Big Tobacco Fights Russian Crackdown

With cigarettes only costing a dollar a pack and next to no restrictions on smoking in place, Russia is a smoker's paradise compared to most Western nations—and that's just how tobacco giants want it to stay. The government of Russia, the world's second-largest tobacco market after China, is planning to finally crack down on the country's high smoking rates, but it is facing stiff opposition from the four firms that control more than 90% of the market, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Around 40% of Russians smoke and the habit kills around 400,000 of them every year. By volume, smoking rates have soared 51% since 1998. The government plans to hike the tobacco tax, ban cigarette advertising, and limit smoking in bars and restaurants. "This is going to be a harsh measure, but it is absolutely necessary," a government spokesman says. "It will take time—maybe another generation—but we will succeed in defeating smoking and promoting a healthy lifestyle."

Prime minister supports ban on smoking in public

Prime Minister Dmitry A. Medvedev voiced support yesterday for a proposed ban on public smoking by 2015 in Russia, where almost a third of the people smoke. Medvedev also proposed to ban advertising for cigarettes and increase the sales tax on them to a “substantial level.” In Russia a pack of cigarettes typically costs less than $2.He said smoking kills 400,000 Russians a year.

Greens slam public service fund on tobacco

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Greens senator Richard Di Natale said it was appalling that the fund, which was set up to cover federal public service superannuation liabilities, was investing money in a toxic product. "The Future Fund hides behind vague principals such as 'engagement' in order to reassure the community that it encourages good corporate behaviour," the senator said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"Engagement can be a valuable strategy for improving some corporate activity, but in the case of big tobacco it's just smoke and mirrors." Earlier, Future Fund managing director Mark Burgess told a senate budget estimates hearing in Canberra the fund's investment in tobacco shares had reduced to $210 million on June 30, from nearly $250 million in February.

National health groups have called on fund chair David Gonski to urgently review of its investment. "It is simply irrational to have the good work that the federal government has done in tobacco plain packaging and tax measures undermined by unhealthy Future Fund investments that help support the tobacco industry," Australian Medical Association vice president Geoffrey Dobb said in a statement.

Higher mortality rates found in smokers with CAC

Smokers with coronary artery calcification face higher mortality rates than smokers without coronary artery calcification, but its absence does not necessarily decrease the risk for death in smokers until smoking has been ceased, researchers said in an article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging. The study cohort was composed of 44,042 participants without symptoms and who were referred for noncontrast cardiac CT.

The mean age of the participants was 54 years; 54% were men and 6,020 (13.7%) were smokers at enrollment. The participants were followed for a mean of 5.6 years, and the primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Data on cardiac-specific mortality are not available. There were 901 all-cause deaths, with increased mortality among smokers vs. nonsmokers (4.3% vs. 1.7%; P<.0001). Smoking was found to be a risk factor for mortality across increasing strata of coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores (1 to 100, 101 to 400, and >400).

Mortality was consistently higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers at each stratum of elevated CAC score. A multivariable analysis within these strata produced HRs of 3.8 (95% CI, 2.8-5.2), 3.5 (95% CI, 2.6-4.9) and 2.7 (95% CI, 2.1-3.5), respectively, for smokers vs. nonsmokers. Researchers also found that smokers without CAC had mortality rates similar to nonsmokers with mild-to-moderate atherosclerosis. HR for smokers without CAC was 3.6 (95% CI, 2.3-5.7) compared with nonsmokers without CAC.

 “Smoking is an important mortality risk factor across the entire spectrum of subclinical atherosclerosis, including those with CAC=0. The absence of CAC in smokers should not be regarded as a ‘negative risk factor’ until smoking cessation occurs. Despite this, coronary artery calcification remains an excellent way of risk stratifying both nonsmokers and smokers. Whether CAC quantification can motivate smoking cessation efforts deserves future study. Our data reinforce the notion that all smokers, including those without subclinical coronary atherosclerosis but especially those with increased CAC, should be strongly encouraged to quit,” the researchers said.

Falls bans smoking on parks grounds

To keep the peace, Falls officials have decided on a smoking ban within their parks. The supervisors agreed unanimously Tuesday night to ban the use of all tobacco products within 50 feet of any township-owned park. The issue came to the board’s attention at the Aug. 21 meeting after members were made aware of an incident between two unidentified males. “There was an issue over the summer with two adults who got into an altercation that was almost a little violent.

