Student fight tobacco use

Manor High School’s One Life, One Goal program has been spreading a tobacco prevention message to the community since 2010.

The group, part of a larger effort known as Break the Chain, participated in a teen leadership summit in Hunt, Texas, last weekend. The summit was sponsored by the Texas School Safety Center, based at Texas State University – San Marcos

“Students these days are becoming more aware of how tobacco companies use marketing tactics to manipulate their target audience—youth—to get them to smoke,” said program manager Adam Niederpruem. “Young people want choice and they want to be heard. Break the Chain empowers students to choose their own ways to spread the message of tobacco prevention.”

Niederpruem will utilize comedy, improvisation and creative teambuilding activities to build “workgroups” at 10 or more after-school programs before the end of the school year.

Break the Chain brings high school and middle school students together to learn how they can fight the pervasive messages of the tobacco industry, add to their leadership experience and make their communities a healthier place.

The student-centered Break the Chain movement is sponsored by the Austin/Travis County Tobacco Prevention & Control Coalition.

“The Break the Chain movement is composed of dedicated youth in our community who want to break the cycle of tobacco addiction; they know it’s easier to never use tobacco products than to break the habit ,” said program coordinator Megan Cermak. “The Movement is a part of the City’s Live
Tobacco-Free Austin campaign whose goal is to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke through policy change in Travis County.”

Legislation Intends to Keep Tobacco Away from Minors

It’s against the law in Oregon to sell tobacco products to minors, a law that hasn’t been enforced since 2009. House Bill 4172, sponsored by the House Rules Committee and championed by Reps. Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie) and Andy Olson (R-Albany), aims to change that.

The legislation would create the State Police Tobacco Law Enforcement Fund, separate from the general fund, that the Oregon State Police would use to hire active reserve retired state police officers to keep tobacco products out of the hands of minors.

“This issue is very important to me having worked with children and families for so many years,” Tomei said. “It’s important to me to lessen the availability (of tobacco) to kids.”
Oregon State Police used to enforce tobacco sales to minors before state dollars started dwindling, but stopped because of funding cuts and fewer staff resources, said Brian Delashmutt, lobbyist for the Oregon State Police Officers Association.

Agents with the Department of Human Services/Oregon Health Authority have conducted statewide stings of retailers, and can only collect information on which stores sell tobacco to minors. The agency lacks the authority to issue citations. In other words, Oregon’s tobacco laws as related to minors have no teeth.

A recent investigation showed that 19 percent of the time minors were able to successfully buy tobacco in Oregon, a rate that threatens federal funding.

“Seven million (dollars) that we currently receive is in jeopardy if we can’t keep our retail-sales-to-minors rate under 20 percent,” Tomei explained. “We’re dangerously close to that limit.”

Oregon receives federal dollars from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program, a program that requires the enforcement of the age restrictions on the sale of tobacco.

According to Colleen Hermann-Franzen, advocacy and outreach manager of the American Lung Association in Oregon, there’s a correlation between lack of enforcement and a steady increase in youth tobacco use in Oregon.

“House Bill 4172 is the solution,” Hermann-Franzen testified at a public hearing earlier this month. “This bill will reinstate an effective program, and it will also send a strong message to retailers that they are breaking the law, and that we take those laws seriously.”

Brett Hamilton, executive director of the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Oregon, agreed. "Oregon currently doesn’t effectively enforce state laws that ban the tobacco sales to youth,” Hamilton said. “The Tobacco-Free Coalition of Oregon supports HB 4172 as one step in the process of reducing tobacco use among Oregon’s youth. For many young people, that first cigarette or use of smokeless tobacco will lead to a lifetime of addiction, and for many, serious disease. More than 80 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before 18 years of age. Failing to enforce minimum-age laws not only wastes a constructive opportunity to reduce youth smoking but also tells kids that the laws need not be taken seriously – which undermines other tobacco-reduction efforts in the media, schools and communities."

While everyone appears to agree that reducing the availability of tobacco products to minors is a worthy goal, not everyone agreed that House Bill 4172, as originally drafted, was the way to go about it.

At a public hearing February 16, Rep. Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg), the owner Freeman’s Garden Valley Shell service station in Roseburg, expressed concern about the scope of the legislation. “The bill allows for a broader scope than what the testimony was about,” he observed.

Freeman was referring to the language that originally read, “…to enforce the laws of this state concerning tobacco products.” This made the legislation more inclusive than just tobacco products as related to minors.

The Oregon Neighborhood Store Association had the same concern. According to Richard Kosesan, its lobbyist, the association supports the general concept behind the bill, but believes its focus should be narrowed.

