Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Taking Care of Others

To really stamp out the unhealthy effects of tobacco use, we all need to do more than take care of ourselves and our own friends and families.
Second hand smoke has real health effects, like causing an infant to have an asthma attack, that can be brought on even by a brief exposure outdoors.

In housing complexes, smoke often seeps through all the units. That’s why people are talking about ideas like no smoking in outdoor areas at restaurants or having tobacco free housing complexes. 
Many experts believe policies like these are the best way to help clear the air for the whole community.
I’m not saying what you should decide and there are surely two sides to argument about whether more rules about tobacco free places are the right way to go. But it’s surely worth talking about!
We hope you will join us in the effort to get people talking about ways we can reduce exposure to second-hand smoke such as:


Making sure people don’t smoke around children indoors or outdoors

Having smoke free homes and housing complexes


Please enter and post a comment to let us know that you will participate in this dialogue by sharing what you will talk about with others and who you will talk to (not by actual name but rather by title, such as friend, co-worker, apartment manager, restaurant owner, etc.).  Also, tell us what action you would like to see taken to reduce exposure to second hand smoke. 



Monday, January 28, 2013



   A GOOD REASON TO QUIT!



Center for Disease Control
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The NSDUH Report: Use of Menthol Cigarettes. Rockville, MD; 2009
3 U.S. Surgeon General, 2012 Report “Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults”
4 Dr. Alfred McAlister, University of Texas School of Public Health


Some Helpful Resources

uCenter for Disease Control
uAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardio Smart™
Text “Prevent” to CARDIO (227346) to get 120 messages over 2 months to help you quit smoking

uLive Tobacco Free Austin
  Resources and tips for quitting; tobacco & smoke-free   housing and more
uSeton Healthcare Family
  Smoking Cessation Classes
            or call (512) 324-2762

uNational African American Tobacco Prevention Network


We want to hear from you!
What’s your status?
1. I will never start smoking.
2. I do smoke, but have made up my mind to quit.
3. I have quit and there is no turning back.
4. I am encouraging someone I love to quit.

Reply Options
To respond text atxnotobacco with a space and then your response (1, 2, 3 or 4) to 84444 (text charges may apply)