The parent didn’t want their child exposed to smoke,” said Chairman Robert Harvie. The incident in question escalated after the male refused to put out the cigarette which angered the father of the young child. Although the incident did not escalate to violence, the board found it was enough motivation to approve the measure. The ordinance specifically denies the use of any lit cigarette, cigar, pipe or other lit smoking instruments. The use of smokeless tobacco products are also prohibited within community parks.

The new ordinance will take effect in five days, with signs being posted displaying the ban. Smoking will be banned in all of the townships community parks, including playgrounds, pavilions, dog and skate parks. Violators will face fines up to $600 with each offense. Fines will be assessed under the discretion of the district court, according Harvie. Each daily violation will be considered an isolated offense and violators will be subject to a separate penalty.

Park rangers will be enforcing the rule, but will use the assistance of police to write tickets. A similar tobacco ban was recently passed in nearby Morrisville in July, with some debate over how the rule would be enforced. Morrisville officials pushed the “Young Lungs At Play” Tobacco Free Zone ordinance for the general public, but especially to avoid children’s exposure to secondhand smoke.

Russia launches anti-smoking crackdown

Russia launched a crackdown on smoking on Tuesday with a bill to ban tobacco advertising and raise taxes on cigarettes to help tackle a public health crisis in the world's second largest tobacco market after China. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in a video blog that 44 million Russians, nearly one in three, were hooked on smoking, and almost 400,000 die every year of smoking-related causes. Under Health Ministry proposals, tobacco advertising - now only allowed in some print media - would be outlawed, taxes increased on cigarette sales and smoking in cafes and other public spaces eventually banned.

The bill is expected to be submitted to parliament for approval in the coming days. "Every year (the equivalent of) a large city disappears," Medvedev said. "The government has adopted an anti-tobacco strategy and today we are beginning to put it in place." The habit of lighting up in Russia, where the air in bars, coffee shops and stairwells is thick with smoke, is encouraged by the cheap price of cigarettes. A pack typically costs around 50-60 roubles (less than $2).

While President Vladimir Putin is a non-smoker and has reprimanded ministers for smoking, some other top officials, such as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are heavy smokers. Some people on Moscow streets doubted the measures would have any effect. "People will smoke no matter what, its Russia," said Viktor, a salesman who did not give his surname. The government hopes the legislation will help improve life expectancy, which at 62 for men and 74 for women in 2009, remains low by the standards of other middle-income countries.

The Russian cigarette market, estimated to be worth around $22 billion in 2011 by Euromonitor International, is a significant part of overseas tobacco companies' businesses. Four foreign tobacco companies - Japan Tobacco International, Phillip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Imperial Tobacco - control more than 90 percent of Russian sales and have been lobbying to soften the proposed legislation.

Smoking ban film set exemption to be discussed by AMs

The Welsh government will invite committees of AMs to hear the arguments about whether to exempt film and TV sets from the smoking ban. Ministers want to change the law because they fear producers will not come to Wales if actors are not allowed to smoke when filming. Some AMs are opposed to the move and want to scrutinise the exemption. Regulations would need to be approved by a vote in the Senedd before the law is changed.

A vote due to take place next week has been withdrawn while ministers issue their invitation to the health and enterprise committees. Economic case An exemption was included in the law on smoking in enclosed public places when it was introduced in England. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote The importance of this exemption to the Welsh economy is in the government's view beyond dispute” Welsh government spokesman But Wales' smoking ban - introduced in 2007 - does not allow smoking on set.

Filmmakers have lobbied the Welsh government to make the change. The BBC is also in favour of an exemption. The cabinet reiterated its support for the principle for an exemption on economic grounds when it met on Tuesday. A spokesman said: "At the same time however, the government recognises there is a level of concern about this issue amongst some assembly members.

New Bill Could Ban Smoking in Public Areas

In Oklahoma, cities cannot pass smoking laws that are stronger than State law but the board of health wants to change that. It's behind a push for a new bill that will allow citizens to vote and create no-smoking ordinances in public places. Broken Arrow police are searching for the driver who struck and killed a man riding his bicycle in an apparent hit-and-run. Police say the fatal collision happened Wednesday night on 101st Street South.

Police say responders found an adult male lying on the side of the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the man's bicycle was outfitted with reflectors and a red flashing light. Authorities are searching for a white vehicle that likely has damage to the front passenger side. Police say no one witnessed the collision. Broken Arrow police have not yet identified the victim, pending notification of his family.