At a House Rules Committee work session February 21, the committee included “dash-three” amendments that dealt with Freeman’s concerns and changed the original broader language to focus only on “enforcing laws designed to discourage the use of tobacco products by persons under 18 years of age.”

“There has been a number of folks who have done some hard work with this (bill) over the last few days and the Oregon Health Authority as well as folks representing the tobacco industry have come to an agreement on language we now have that would be very effective with what we really want to do overall,” said Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany).

“I appreciate the efforts of everybody to work on this amendment which really does truly reflect what the people who came and testified about this bill wanted.” Freeman commented. “This is really going to do exactly as the testimony given asked for. I really like when the intent of the bill and the bill match.”

RI city to delay enforcement of new tobacco rules

The city of Providence has agreed in federal court to delay enforcing two new ordinances tightening rules for selling tobacco.

Federal court records show the delay is part of an agreement reached with several tobacco companies and others who have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Providence that challenges the regulations.

The suit targets ordinances banning pricing strategies, such as "buy one, get one free," and sales of non-cigarette tobacco products marketed as having a fruit or candy flavor.

The ordinances will now go into effect at the end of July. They were slated to take effect on March 1.

The suit claims the ordinances violate the federal and state constitutions.

The city has said the ordinances were adopted after a long period of public input.

Raise low cigarette tax

Missouri ranks 50th in the amount of its tax on cigarettes, fourth in the rate of adult smokers and fifth in the rate of new lung cancer cases.

A St. Louis newspaper editorialized that every Missouri household pays $565 a year to combat smoking-related costs (mostly through Medicaid).

Most people see the connection between cheap smokes and poor health.

Missouri got an “F” grade from the American Lung Association.

Missouri ranks 45th in funding for higher education, yet the governor’s initial budget contained additional cuts of 12.5 percent.

Could we possibly correct two problems at once?

Rep. Mary Still of Columbia introduced a bill (H.B. 1478) proposing that cigarette taxes be raised (still well below the national average), with $300 million to $400 million a year in new revenue designated for higher education.

There are other proposals floating around from both parties, but where is the leadership on this issue as the legislative clock ticks away?

Let’s urge our representatives in Jefferson City to take action quickly, rather than considering severe cuts to higher education throughout the state.

A higher cigarette tax would decrease smoking, increase revenue and improve the state’s overall health.

Electronic cigarettes helping people in Carroll County

For most people, it's very hard to stop smoking, but now there's a relatively new product that's proving wildly successful, even for heavy smokers.
Electronic cigarettes contain no tobacco, so the slight amount of "smoke" from the filter end is actually a harmless, odorless vapor. The end of the "cigarette" where the tobacco would normally be is the rechargeable battery, and the "filter" generates the vapor and the flavor.
The reason these e-cigs, as they're called, are so successful is because you have a prop you can "smoke." There is a huge selection of flavors , including chocolate, vanilla, coffee, cola, strawberry, peppermint and more, as well as a variety of tobacco-flavored blends. You can choose the amount of nicotine in the filter, from a high of between 16 and 24 milligrams, down to no nicotine at all. And, it's likely people won't gain weight, or as much, when quitting because of the nicotine.
There are lots of radio and email offers for free kits, but of course, there's a catch. You'll receive a free kit, for a postage and handling fee, but you'll also be signed up for a monthly shipment, which can cost about $70 or more. And, many of the brands don't have interchangeable filters. There are adapters, but they're hard to find, and that's another expense and a nuisance.
Safe Smoke is a cart, located in the center of the main aisle of TownMall of Westminster near the Dick's Sports entrance. Not only can the employees answer all of your questions about V2 cigs, but it's the top-rated brand.
There are disposable plastic tips, so smokers can try a V2 cig and sample different flavors before buying. If you're still not sure you want to invest in a kit, buy a disposable e-cig for $8.99, plus tax. One type is equivalent to about two regular packs of cigarettes and another is equivalent to about three.
Most accessories are available individually, but kits make it easier to get what you want. Kits start at about $59.99 and include the basics. The premium kit retails for about $159.99 and contains almost every accessory imaginable, plus five packs of five cartridges each, in your choice of flavors. Each cartridge is roughly equivalent to two packs of cigarettes, so a five-pack equals a carton.
Accessories include two-, three- or five-hour batteries; a battery attached to a USB cord, which can be attached to a car or wall charger; regular or long V2 cig cases; a case that can be charged and will then charge up to three batteries, one at a time, while you're on the go; wall chargers with USB plugs; car chargers and more.
Refill cartridge packs sell for $12.95 - quite a difference from the price of a carton of cigarettes - and each time you purchase one, you'll receive a punch on a card. After your tenth purchase, you'll receive a free pack of five cartridges.

