Celebrating smoke-free life

Tobacco industry sales hit by World Health Organization, Peer Health Advocates education

By: Gail Cole

Posted: 5/30/08

World No Tobacco Day was held Thursday in the MU Quad to make students aware of the dangers of tobacco use and the positive effects of quitting.

"[The WHO] try to target a different age group every year," said Emily Steadman, a senior in public health and one of the volunteers with Peer Health Advocates.

The theme of this year's event was "Tobacco-Free Youth," which aimed at stopping the marketing of tobacco to young people.

Steadman said the tobacco industry uses various and indirect ways to attract young consumers.

"Tobacco companies like to target people at festivals and concerts where they know there is going to be a lot of young people," Steadman said.

Some of the ways PHA helped promote the message were through gathering signatures in support of legislation and lobbying efforts.

A computer was also set up at the stand to allow students to sign an online letter to a lobby company to stop the print advertising of tobacco, as well as a letter to Oregon lawmakers in support of U.S. House Resolution Bill 1108.

According to the Library of Congress website, HR Bill 1108, titled the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, would help curtail the power of tobacco companies, including greater regulation over the tobacco industry and promoting the nationwide quitting of tobacco use.

Tobacco product use kills 5.4 million people a year from lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, according to the WHO's website on the tobacco epidemic. On average, tobacco users die 15 years earlier than non-users.

The site also said three out of four tobacco users who "are aware of the dangers of tobacco" want to quit.

Beyond the United States, the WHO hopes to reduce the use of tobacco around the world. Two-thirds of the world lives in countries with no ban on public indoor smoking, such as in offices, but the website says tobacco consumption by employees has been reduced by approximately 29 percent in developed nations with smoking bans in workplaces.

PHA was aware of the way tobacco is seen around the world.

"Tobacco companies are focusing on making it look cool," Steadman said of tobacco marketing used in developing countries.

According to the posters displayed by PHA, 17.5 percent of OSU students report that they are smokers, and two-thirds of these smokers want to quit.

"We're encouraging people to turn in their tobacco for Quit Kits," Steadman said.

The Quit Kits were designed to aid smokers who want to stop smoking. They include gum and hard candy, a $2 gift certificate for restaurants in the MU and information cards that list the various local resources to help students quit along with statistics regarding tobacco use.

PHA also let students take Quit Kits for their friends as one of the many ways to offer support.

"A lot of people who have stopped by have been concerned about a friend or roommate," Steadman said.

The OSU Tobacco Cessation Program, a part of Student Health Services paid for by student fees, is one of the resources for students who wish to quit smoking. Steadman said they offer a variety of free services, including individual or group appointments.

The table displayed information on many topics regarding tobacco, including lists of companies who are associated with the tobacco industry, statistics on tobacco use of OSU students and pamphlets on everything from advice for quitting smoking to how the tobacco industry negatively affects the LGBTQ community.

PHA volunteers had various personal reasons for helping at the event.

Lauren Wagner, a freshman in pre-nursing, said family members' experiences with the effects of tobacco caused her to want to teach others.

"To be honest, I've had a lot of family and friends smoke," said Patrick Donnelly, a senior in public health. "I just like influencing students and talking to students."

Donnelly pointed out stress balls as one of the tangible things smokers can use as they quit.

"A lot of my friends are addicted to tobacco products, and this is a way to make a difference," said Dan Horner, a sophomore in microbiology.

All volunteers were happy for the positive response they received from students.

"I think it's a good thing because you're making decisions now that affect your life forever, and tobacco is a negative effect," said Kate Harrahill, a freshman in primary education.

"It's a waste of money to buy cigarettes. There's nothing positive about it."

Gail Cole, senior reporter

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231