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Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Program Goals
The Healthy People 2010 Goal states: reduce cigarette smoking by adolescents and adults. Each year, an estimated 1 million minors take up smoking. National underage smoking rates remain at historically high levels. Tobacco Companies are continuing to attract young smokers at an alarming rate. Despite the elimination of billboards and cartoon characters like Joe Camel, teens are still being lured to the image of cigarette smoking as cool and an assertion on their independence. Southern Seven, through IPLAN (Community Health Needs Assessment) findings, found that the #1 cause of mortality in our seven county area is cardiovascular disease, of which smoking is a significant risk factor. Nicotine found in cigarettes is also addicting, which is another one of the top five areas being addressed through IPLAN. Southern Seven Health Department, through the Illinois Tobacco Free Communities Grant, provides cessation programming and tobacco health effects education. For additional resource information, visit www.smokefreeillinois.net SMOKE FREE ILLINOIS On June 27, 2006 the U.S. Surgeon General released the first report on secondhand smoke in more than 20 years. The report concluded that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke and the only way to fully protect non smokers from secondhand smoke is to completely eliminate indoor smoking. On July 23, 2007 the Smoke Free Illinois Act was signed into law by the Governor. Smoke Free Illinois, supported by more than 68% of the state, will repeal the Clean Indoor Act of 1990. Beginning January 1, 2008 the Smoke Free Illinois Act requires all public places and places of employment to be completely smoke free including at least 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes. For more information on this Act, visit www.smoke-free.illinois.gov . Freedom From Smoking is an eight session smoking cessation course through the American Lung Association of Illinois. Interested parties meet weekly for 1 to 2 hours per session and receive information about the long-term freedom from smoking. Professionally trained instructors, through Southern Seven, help smokers create a supportive environment to break the smoking addiction. Kicking the habit is hard, but worth the work. No matter how long you've smoked, your health will improve when you quit. The clinic includes the latest improved skills for good stress management, weight control, assertive communication, and exercise--skills to help individuals succeed. During the Freedom From Smoking Clinic, the instructor will teach a step-by-step method for changing behavior and quitting smoking. This group approach uses positive thinking, alternative behaviors, one-on-one help, rewards, and group support to help participants stop smoking. You may call your local Public Health Department for more information. You may also call the Illinois Quit line at 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937).
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline website is http://www.quityes.org The American Lung Association's popular smoking cessation program is now available free online at www.lungusa.org/ffs TOBACCO WEB SITES
Americans for Non-smokers Rights - www.no-smoke.org |
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Notice
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