Capitol briefs: Senate panel OKs anti-smoking bills

Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed emergency legislation that fixes a snag in the autism-insurance measure that passed last year.

The 2011 legislation requires health insurers to cover some treatments for autistic children ages 2 to 6, with a cap on annual coverage costs of $35,000. It does not apply to self-insured companies and would exempt businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

After the bill passed, the attorney general's office concluded that the state Board of Medicine did not have the power to create the regulations that lawmakers asked the panel to devise.

House Bill 1106, sponsored by Del. Thomas A. "Tag" Greason, R-Loudoun, gives the Board of Medicine the power to promulgate the regulations and directs them to do it within 280 days.

Senate panel OKs anti-smoking bills

Smoking would be prohibited on public school grounds and in government-owned and -leased buildings under two bills approved Tuesday by the Senate Local Government Committee.

Senate Bill 467, sponsored by Sen. Ralph S. Northam, D-Norfolk, would expand the prohibition on smoking in school buildings to include the grounds of the schools and the inside of any public school administration building. It passed the committee — the only committee in the Senate with a majority of Democrats — on a 12-3 vote.

Senate Bill 468, also sponsored by Northam, would prohibit smoking in any building owned or leased by the state and give localities the option of enacting a similar ordinance. It cleared the committee 11-4.

Northam, a physician, called the legislation a "no-brainer."

Senate panel approves protections for elderly

The Senate Finance Committee Tuesday unanimously approved legislation that would establish a separate felony offense for financial exploitation of the elderly.

Senate Bill 431 would apply to anyone who uses, obtains, converts or controls an elderly or incapacitated adult's property. If the violation is committed by a caregiver or a person entrusted with the adult's finances, the severity of the punishment is increased.

Supporters of the measure, including the AARP, cite a 38 percent increase in these crimes, with more than 1,000 cases reported in 2011. They say the legislation is necessary because not all financial crimes against the elderly can be adequately prosecuted or punished under existing fraud and larceny laws.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Richard H. Stuart, R-Stafford, with co-sponsors Sen. Mark R. Herring, D-Loudoun, and Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Fauquier.

New smoking rules passed in Orland

One political lesson learned by students in Orland is that perseverance and patience can pay off.
The Orland City Council voted Monday night to pass new rules limiting smoking in public places. The vote was 3-2, after eight discussions and multiple rewrites of suggestions made by students in October.
The ordinance will prohibit smoking within 20 feet of the main entrance of a business, as well as in parks and outdoor eateries. The fine is $25.
Designated areas will be determined and later set aside for smoking at parks.
Members of Students Working Against Tobacco, which has groups in three Glenn County high schools, made the pitch to the council with the help of public health leaders. The students had collected signatures and gathered cigarette butts from around town.
Over the past several months, councilors discussed the proposed rules, including listening to concerns the rules would be difficult to enforce or would involve business owners in enforcement.
Councilors suggested several changes along the way, including clarifications that police would be responsible for enforcement, and would ensure that more pressing public safety issues were given priority. Also, the no-smoking rules only apply to the main entrance, not to a back door of a shop.
"It did take a long time," said Mayor Wade Elliott, who voted for the rules along with councilors Bruce Roundy and Jim Paschall. Counselors Dennis Hoffman and Charles Gee voted no.
The changes were made to ensure it was still legal to smoke, but not in high-traffic public areas, Elliott said.
Enforcement will be complaint driven.
"One of the compromises was we wanted to protect the business owners," so only the smoker can be fined, not a business owner, the mayor explained.
Sharon Lazorko, public health program coordinator, worked with the students to approach the City Council. The students were "very pleased," she said.
Before the vote Monday, student Dinesh Khalasi addressed the Council, mentioning each councilor by name. He thanked those who had shown support throughout the approval process, and stated that when passed the ordinance could be self-enforced without much need for law enforcement.
Khalasi said students would follow through by continuing to educate the public and providing signs to businesses. He said the goal is to prevent the next generation of young people from becoming smokers.
Medical marijuana rules move forward
The Council also unanimously accepted the first reading of proposed rules for medical marijuana.
The first part would prohibit marijuana collectives and dispensaries under business and land use rules.
City Attorney Greg Einhorn explained that state courts have upheld that Proposition 215, which allows medical marijuana use, never intended to allow dispensaries.
The second part would establish nuisance rules when marijuana is grown for personal medicinal use, and will likely pass at the next council meeting, Elliott said.
Public safety was the main concern, due to theft and violence that can occur around marijuana plants.
The rules include minimum setbacks, alarm systems and growing areas that are locked and obscured.

