies say anti-smoking ads and tough law reforms are the reason. Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper says tough tobacco reforms and advertising campaigns are responsible for the record low smoking rates highlighted in its latest research. The figures show the state's overall smoking rate has dropped below 15 per cent for the first time, and 70 per cent of Victorians aged 18-29 have never smoked.

'We are very close to having a smoke-free generation amongst our young people,' Mr Harper told reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday. According to the council's 2011 Smoking Prevalence and Consumption report, the message about the dangers of smoking is getting through to all socio-economic and age groups. In a survey of 4500 people, the report found more than half of Victorian adults aged under 50 had never smoked, and that men continued to smoke slightly more commonly than women. Quit Victoria's executive director Fiona Sharkie said despite the progress, the organisation would continue to 'work ourselves out of a job' in a bid to see more Victorians butt out. Health Minister David Davis said the government was still considering a push by lobby groups to ban smoking in all outdoor dining and drinking areas, in pedestrian malls and near children's playgrounds.

 'We're certainly looking into the future on steps that will assist particularly children, where children are exposed to smoking ... and we'll be making some announcements in that area in the forthcoming period,' he told reporters. Mr Davis ruled out a total ban on tobacco, saying it was not practical. Mother of three Cathy Lawrence, 68, who started smoking at 15 'thinking it was pretty cool', said it wasn't until she turned 52 that she resolved to quit cold turkey, when her three-year-old grandson asked her why grandma smoked but mum and dad didn't. 'I see lots of young kids doing it and just wish I could talk to them. Give it up,' she said.

Americans say obesity a bigger problem than smoking

The percentage of people in the U.S. who say that obesity is an extremely serious problem for society is now higher than the percentage saying the same thing about cigarette-smoking, according to a new Gallup poll. Results from a nationally representative poll show that 81 percent of people say that obesity is an "extremely" or "very serious" problem, up from 69 percent who said the same in 2005, which was the last time Gallup asked the question, according to the organization.

That means more people believe obesity now outranks cigarette-smoking as a health problem. Nearly four in 10 Americans now say obesity is an "extremely serious" problem to society, while 30 percent say the same about cigarettes, and 18 percent about alcohol. Video: FDA approves another weight-loss drug Only 3 percent said obesity is not a serious problem, while 6 percent said the same about cigarettes. However, when asked whether they agreed that it is "extremely or very important to have federal government programs to address obesity," people's answers broke down along political party lines.

While 82 percent of people who identified themselves as Democrats said they agreed with this statement, 55 percent of Independents and 27 percent of Republicans said they agreed. The growing concern regarding obesity is likely due the fact the obesity rate has risen, as well as Americans' increasing awareness of the problems it is causing society, according to a statement posted July 18 on the Gallup website. In 2010, 35.7 percent of U.S. adults were obese, up from 32.7 percent in 2005, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The poll's results were based on telephone interviews conducted this month with a random sample of 1,014 adults living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The poll has a margin of error of 4 percentage points. The sample of poll respondents is weighted by gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education and other factors so that the results are representative of the U.S. population.

A Bipartisan Effort to Let States Decide on Medical Marijuana

Say you've got cancer. It's important to your health that, as you undergo treatment, you keep eating meals. But you get so nauseous - except for when you're able to smoke a bit of marijuana. Lucky for you, the state you live in, California, permits purchase of marijuana for medical use. But the federal government, though now presided over by a series of men who've all smoked weed for non-medical use, continues to harangue states with medical marijuana laws.

Democrats are mostly okay with that, even though President Obama swore he'd put an end to the practice. And Republicans, who extol federalism and its laboratories of democracy, suddenly lose their selective enthusiasm for local control when the subject is decriminalizing a narcotic*. But there are some members of Congress who are eager to protect medical marijuana patients who abide by the laws of their states from being harassed by federal agents fighting the War on Drugs.

"Any person facing prosecution or a proceeding for any marijuana-related offense under any Federal law shall have the right to introduce evidence demonstrating that the marijuana-related activities for which the person stands accused were performed in compliance with State law regarding the medical use of marijuana," the proposed legislation states.

