Much More Must Be Done to Lower Smoking Rates

State inaction and tobacco industry tactics are slowing tobacco control efforts in the United States, a new report from the American Lung Association (ALA) finds.
According to the ALA report issued Wednesday, states spent $485.5 million on programs aimed at curbing tobacco use in 2013, a rise from $462.5 million in 2012. However, only two states – Alaska and North Dakota – had levels of funding on these programs that matched levels recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And 40 states and the District of Columbia failed to fund their tobacco prevention programs at even half of the CDC level. Lucky Strike Click&Roll
Many Americans also lack access to therapies that experts know can help smokers quit. Only two states provide Medicaid enrollees with coverage for all seven U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-smoking medications and three forms of counseling, and only four states do so for state employees. On the other hand, the ALA said that tobacco companies are getting around current anti-smoking efforts by aggressively marketing other tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco (chewing and dipping tobacco, snuff) and cigars. They are also aggressively promoting electronic cigarettes.
"There is no federal oversight of these products, and the e-cigarette industry is using celebrity spokespeople to glamorize its products, making unproven health claims, encouraging smokers to switch instead of quit, and creating candy- and fruit-flavored products to attract youth," the ALA said in the statement.

Rockford area reacts to possible smoking ban, limiting lighting up in cars

A proposed Illinois law smokes out people who might be putting kids at risk. If approved, legislation limits when you can light up on the road. We ask residents all over Rockford for their take on the possible ban.
The proposal would make it against the law to smoke if kids are in a car. It's not the first time the Illinois General Assembly's considered this restriction.
"My grandpa used to smoke in the car when I was young and I hated the smell, I would cover my nose." -says Rachel Berg, who supports the possible law.
That's not her only reasoning. Berg is also a mom.
"I have a two year-old and my husband smokes, but he's not allowed to smoke in the car with my daughter. I put my foot down on that."Parliament Silver Blue
Last year, legislation passed encouraging adults with kids in their cars to keep cigarettes in the pack. Supporters say this also keeps a child from second-hand smoke exposure in an enclosed space with low ventilation. But, this proposed law drives the health issue even further. If passed, it'll be illegal to smoke in a vehicle if a minor is there with you.
"The kids don't ask for the second-hand smoke they can't voice their own opinions, especially if they're really, really young." -Berg adds.
Everyone we asked supports this law and most of them are smokers, like Joshua Burmeister. He and many others thought the act already was illegal.
"Most parents in their right mind, I mean smoking in a car with your kids? Come on." -Burmeister says.
If this passes, drivers face a $100 fine for lighting up with children present. Illinois tried to pass a similar ban in 2007, but it failed in the House.