Legislation We Should All Support
Despite the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke that occur annually from smoking, there is no government agency with the authority to regulate tobacco products. As a result the tobacco companies are free to use addictive substances in cigarettes without disclosing their presence and they are free to market to children and teens.
Recently a piece of legislation, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625/H.R. 1108), was introduced in both the House and Senate. This proposed law would prohibit the marketing of tobacco products to children, stop illegal sales to them, and outlaw candy cigarettes, which are a product starter for many kids. It would require the cigarette makers to disclose what is in their products and it would give the FDA the authority to require manufacturers to remove or reduce the amount of harmful additives in tobacco products. It would also stop confusing health claims from tobacco manufacturers. such as those which suggest that "lite" or "natural" products are safer or less addicting.
Each year 400,000 individuals die from smoking-related causes; of these 150,000 die from cardiovascular diseases. Another 35,000 die from exposure to second-hand smoke. Don't you think that it's time we regulated tobacco in a way that helps to protect our children from becoming addicted and helped current smokers to reduce their dependence on tobacco? Don't you think it's silly that the FDA has authority over foods and not tobacco?
If you are interested I urge you to write a letter to your state legislators encouraging the passage of this legislation. For more information and a sample letter look to the American Heart Association and the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids. I love the Tobacco-Free Kids web site, and have long referred people there to read about the incredible job that "big tobacco" does with advertising. I especially like this slide show about marketing to target audiences. Do you see a reference to a certain perfume campaign of the past in the product for women?
I think this legislation is well worth our efforts to support and encourage you to inform yourself and to contact the offices of your elected officials to ask them to pass the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625/H.R. 1108).
Take care.
~Laurie
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, smoking, FDA, healthy heart
Recently a piece of legislation, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625/H.R. 1108), was introduced in both the House and Senate. This proposed law would prohibit the marketing of tobacco products to children, stop illegal sales to them, and outlaw candy cigarettes, which are a product starter for many kids. It would require the cigarette makers to disclose what is in their products and it would give the FDA the authority to require manufacturers to remove or reduce the amount of harmful additives in tobacco products. It would also stop confusing health claims from tobacco manufacturers. such as those which suggest that "lite" or "natural" products are safer or less addicting.
Each year 400,000 individuals die from smoking-related causes; of these 150,000 die from cardiovascular diseases. Another 35,000 die from exposure to second-hand smoke. Don't you think that it's time we regulated tobacco in a way that helps to protect our children from becoming addicted and helped current smokers to reduce their dependence on tobacco? Don't you think it's silly that the FDA has authority over foods and not tobacco?
If you are interested I urge you to write a letter to your state legislators encouraging the passage of this legislation. For more information and a sample letter look to the American Heart Association and the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids. I love the Tobacco-Free Kids web site, and have long referred people there to read about the incredible job that "big tobacco" does with advertising. I especially like this slide show about marketing to target audiences. Do you see a reference to a certain perfume campaign of the past in the product for women?
I think this legislation is well worth our efforts to support and encourage you to inform yourself and to contact the offices of your elected officials to ask them to pass the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S. 625/H.R. 1108).
Take care.
~Laurie
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, smoking, FDA, healthy heart
2 Comments:
I fully support such legislation. On another subject, I just finished reading "The Chosen Few" by Joseph DiLalla and Roy Eaton. It's a novel that is based on a real discovery regarding a cure for athrosclorosis. I was shocked to read the author's note at the end. My question is: What ever happened to the apo-A1 Milano gene. It was tauted as "The Magic Bullet" and "Rotor Rooter for the Arteries." I hope someone with influence can bring this question to the forefront.
On Dec.5, 2006, I had serious back surgery. My preceding physical showed all was well for this. Mar.11, 2007, I had a massive heart attack with 99.9% closure. A stent was immediately installed opening this. Three weeks preceding this I experienced a peculiar sore throat off & on. Dr. did an EKG to compare w/back surgery EKG & discovered problem. Women should know about this pecular symptom.
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