New CD will help smokers give up

NLP involves using cognitive work and words to change behavioural patterns. To mark Stoptober – a national movement of people stopping smoking this month – she has released a CD combining NLP and a form of hynotherapy. Mrs Boyle said her CD, entitled Stop Smoking Now! Breathe Again... will be useful to anybody keen to give up the poisonous weed.

She said: "I know people are cynical but that is the way people are sometimes. "I have never been a smoker, but I have done almost everything else. I wondered how I could use my profession to help. I believe this method works. "Smoking becomes a habit. It's something you do automatically because of the way your thoughts are working.

"After you have stopped for 48 hours, the nicotine will physically be out of your system. "Thereafter, it is just an automatic thing that you are used to doing at certain times. "Treating the addiction this way changes the way you think about it, which is much more effective."

Prospect Park bans smoking at borough parks

Heading out to Witmer Field, Park Square or Moore’s Lake Park? Better leave the cigarettes at home. In a special ceremony, Prospect Park officials formally received the brand-new “Young Lungs at Play” signs that they’ll install in borough parks, designating those sites as tobacco-free areas. “We’re not going to have parents smoking around kids,” Mayor Jeff Harris said. “There won’t be butts on the ground anymore.

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We’re promoting Young Lungs at Play because kids don’t need to be inhaling cigarette smoke while they’re in our parks.” Young Lungs at Play is a program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Penn State Cooperative Extension that promotes tobacco-free parks and recreation areas. Prospect Park is the second Delaware County municipality – after Chester City – to pass an ordinance making it a finable offense to smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco at its parks.

“We’re trying to reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and cut back on second-hand smoke in the community,” said councilwoman Diane Faison. “We hope that this shows that there are fewer and fewer places where people can smoke in the borough.” Smoking is already banned at all borough-owned buildings and facilities. Young Lungs at Play is catching on in Delaware County. In addition to the ordinances passed by Prospect Park and Chester, a number of other municipalities, resolutions recognizing the initiative have been passed in Upper Darby, Swarthmore, Darby Borough, Sharon Hill, Concord Township, Ridley Park and Brookhaven.

 A number of local churches and other organizations have joined the program as well. Prospect Park will install 24 Young Lungs at Play signs in its parks to notify residents and visitors of the policy. Among the parks at which the signs will be installed is Witmer Field, home of the borough’s football and baseball programs, and where officials gathered to accept the signs Wednesday.

Kudos to new smoke-free campus at TMC

Kudos to the Teton County Hospital District Board and the Teton Medical Center administration and staff on the hospital’s conversion to a smoke-free campus as of today (Oct. 10). TMC becomes the 45th hospital statewide to implement a tobacco-free campus, putting words into actions and leading by example.

Staffer Cathy Sessions who coordinated the conversion to tobacco-free says the new policy prohibits the use of smoke and chew tobacco anywhere on the TMC property Ñ including inside all buildings, outside on the grounds and even in vehicles parked in the public and employee parking lots. The facility has put up signs announcing the measure, and is working with staff members to help them quit the nicotine habit if they so wish. TMC is to be commended for taking this step, acknowledging and emphasizing that tobacco-free environments are an important step toward improving public health and safety.

Sessions points to statistics that say that tobacco use in our state accounts for more than $216 million in medical expenditures each year. That is an incredibly large figure for a behavior that is voluntary and that can be changed through counseling and medication. Sessions said that TMC believes that it is important to model healthy behaviors and eliminate “triggers” — like smoking areas Ñ that make tobacco cessation difficult.

We know the transition has not been easy — and will not be easy for those employees who have been inspired to quit smoking or chewing because of the new hospital rule. But we, as a community, want to thank the hospital for setting a good example, and to thank the employees for their support of this program. If you are hoping to break the addiction to tobacco, please contact April Spaulding, the Teton County Public Health Department’s tobacco-cessation specialist. She can help you access the resources, including the Montana Quit Line, to give you the tools you need to give up tobacco.

