April 2009 Archives

60-cent Increase Would Reduce Smoking, Save Lives, and Raise New Revenue for Tobacco Prevention

A coalition of public health organizations has launched a newspaper advertising campaign highlighting the benefits of a 60-cent increase in Oregon's cigarette tax, which would reduce smoking, save lives and generate much-needed revenue for critical tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

The newspaper ad, which began this week in papers across the state and will run for two weeks, states, "One in 3 kids who get hooked on tobacco will die prematurely from it. And with 4,500 Oregon kids becoming smokers every year, the numbers add up fast. But we can do something about it." The advertisement further states, "Increasing our tobacco tax 60 cents and investing that new revenue in tobacco prevention will keep thousands of Oregon kids from smoking. And that's worth a lot more than 60 cents."

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Oregon can expect a 60-cent increase in the state cigarette tax to:

• Generate more than $51 million in new revenue to help fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
• Prevent more than 17,600 Oregon kids from becoming smokers.
• Produce more than $396.4 million in long-term health care savings.
• Save more than 8,000 Oregon residents from premature, smoking-caused deaths.
• Spur more than 9,300 current adult smokers to quit for good.

The ad campaign is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in coordination with the American Lung Association in Oregon, American Heart Association, Northwest Health Foundation, Upstream Public Health and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

To view the ad visit http://tobaccofreekids.org/campaign/oregon/SaveOregonKids.pdf

"Increasing the cigarette tax to fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs will deliver significant health and economic benefits that Oregon residents need and deserve," said Mathew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Studies show that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by 7 percent and overall cigarette consumption by 4 percent. Increasing the cigarette tax will save thousands of lives because for every three kids we prevent from becoming regular smokers, a life is saved."

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in Oregon. Each year, tobacco claims 4,900 lives and costs the state $1.1 billion in health care bills, including $287 million in Medicaid payments alone. Currently, 16.9 percent of Oregon adults smoke. Government expenditures related to tobacco amount to a hidden tax of $576 every year on every Oregon household. More than 15 percent of Oregon high school students smoke and 4,500 more kids become smokers every year.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

The truth(R) youth anti-smoking campaign has the power to save hundreds of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in smoking-related health care costs and productivity losses, according to the Citizens' Commission to Protect the Truth, a group composed of every former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and Health and Human Services, with the exception of Michael Leavitt; every former U.S. Surgeon General; and every former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicated that the medical care costs averted by the truth(R) campaign - due to prevention of smoking - were far greater than the costs of the campaign itself and found that for every dollar invested in truth(R), it is estimated that society saved over $6.80. The study focused on the period of 2000-2002. During this period of time, the truth(R) campaign has been credited with reducing the number of children and teen smokers by 300,000.

We believe that if the truth(R) campaign continues for another five years (2009-2015) with similar effectiveness, there will be up to 500,000 fewer youth smokers with savings of up to $9.0 billion in future medical costs.

The Commission based its analysis on the findings of the study presented in the May 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, which found that the decrease in the number of youth who initiated smoking as a result of truth(R) during the period of 2000-2002 may result in averting up to $5.4 billion in future medical costs.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of young smokers will die prematurely from smoking-related diseases. Since 80% of adult smokers began using tobacco products before the age of 18, the hundreds of thousands of children who opt not to smoke because of their exposure to truth(R) will almost certainly not become adult smokers.

"Ending smoking by American children and teens is crucial to the health and cost of healthcare to our nation. The truth(R) campaign provides a return on investment that would make the greediest corporate CEOs salivate. The truth(R) campaign is one of the most effective investments in the history of public health," said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Commission Chairman and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare who started the national anti-smoking campaign in 1978. "truth(R) is the only national smoking prevention campaign not directed by the tobacco industry which exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry, the truth about addiction, and the health effects and social consequences of smoking."

The American Legacy Foundation's life-saving truth(R) campaign is the largest national youth smoking prevention campaign and an extraordinary public health story. The campaign is a national peer-to-peer intervention that works. In its first two years, truth(R) was responsible for 22% of the overall decline in youth smoking - a decrease which represents approximately 300,000 fewer smokers. Peer reviewed studies, both old and new, underscore that truth(R) can inoculate teens against tobacco addiction. The truth(R) campaign's successes are unassailable.

Investments in youth smoking prevention campaigns like truth(R) provide enormous returns by way of preventing the health care costs associated with smoking. In these difficult economic times, we must remember that the cost savings for preventing people from starting to smoke and helping those who already smoke to quit, can have a major fiscal impact on both health care costs and the general economy.