No punishment for cigarette violations in Ashland

Two local gas stations that sold cigarettes to minors last year faced the Board of Health Tuesday night, but left with virtually no punishment for the violations.
That is because the Board of Health only two weeks ago found out that the Marathon Mobil on West Union Street and Shell Station on Union Street sold cigarettes to minors in September.
“I just wish we had known in September,” Board of Health Chairman Leslie Githens said.
The board two weeks ago learned the results of a federal Food and Drug Administration sting operation, members said Tuesday night.
As a result, officials missed the 10-day window to fine the gas stations.
“You saved $100 tonight,” board member Malcolm Smart told Marathon Mobil owner David Diprizio.
The board Tuesday night opted not to take any other disciplinary action, since the violations occurred so long ago.
Meanwhile, the business owners said they have upped enforcement and increased signs in their gas stations.
“We obviously started enforcing the rules again,” said Diprizio.
He said he only received the FDA report in December about the illegal sale, which occurred on Sept. 10, 2011.
Shell Station Regional Manager Mario Vendittelli also said he received the FDA report in December.
He also complained that the FDA did not say who the cashier was nor the time of the sale.
“Tell us who it was so this way we can retrain them,” Vendittelli said.
Both owners said employees undergo training about getting identification.
Vendittelli said registers prompt employees to enter the customer’s birth date.
“We hope that they use this. Unfortunately we’ve seen people put their own birth date in there,” he said.

Many US kids exposed to smoke in car

Fewer US children and teens are being exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in cars, but rates of exposure are still high enough to warrant concern and more states should ban smoking in cars carrying children, according to a US study.
In a survey of middle and high school students used as the basis for the study, published in Pediatrics, close to one-third said they'd driven in a car with someone who was smoking in the previous week.
"The alarming fact of it is, there's about one in five (non-smoking children) that are still exposed in this environment," said Brian King at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), who led the study.
"We have evidence that there's no safe level of exposure."
King and his colleagues analyzed data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, covering more than 20,000 children in grades six through twelve every few years between 2000 and 2009.
Students were asked if they smoked themselves, as well as if they'd been in the car with someone who was smoking in the past week.
By 2009, almost nine in every ten youths said they didn't smoke. And during the study period, the number of participants who reported recently being exposed to secondhand smoke in the car dropped from 48 percent to 30 percent overall.
Among smokers, that rate fell from 82 percent to 76 percent, and in non-smokers, from 39 percent to 23 percent.
"Jurisdictions should expand comprehensive smoke-free policies that prohibit smoking in worksites and public places to also prohibit smoking in motor vehicles occupied by youths," King and his colleagues wrote.
King's team speculated in its study that the declines may be due to more smoke-free laws and fewer people smoking in the United States in general, as well as changing public attitudes about the appropriateness of smoking near children.
Four states -- Arkansas, California, Louisiana and Maine -- have bans on smoking in cars carrying children younger than 13 to 18 years-old, depending on the law. Puerto Rico also bars the practice.
Experts said that parents and other drivers may not realize that even when the windows are down, smoking in a vehicle can create toxic levels of circulating smoke.
"The concentrations just get very high -- they get as high as in a very, very smoky bar," said Ana Navas-Acien, who has studied secondhand smoke in cars at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Publich Health in Baltimore but was not involved in the study.
"It's important for children, definitely, but it's a problem for everybody."

Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved

The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.

And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July.

Roving Anti-Crime Unit officers arrested Thomas Young, 54, 2212 Michigan Ave., late last week and charged him with growing marijuana without a license and criminal possession of marijuana. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation that was triggered by a call of a burglary in progress at Young’s home on July 30.

Patrol officers responded to the call after neighbors called 911 and said they’d seen a suspicious man leaving the home with a backpack. The neighbors thought the man had broken into the home.

When the officers arrived on the scene, the suspect was nowhere to be found, but they did notice something that seemed out of the ordinary. Officers said they noticed an overpowering odor of pot coming from the home.

“You could smell it coming from the upper floor (of the house), all the way out to the sidewalk,” Falls Police Narcotics Division Detective Tom Rodriguez said at the time.

Inside the home, officers found a substantial marijuana grow operation, complete with high powered lamps, sophisticated fertilizing and watering systems and an extensive ventilation system. The operation occupied two rooms in the basement of the home and the attic.

Police seized almost 60 plants, in various stages of development. They also found a tote containing recently harvested pot as well as a quantity of marijuana being dried on clothes lines.

“There was pot all over the place,” Rodriguez said.

Investigators identified Young as the occupant of the home and questioned him about the marijuana being cultivated there. Young told detectives he didn’t know anything about it.

He told investigators “a roommate had instigated the grow op” and that was all he knew about it.