Smokers reminded to stub out in public

Government officials issued a reminder this week to smokers that smoking is not permitted inside public places or within ten feet of public buildings. The 2008 Tobacco Law and 2010 regulations prevent people from smoking in bars and restaurants, office buildings, businesses and other enclosed areas as well as up to10 ft. from any entry, exit or other opening. The Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar said a public place means any place, including a workplace or public conveyance to which members of the public have access whether or not a fee is charged for entry. The Law describes an “enclosed place” as a place which has a full or partial roof with at least 50% of its sides covered with walls, windows, blinds or curtains. Anyone who smokes in a public place is liable for summary conviction to a fine of $2000 for their first offence and up to $10,000 for the second offence. The list of smoke free places includes all offices, office buildings, warehouses and places of work, common areas in apartment buildings, condominiums and retirement homes, health care facilities and their grounds, educational facilities and their grounds, gyms, parks (including marine parks) and sport stadiums, beauty parlours, barber shops and Laundromats, enclosed bars, and restaurants, any means of transport (including boats) used for commercial, public or professional purposes and used by more than one person, all government owned facilities, public toilets and public transportation terminals (e.g. the cruise terminals), all shops and shopping centres, concert and convention halls, pool halls and shopping centres. Dr Kumar also reminded merchants that cigarettes can only be sold in full packages as prepared by the manufacturers. Hence, it is illegal to sell single cigarettes.

Credit to Whitby mother for sparking anti-smoking debate

A Whitby resident wants to clear the air -- literally -- at parks and playgrounds and is looking to local and regional politicians to help her take up the cause. Kelly Connolley approached the Town recently requesting that a bylaw be enacted to regulate smoking in outdoor recreational areas and will soon be speaking before a committee of Durham Regional Council to press the issue. It's an idea whose time, quite frankly, has come: municipalities across Canada have begun adopting new bylaws that prohibit smoking in a wider range of areas.

No longer is it acceptable to ban smoking only in confined spaces; the debilitating effects of tobacco smoke can also be found in the great outdoors. Science has proven that tobacco is harmful not only to primary users, but those who are in close proximity to the smoke they exhale. Second-hand smoke from those exhalations, and from the burning of tobacco products, kills approximately 1,000 Canadians every year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. And Ms. Connolley has the support of many Durham Region residents behind her.

The Region's own 2011 Rapid risk Factor Surveillance Survey indicated that 89 per cent of residents favour smoke-free public playgrounds. As well, 84 per cent support smoke-free public playing fields and spectator areas, and 78 per cent would prefer smoke-free public beaches. In that context, the implementation of a more restrictive no-smoking bylaw -- particularly in the interests of protecting children, who are most vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke -- would see widespread support in Durham Region's communities.

 It is true that tobacco remains a legal product and that would have to be taken into consideration as new rules are pondered. Smokers might face a measure of inconvenience, but it's a small price to pay for the safety of the larger community. Common sense dictates that tobacco use around children -- whether indoors or outside -- can have a negative impact on their health and should be regulated in every case. The long, inexorable march towards a smoke-free society continues. Here's hoping the efforts of Ms. Connolley can help promote discussion and debate among political leaders with a view to crafting bylaws necessary to protect citizens.

Stoptober help to quit smoking

A HEALTH centre in Sheffield is urging smokers to attend workshops to help them quit cigarettes as part of a nationwide campaign. Stoptober is a Government drive encouraging people to give up smoking for October, and is being supported by the NHS Walk-In Centre on Broad Lane. Extra support and advice will be on offer, in addition to the centre’s regular free smoking cessation sessions. Stoptober is the first 28-day ‘quit attempt’ of its kind.

It was set up after research found smokers who manage to stop for 28 days are five times more likely to give up permanently, and is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. Christian Ellwood, operations manager at the Broad Lane centre, said: “We understand that smoking can be very difficult to beat, therefore providing the right support and guidance can make all the difference to someone considering quitting.”

She added: “We would recommend that all smokers wanting to give up should take part in the Stoptober campaign and, as a service, we’re working to help as many people as possible win their battle to give up smoking for good.” During the workshops, participants are provided with specialist advice on how to quit and share their experiences with others.

HHS Awards $3.6 Million Grant for Obesity Prevention & Tobacco Control

Seattle Children’s Hospital, Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), and Healthy King County Coalition (HKCC) received the Community Transformation Grant (CTG) which will fund Seattle Children’s Hospital and its partners to work collaboratively with youth, families and communities in South Seattle and South King County on obesity prevention and tobacco control, particularly among youth.

“Parents and schools work hard to give children opportunities to thrive and now, thanks to the partnerships and funding made possible through this grant, families will have more tools to help their families stay healthy and reach their full potential,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. Administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CTG program is a comprehensive community health improvement initiative launched in 2011 and funded through the Affordable Care Act’s Prevention and Public Health Fund.

CTG funds support public health efforts to reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities and control health care spending in small communities. Children’s, PHSKC and HKCC will work with local governments, schools, hospitals, low-income housing groups, childcare and youth organizations to implement changes in communities that make healthy choices easier for children and families. Areas of focus include the cities of Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Kent, North Highline, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila, and the Seattle neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Georgetown and South Park. This area has a combined population of more than 479,000.