Synthetic Marijuana: How to Treat the Addiction

Synthetic marijuana uses THC, which is in natural marijuana, and has been modified by chemists. The chemical can cause impaired judgment and has a potential psychotic effect. Synthetic marijuana lacks cannabidiol, which adds a "natural protectant" to natural marijuana, said Dr. Asher Gorelik, Director of Medical Services and Quality for BayCare Behavioral Health. People see synthetic marijuana as safer, but it is more harmful than natural marijuana. "You don't know what's in there or what it might do," Gorelik said. "You are taking an illegal chemical (THC) and turning it into something no one has classified."

  Is your teen using synthetic marijuana?

 The person may be very agitated, irrational, delusional, paranoid and may isolate himself or herself. This goes above routine warning signs of substance abuse such as changes in behavior, drops in school performance, and being dishonest, Gorelik said. Parent education is important, said Sandi Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker with Tranquil Shores. Watch if your teen is buying extra eye drops and pay attention to the terminology they may be using for synthetic marijuana, including "K2" and "spice."

  What is unique about teen addictions?

 Many teens will try things or experiment. "They may not be truly addicted. A little education gets the message out and they're done," Gorelik said. Johnson says she lets teens know they are being manipulated by the manufacturers because of the packaging, placement and accessibility of synthetic marijuana in stores. When kids realize this, they "don't like it" and often stop, she said. Another group of teens may be "troubled," and many programs are available. Family involvement is very important, Gorelik said. Substance abuse could have long-term consequences. Teens' thinking skills are not fully developed. "Because the brain's not fully formed when they start putting drugs in there. The concern is for the long range development of the brain," Gorelik said.

Prizes handed out to stop smoking champions

Over 90 GPs, pharmacists and stop smoking advisors attended the first annual Live Well Suffolk awards event at Ravenwood Hall Hotel, Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, where prizes were presented, with accolades including Best GP Practice, Stop Smoking Advisor of the Year and Best Pharmacy. In Suffolk it is estimated that one in five adults smoke and almost a half of those will die prematurely as a result of their smoking habit.

Live Well Suffolk announced last month that it had achieved its annual target of aiding 4,157 people to quit smoking across the county one month ahead of schedule. James Brady an area pharmacist for Sainsbury’s, who works with the stores in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, was awarded Stop Smoking Advisor of the Year (Pharmacy) award. He said: “This award recognises the hard work of all of the Sainsbury’s pharmacy teams.

It’s certainly been a collaborative effort and it’s great that Live Well Suffolk have taken the time to recognise everyone’s achievements.” The award winners were Angel Hill Practice, Bury St Edmunds; Debenham Pharmacy; Orchard Street Medical Practice, Ipswich; Walton practice, Felixstowe; Asda, Stowmarket; Ixworth Pharmacy; Sue Rivers, Ravenswood Practice, Ipswich; and James Brady, Sainsbury’s area pharmacist.

Anti-smoking campaign a hit with concertgoers

Concertgoers at the daylong Vans Warped Tour at Tinley Park’s First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre on Saturday learned about the dangers of smoking that were presented in an entertaining style by workers with The Truth, an organization that tries to persuade people to not smoke. The Truth sets up shop wherever the tour visits. Saturday was Tinley Park, Sunday is Minnesota.

At each stop, workers try to get their message out by handing out free anti-smoking items after fun contests. Their target audience is ages 12 to 24. According to a 2009 study by the American Cancer Society, 5 percent of middle school students and 20 percent of high school students smoke. Not many smokers were seen Saturday. The curious who stopped at The Truth van engaged in dancing contests, a “Newlywed Game” style question-and-answer session or games of hot potato.

“They have fun, they get something free, and they learn something,” Truth worker Jocelyn Cruz, of suburban Cleveland, said. “We’re not preachy. We just want to let them know what they’re getting into if they start smoking. We’re not anti-smoker. 

We’re anti-smoking,” Cruz said. Items like the black hat bearing the word “SCUM” in large colorful letters should catch a few eyes. That’s based on a mid-1990s marketing campaign in which a cigarette manufacturer tried to boost sales by targeting inner-city gays and homeless people, Cruz said. “They called their plan Project SCUM, Sub Cultural Urban Marketing. It’s horrible. We take the dirty facts the tobacco companies have used and we bring the facts to people so they can understand our message,” said Cruz, whose grandfather, a smoker, died of lung cancer.

