January 16, 2008 03:39 pm
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By SARAH DRAPER
Hamilton County Health Department
The Smoke-free Illinois Act that took effect Jan. 1 of this year is a law that affects all people.
Although the impact is positive, not everyone is looking at this change in a positive way. While some of the behaviors of smokers are facing limits, the rights of nonsmokers are being heard.
Many argue that the act is a ban, but we must look at the other perspectives surrounding the matter. This term “ban” is misleading because the law does not ban smoking. Smoke-free Illinois just asks smokers to step outside for a few minutes to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean indoor air.
Secondhand smoke is the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States, contributing to approximately 2,900 deaths a year in Illinois alone.
This means that about eight people a day die from secondhand smoke — and no one should ever have to suffer from the cost of someone else’s choice.
While the main function of the act is to protect innocent people from exposure to secondhand smoke, there is hope that the law will encourage smokers to think about quitting. Numerous resources are available for smokers who wish to make quitting their New Year’s Resolution.
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline (1-866-QUIT-YES) is a free, confidential service provided by the Department of Public Health and the American Lung Association. The Quitline is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Individuals may speak with nurses, respiratory therapists or addiction counselors to develop a quit plan.
The Freedom From Smoking program is another option. Visit www.ffsonline.org to develop a free, individualized Web-based program to kick the habit.
Another option for getting information is to call the American Cancer Society (24 hours a day/365 days a year) at (800) ACS-2345 or visit them at www.cancer.org.
It is important for individuals who wish to quit smoking to talk with their doctor and to develop a reasonable plan that will provide results. The average smoker tries to quit eight to 10 times before succeeding, so don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself or become discouraged too easily.
Benefits of quitting smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke include breathing easier and reducing your risk of heart disease, lung disease and certain types of cancers, all of which will contribute to a longer life and the opportunity to spend more quality time with family and friends.
Businesses wishing to download materials, including fact sheets, implementation guides and/or signage to enforce the Smoke-free Illinois Act may visit www.smokefreeillinois.net.
Anyone who would like to voice a complaint about observed failure to comply to the Smoke-free Illinois Act may call (866) 973-4646.
• Sarah Draper is the tobacco educator with the Hamilton County Health Department.
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