Huntington health facilities going smoke-free

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The Marshall University Health Sciences campus is going smoke-free. Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall Health and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center have agreed to prohibit tobacco use on their property beginning Nov. 15, the day of the Great American Smokeout. Smoking has been banned inside the hospital and medical center for years, but designated smoking areas were created last year as the first step of a two-step process to eliminate tobacco use on the medical center campus.

Those designated areas will be removed, and tobacco use will be prohibited anywhere on the hospital and medical center properties. Dr. Joseph Shapiro, dean of Marshall's medical school, says the policy will provide a safer environment for visitors and employees, and demonstrate a commitment to promoting the health of the community.

Live Healthy, Live Well launches Tobacco Cessation Program

Live Healthy, Live Well has launched a Keep Trying Tobacco Cessation program at John Knox Village East in Higginsville from 6-8 p.m. through the end of October. The program is designed to support efforts to live tobacco free through tobacco cessation and prevention classes. For the past two years, Live Healthy, Live Well partners have been instrumental in crafting plans to create policies, systems and environments that make living healthier easier.

Walking trails, sidewalk development, increased physical activity and healthy foods in schools—and tobacco cessation and prevention—are among these initiatives. Program partners include Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri, University of Missouri Extension and Lafayette County Health Department.

North State Voices: End to smoking brings hope

A few weeks ago I made a very big decision. I decided to quit smoking, and man have I had a hard time. There have been a few times I've had to quit smoking because I had no choice, like the whole year I stopped due to the fact that I was pregnant and breast feeding. It was hard to deal with, but I did it because that was the only option. This time it's harder. There have been obvious hits to my health that I am noticing, and being that I just turned 23-years-old on the 23rd of September, I became alarmed enough to stop cold turkey.

Three weeks in and I've managed to irritate just about everyone that I know. Controlling the urges to run to the store and buy a pack that first week was excruciating in a number of ways. I spent a lot of time in my room reading just to make sure my mind spent little time thinking of anything else. If one good thing came out of it, I read the "Hunger Games" series during a very rare three days without my husband and daughter where they spent a few days in Oregon with his brother.

That probably couldn't have come at a better time. Speaking of my husband, he's about as happy as a hyena with the fact that I've quit smoking. He was once a smoker, who hasn't smoked in a few years, and he loves to ask me when I'm going to quit. As a smoker, that question irritates me, whereas to non-smokers it seems like a reasonable question. Other than my dad, he's been the only person who has ever actually stayed on my case about my smoking.

Wiz Khalifa changes smoking habits for baby

Rappper Wiz Khalifa has stopped smoking marijuana at home for his unborn baby because the habit irritates his girlfriend Amber Rose. The 25-year-old, who was arrested twice this year for possession of the herbal high, has agreed to indulge his habit away from his lover Rose, reported Contactmusic. "I smoke outside instead of inside.

Everything is all about smells, man. If the smell irritates her, then it gotta go," he said. Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, also said that he and the model know the gender of their unborn baby but do not want to tell anyone yet. "I do know, but then (Amber) told us not to say yet. We'll wait until she's ready."

Fenwick panel considers beach smoking ban

The Environmental Committee has put the finishing touches on a draft ordinance that would prohibit smoking on town beaches. Among the items up for discussion are enforcement, whether there should be a designated area for smokers and signage. After researching similar initiatives across the country, committee member Bill Weistling said people are more likely to cooperate when signs are positive. Instead of using “no smoking,” people better respond to “breathe easy” or “enjoy free air.”

The committee also discussed where signs would be placed, with arguments made for the back of lifeguard stands, beach entrances and dune crossings. If signs are posted on lifeguard stands, it doesn’t mean the beach patrol will enforce the rule; signs will encourage beachgoers to report violations to the Fenwick Island Police Department. “If you want to have signs, there should be a reason for it,” committee member Buzz Henifin said. “Lifeguards aren’t responsible for enforcement calls. People should call the police.”

 Committee members would like the ban to include cigars, cigarettes and tobacco products on the beach and possibly town parks. Committee Chairman Marry Ellen Langan said she doesn’t expect much resistance from residents. “The majority of residents are seniors and non-smokers,” she said. “The main target of this is our tourists.” Committee members said they’d like to see a designated smoking area near the dunes and signs posted year-round. A draft of the ordinance is scheduled to be presented to the Town Council later this month. “I don’t know if there’s going to be any problems from the council,” Langan said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”