One of those who stopped by was Sterling Lev, 17, of Streamwood. He wore a banana costume he once wore while drumming with his band, Saving Haven. Lev won a hot potato contest that started with 20 people trading a large bean bag until one person remained.

Tobacco packaging consultation deadline extended

Public health minister Anne Milton said: "We have received thousands of responses to the consultation already but we want to make sure that everyone who wants to contribute can. "We have an open mind about the introduction of standard packaging and want to take full account of all views on the possible benefits and disadvantages of action in this area." Mike Ridgway, who heads a group of UK packaging manufacturers lobbying against the proposals, said the support that the companies had received from its workforce, suppliers and business partners was "tremendous".

API Group, Chesapeake, Parkside Flexibles, Weidenhammer Packaging Group and Payne joined forces to oppose the proposal when it was announced in April. Ridgway added: "We are extremely encouraged and grateful to see that the deadline has been extended and that people are speaking out to stop plain packaging, which we believe could have a hugely negative impact on the UK and could set an incredibly dangerous precedent moving forward.

 "I am pleased that the extended deadline means that more people can participate in the consultation after they have had time to reflect and consider the effects of the proposal. "I urge those who haven’t made their views felt yet to make the most of the extension so together we can quash this ill-conceived proposal that could have unforeseen and unintended consequences." He added that concerns over the proposal document had been raised regarding the language barrier to a number of tobacco retailers for whom English is not their first language.

He believes that the document is being considered for revision in alternative languages such as Urdu. Representatives of the five manufacturers will accompany Ridgway at a postponed meeting with business minister Mark Prisk in the autumn, following the end of the consultation period, to discuss their concerns about the proposal's potential impact on businesses in the packaging sector and their employees.

Claremont to consider eliminating second-hand smoke in outdoor areas with no enforcement

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City leaders are considering a new stand against second-hand smoke. The City Council on Tuesday will vote on a resolution against smoking that will also include funding for signs to be posted throughout the city. What it will not include is any type of penalty for those who choose to ignore the signage. "Basically, it's a resolution saying we as a city foster a healthier city by encouraging residents to eliminate second-hand smoke in outdoor areas," Councilman Sam Pedroza said. "But it does not have any enforcement."

The resolution would allocate $2,000 in signage and marketing to get the word out. Funds would go toward the purchase of 10 street signs at city entrance points, 64 light pole signs to be scattered throughout the city as well as indoor signs and more. It's not the first time city leaders have considered taking action against smoking in Claremont. In April 2010, the city voted 4-1 against a previous ordinance to ban smoking in areas such as outdoor dining areas, outdoor pub and patio bars, clubs and hotel common areas. In November 2010, the city voted 3-2 to prohibit smoking in public plaza areas such as the Claremont Village.

Violators are issued citations. "I'm in the middle ground where I'm very cognizant of people's personal freedom and the issues that brings up," Pedroza said. "At the same time, it would be nice if people were more courteous around others when smoking." Clean Air Claremont and the Los Angeles County Public Health Tobacco Control and Prevention Program approached the council with the resolution, Councilman Joe Lyons said.

Smoking bans are nothing new in the Inland Valley. Rancho Cucamonga in January 2008 passed an ordinance banning smoking at city-owned properties such as public parks, Victoria Gardens Cultural Center and City Hall. In March 2010, council members passed an ordinance that bars tobacco use in outdoor service lines and transit stops. La Verne passed an ordinance in October 2010 to ban smoking in parks. "I'm sure there will be considerable discussion, and we'll see how it plays out," Lyons said.

Stamping out smoking in the workplace

Everyone deserves the right to a smoke-free workplace. That's the mission behind the Clear the Air campaign. In Arkansas alone, 540 adults die every year from secondhand smoke exposure. Workers exposed to secondhand smoke on the job are 34% more likely to get lung cancer.

THV's Ashley Blackstone sat down with Katherine Donald, director of the Coalition for Tobacco Free Arkansas, to talk about how stopping smoking can start in the workplace. Click on the THVideo! And be sure to tune into 'Today's THV at 6' as we delve more into the smoking problem in Arkansas. Are those graphic smoking ads really effective? Plus, where does all of that tobacco tax money go?