The Citizens' Commission to Protect the Truth was formed to shine a spotlight on the continued need to fund truth(R), the only independent national youth counter marketing campaign with demonstrated results in keeping children and teens from smoking. Among its efforts, the Commission is demanding that big tobacco companies continue financing the Public Education Fund under the Master Settlement Agreement reached with the states in 1998. After March 2003, the tobacco companies (Phillip Morris (Altria), Brown and Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard) were no longer required under the agreement to make annual payments to the Public Education Fund, which enables the American Legacy Foundation to conduct the truth(R) campaign. The payments are required only if the participating tobacco manufacturers control 99.05 percent of the cigarette market. Although participating companies no longer meet that threshold, their market share remains well above 90 percent. The Citizens' Commission also files amicus briefs in pending litigation against tobacco companies in order to bring to the attention of presiding judges the importance of funding truth(R) and ask that the judges include orders to fund the campaign as a remedy for tobacco company misconduct.

For more information on the Commission, visit its Web site at www.ProtectTheTruth.org.

SOURCE Citizens' Commission to Protect the Truth

I love the cigarettes sticking out of his front pocket, REAL classy.

The American Legacy Foundation(R) is challenging pet owners to quit smoking for their pets during the month of April, which kicks off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. A growing body of research shows there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke -- for humans or for animals. And one new study shows that nearly 30 percent of pet owners live with at least one smoker -- a number far too high given the consequences of exposure to secondhand smoke ("SHS").

"Secondhand smoke doesn't just affect people," said Dr. Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation(R), the national independent public health foundation dedicated to keeping young people from smoking and providing resources to smokers who want to quit. "While most Americans have been educated about the dangers of smoking to their own bodies, it is equally important that pet owners take action to protect their beloved domestic pets from the dangers of secondhand smoke."

An estimated 50,000 Americans lose their lives to secondhand smoke annually and 4 million youth (16 percent) are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes. A number of studies have indicated that animals, too, face health risks when exposed to the toxins in secondhand smoke, from respiratory problems, allergies and even nasal and lung cancer in dogs and lymphoma in cats. In addition, the ASPCA, one of the largest animal rights groups in the U.S., lists tobacco smoke as a toxin that is dangerous to pets.

"Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects to the nervous systems of cats and dogs," said Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. "Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans. Studies have shown increases in certain types of respiratory cancers in dogs that live in homes with smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts. For these reasons, owners should not expose their pets to secondhand smoke in order to minimize the risk of their pets developing lung disease or cancer."

According to a study published in the February 2009 edition of Tobacco Control, 28 percent of pet owners who smoke reported that information on the dangers of pet exposure to SHS would motivate them to try to quit smoking. These findings, coupled with the research on the effects of SHS exposure to animals, signals a new front in the public health community's battle to save lives from tobacco-related disease.

In order to better protect dogs, cats or other pets, the foundation and ASPCA recommend that smokers -- who often consider their domestic pets a part of the family -- "take it outside" when they are smoking. The foundation also provides resources and information to smokers who want to quit for their own health through a national campaign called EX(R), including a Web site for smokers who are quitting just for their pets:

• EX encourages smokers to approach quitting smoking as "re-learning life without cigarettes"
• The resources from the campaign help smokers consider the "triggers" that make them want to smoke each day. The program is based on helping people understand that if they can get through each part of their day without a cigarette, they can quit for good.
• The campaign features www.BecomeAnEX.org, a state-of-the-art Web site with interactive tools and information to help smokers prepare for quitting by developing a personalized plan. The EX Web site offers a virtual community and forums where smokers can share stories and best practices about their quit attempt. To join or view the community of smokers who are quitting for their pets, visit: http://community.becomeanex.org/group/quittingforourpets.

SOURCE American Legacy Foundation

Rhode Island's leaders have taken decisive action to protect the state's kids and taxpayers from the devastating toll of tobacco use by increasing the state cigarette tax by $1 to $3.46 per pack, making it the highest state cigarette tax in the nation. Rhode Island is also increasing the tax on most other tobacco products. Increased tobacco taxes are a win-win-win solution for Rhode Island -- a health win that will reduce tobacco use and save lives, a financial win that will raise revenue to help alleviate budget shortfalls, and a political win that polls show is popular with the voters.

The evidence is clear that increasing the cigarette tax is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking, especially among kids. Studies show that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by 7 percent and overall cigarette consumption by about 4 percent. Rhode Island can expect the $1 cigarette tax increase to prevent more than 7,300 Rhode Island kids from smoking; spur 3,400 Rhode Island smokers to quit for good; save more than 3,200 Rhode Island residents from future smoking-caused deaths; produce $160 million in long-term health care savings; and raise about $13.3 million a year in new state revenue.

