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Attempt Draws Attention to DHH Resources to Help Kick the Habit
New Orleans-The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital’s Tobacco Control Program and WRNO, The New 99.5 FM, are teaming up to educate New Orleans-area smokers on the dangers of tobacco use and free resources available to help them kick the habit.
At the center of the radio campaign is Director of Sales Mike Scott, who told listeners of the Jim Brown show live on March 16, he would spend the next 30 days “tobacco free.” Each Friday, Scott will update listeners around 10:45 a.m. on his challenges and successes in his attempt to kick the habit.
“I started using tobacco when I was 15 and thought it was cool. But 33 years later, it’s not cool. The longest I’ve ever been able to quit is a month,” explained Scott. “Now that the smoking ban has gone into effect and the fact that there’s loads of help on the Internet, I figured this time I’d have better odds at succeeding.”
Louisiana Legislative Act 815, which bans smoking in public places, went into effect Jan. 1 and has resulted in fewer smokers in Louisiana’s restaurants and workplaces. In addition to the individual health benefits of not smoking, health advocates say fewer people smoking also reduces the number of people exposed to secondhand smoke.
Diane Hargrove-Roberson, director of Louisiana Tobacco Control program, applauded Scott for taking his personal fight public.
"Smoking and tobacco use kill more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined,” explained Hargrove-Roberson. “Mike’s testimonial will educate others as to the dangers of addiction, and the message to quit should be heeded by others.”
Cigarette smoke contains nearly 5,000 chemical compounds, including arsenic, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke may increase the risk of lung cancer by 25 percent. In an average week, more than 80 percent of Louisiana residents are exposed to secondhand smoke.
“We are working hard to educate Louisianans on the importance of how to live healthy lifestyles,” explained Dr. Fred Cerise, DHH secretary. “From online and phone hotline
assistance to stop smoking to techniques to reducing the fat and calories we consume, we know that changing behaviors can change our rates of heart disease, illness and dollars spent on treating sick people.”
Scott is blogging for listeners who wish to follow his ups and downs while trying to quit at “Go Tobacco Free” at www.995fm.com. Listeners can also register their friends or get the kit to quit themselves at that Web site, or they can find information at www.800quitnow.com. Free resources are also available by calling 1-800-Quit-Now.
About The Louisiana Tobacco Control Program
The Louisiana Tobacco Control Program, under the Department of Health and Hospitals, began in 1993 as a community and statewide program of advocacy for a tobacco-free environment. The program is committed to promoting partnerships and using research-based strategies for tobacco prevention, control and awareness in order to empower citizens to make healthy lifestyle choices to create a Tobacco-Free Louisiana.
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Smoking Facts
71% of Louisiana voters favor a local ordinance in their community that would ensure smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and public buildings.
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