10,000 Birmingham smokers have quit in the past year

A RECORD 10,000 people in Birmingham have quit smoking over the past 12 months, it has been revealed. Figures show city stop smoking services are leading the national fight against smoking, and health bosses have unveiled a new campaign to help young people kick the habit. It is estimated that a third of 16-24 year olds in Birmingham are actively smoking, and the new campaign aims to deter youngsters from lighting up in the first place.

The scheme was unveiled by Birmingham City Council health chief Coun Steve Bedser and shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham said: “Our stop smoking services in Birmingham have grown from strength to strength since they were launched in 2001, going from helping just 300 in the first year to over 10,000 in the last 12 months. “That’s a UK record. This is work that really does make a difference as evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking if they access support from a local NHS Stop Smoking Service.”

There are around 300 providers offering free support to Birmingham smokers, including one-to-one and group clinics in pharmacies, GP surgeries and local supermarkets. Smokers can get confidential support and advice from a trained adviser and are offered nicotine replacement therapy such as the gum and patches. Coun Bedser backed calls for cigarette packets to be stripped of all branding to further boost the number of people quitting in Birmingham.

He said: “We believe the legislation will help to protect children from the harms of tobacco. “There is evidence to show that plain or standardised packs are less appealing to young people, while plain packs will also enhance the effectiveness of the picture health warnings currently displayed on cigarette packs in motivating smokers to quit.” Services are free to any smoker living or working in Birmingham.

Landlords can ban smoking — but not by just posting a sign

Question: I bought a rental property with 10 units about two years ago. There is a nice lawn and sidewalk area in front, and a pool with picnic tables in rear. There is also a parking lot. When I took over the property, the prior owner had already inserted a clause in the rental agreements prohibiting smoking in the units. But tenants and their guests had been allowed to smoke in the common areas, including the front lawn, pool area and parking lot. I am tired of cleaning up after the smokers and tired of listening to complaints from the nonsmoking tenants.

I put up a "no smoking" sign near the pool, but one tenant is now complaining that I have violated his rights. How much leeway do I have to stop smoking on my property? Answer: California law does not protect smokers. Being a smoker, even one addicted to nicotine, does not constitute a protected medical condition or disability. As a result, landlords have a wide range of options to regulate or forbid smoking. A landlord can choose to allow smoking in common areas or individual units, but can also choose not to allow it.

California Civil Code Section 1947.5 established new rules governing smoking, which took effect Jan. 1 of this year. This statute makes it clear that smoking can be prohibited "on the property or in any building or portion of the building, including any dwelling unit, other interior or exterior area." This broad authority would allow you to prohibit smoking in any of the areas that concern you, including the pool area, front lawn and parking lot. But this statute requires that any such prohibition be included in the terms of each individual rental agreement.

Unless you add this language to the rental agreements, defying your "no smoking" sign would not be grounds for eviction. The language including these new restrictions must be part of any initial rental agreement signed by a new tenant after Jan. 1. For existing month-to-month tenants, you will need to serve a 30-day written Notice of Change of Terms pursuant to Civil Code 827, using the same process applicable to any other change of terms. If existing tenants are renting on leases, you will need to wait until a new lease is negotiated to add any new smoking regulations.

Parents urged not to smoke in cars

A summer campaign has been launched by the government in Wales to encourage parents not to smoke in cars when children are present. Fresh Start Wales hopes to reduce children's exposure to cigarette smoke by highlighting the dangers it poses. According to health experts, second-hand cigarette smoke increases children's chances of developing a number of conditions, including asthma, ear infections and cot death.

As the summer holidays approach and families prepare to spend more time together, the government is underlining these dangers and urging parents to keep their cars smoke-free. 'While families may be in the car more frequently, we don't want to see a rise in children's exposure to second-hand smoke,' said Dr Tony Jewell, Wales' chief medical officer.

The expert noted that second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 potentially harmful chemicals and that these toxins linger in cars for hours. 'We believe that parents want to protect their children and, once they are fully aware of the risks, they will choose not to smoke in front of them,' Dr Jewell added. Last year (July 2011), the Welsh government announced that it may consider introducing a ban on smoking in cars when children are present if its public awareness campaigns are not successful.