Governor Don Carcieri had proposed the increase in the cigarette tax in a fiscal year 2009 supplemental budget he submitted earlier this year. The state Legislature approved the tobacco tax increases last week, adding increases in taxes on other tobacco products and protecting Rhode Island's minimum pricing laws, measures which help thwart big tobacco's efforts to addict kids. This week Governor Carcieri allowed the budget to become law without his signature. By supporting a higher cigarette tax, Rhode Island's leaders have taken action that will improve the health of Rhode Islanders for generations to come and continue the state's leadership in the fight against tobacco use, the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. The tobacco tax increases take effect on Friday (April 10).

Rhode Island has taken significant steps to win the fight against tobacco use by implementing higher tobacco taxes and a comprehensive smoke-free workplace law. The next step for Rhode Island is to increase funding for its tobacco prevention and cessation programs to levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so it can have the greatest impact in preventing and reducing tobacco use.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Rhode Island, claiming 1,600 lives each year and costing the state $506 million annually in health care bills, including $179 million in Medicaid payments alone. Government expenditures related to tobacco amount to a hidden tax of $728 each year on every Rhode Island household. While Rhode Island has made significant progress in reducing youth smoking, 15.1 percent of Rhode Island high school students smoke, and 1,400 more kids become regular smokers every year.

With Rhode Island's tax increase, the average state cigarette tax is now $1.23 per pack. Rhode Island is the first state with a cigarette tax of $3 or more. Twelve states and the District of Columbia have cigarette tax rates of $2 per pack or more, and 26 states and DC have cigarette tax rates of $1 per pack or more.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

The federal tax on a pack of cigarettes has gone up to just over a dollar with the increase that went into effect today, and might be just the push smokers need to kick the habit. Independence Blue Cross offers members help in many ways to stop using tobacco products.

Quitting smoking not only saves money, it saves lives. Approximately one in five adults in the United States smokes cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cigarette smoking results in an estimated 443,000 premature deaths each year, and costs the economy $193 billion in health care expenses and lost time from work. Smoking is also widely known to cause or contribute to heart disease, certain cancers, and lung disease.

The federal tax on cigarettes, which had been 39 cents per pack, was raised 62 cents today to $1.01 -- the biggest cigarette tax increase in history. The tax will help fund national health care programs for children. Pennsylvania already charges another $1.63 in state taxes to the cost of a pack of cigarettes, which means a typical pack now costs close to $6.50. Smokers in the state who quit a pack-a-day habit would save about $2,370 per year.

The federal tax on smokeless tobacco increased today from 19 cents a pound to 50 cents a pound. Smokeless tobacco is just as addictive as cigarettes. Those who use smokeless tobacco are at increased risk for other serious health conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cancers of the lip, tongue, cheeks, and throat.

"Sadly, people choose to smoke or chew tobacco despite their awareness of the benefits of quitting -- breathing easier, suffering fewer serious illnesses, and living a longer life," said Dr. Esther Nash, senior medical director, Independence Blue Cross. "But successful attempts to quit are often inspired by a strong motivator, like a personal health scare. We're hoping the tax hike pushes more smokers to seek help quitting and we stand ready to help."

Independence Blue Cross helps members kick the habit through:

• Reimbursement of up to $200. To help members age 18 or older stop smoking, IBC will reimburse them for completing an approved tobacco cessation program. If the program costs less than $200, a member may apply the difference toward reimbursement for nicotine replacement products, prescription smoking cessation medication, or other aids. To earn the $200 reimbursement, IBC members may enroll in programs like SmokeStoppers(R) or the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking(R) Program. Most programs include help in managing barriers to quitting, like handling stress and avoiding weight gain. Members can also choose a program offered by a network hospital in their area. Tobacco cessation programs also support individuals who want to quit using smokeless tobacco.
• Online support. IBC also offers members free online education modules at www.ibxpress.com to help them quit smoking or make other lifestyle changes that improve health. The modules routinely begin with a short survey about smoking habits, current lifestyle, and general health. Based on answers provided, the online program creates a personalized wellness plan, complete with follow-up information and support to help members stay on track.
• Free counseling. IBC also offers pregnant members enrolled in IBC's Baby BluePrints(R) program free counseling by phone to help them quit smoking. IBC offers Medicare members a similar option.
• Gift-card incentives. Earlier this year, IBC launched Healthy Lifestyles(SM) Rewards, an incentive program to encourage steps toward better health. Employers who add this program to their health plans through IBC reward employees for healthy behaviors. Non-smokers who participate in this program can earn gift card rewards for taking a tobacco-free pledge, while smokers can earn rewards for completing a tobacco cessation program.

For more information about quitting, IBC members can call the Health Resource Center at 1-800-ASK-BLUE.

Non-IBC members who use tobacco products can find plenty of online resources to help them quit. They can also order a free copy of "Clearing the Air," a self-study booklet from the National Cancer Institute with information on what to expect, avoiding weight gain, and fighting the urge to smoke. Call 1-800-4-CANCER.

SOURCE Independence Blue Cross