Maine: Tobacco curbs need more time for results

Mainetoday.com ^ | 10-1-03 | JOSIE HUANG

[SheLion]

Maine leads the country in establishing strong tobacco controls, but a new study on smoking and women shows the effects have yet to be felt.

Maine ranked 33rd among states on health indicators such as smoking among pregnant women and teenage girls, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Women's Law Center and the Center for Women's Health at Oregon Health & Science University.

About 21 percent of adult women in Maine smoke, compared to the national average of 20.7 percent, leading to a high incidence of tobacco-related illnesses in the state. For example, the prevalence of lung cancer, the biggest cancer killer of women, was 48.3 deaths per 100,000 women, the 47th worst in the country.

State officials and health advocates in Maine said it could take years before policies are fully reflected in health statistics. They point out an aggressive anti-tobacco campaign did not begin in earnest until 1997, the same year the state doubled its excise tax on tobacco.

But one of the authors said Maine's poor performance on health indicators set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows the state needs to take more action. (Like what KIND of action? More bans???)

"There are other policies that Maine can implement to reach out to other women and encourage them not to smoke," said Neena Chaudhry, senior counsel at the National Women's Law Center.

Health advocates maintain that small improvements are already taking place because of current initiatives such as pregnant-specific counseling on a telephone hotline and Medicaid coverage for smoking cessation programs.

Such initiatives have caused the smoking rate among pregnant teens to drop from 36.6 percent, the 1999 figure used in the report, to 31.5 percent in 2000, said Judy Dorsey, a senior policy analyst for the Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health.

Dorsey also said the percentage of adult women trying to quit smoking has grown from the 51.5 percent in 2000 to 62.6 percent in 2002.

"We are in fact doing better than (the report) shows we're doing," Dorsey said.

Health advocates predicted more changes. About 88 percent of women report smoking bans at their workplaces, putting Maine at the top of the country. That proportion should grow even more once a smoking ban in bars and bingo halls takes effect in January.

Overall, the study offers a mixed report for Maine, but "at least it shows we're headed in the right direction and we're doing the right thing," said Megan Hannan, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society in Maine.

Hannan pointed out that California, which began a tobacco control program more than 15 years ago, is beginning to see a drop in lung cancer and chronic lung disease.

"It will work in Maine," Hannan said. "We just need to be patient."

Despite giving Maine an overall failing grade along with 38 other states, the study did recognize the state for its commitment to funding tobacco prevention programs when other budget-strapped states are making drastic cuts to their programs.

Each year, the state pays for tobacco control programs with $1 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and about $15 million in money from a multi-state settlement reached with tobacco companies. (LIAR! Your money comes from SMOKER'S who pay TAXES on CIGARETTES! NOT the Government and NOT the Tobacco Company's.  THE SMOKERS TAXES!)

Staff Writer Josie Huang can be contacted at 791-6364 or at: jhuang@pressherald.com

[Conspiracy Guy]

We need to ping minion to this. Once he see's that smoking is only bad for women he can smoke again. Even though his wife won't give him none.

[SheLion]

No, I think the results sorts by leading vote getter, but the answers remain constant.

I was just REALLY happy when I saw most voters were telling them that Government should NOT be involved in this. I was really happy to see it.

People are getting tired of so much government intervention. It's out of hand.

[SheLion]

We need to ping minion to this. Once he see's that smoking is only bad for women he can smoke again. Even though his wife won't give him none.

YEA!

[Conspiracy Guy]

Don't you envision Minni as 5'6" 275 bald on top with a double swhirly comb over?

[SheLion]

Don't you envision Minni as 5'6" 275 bald on top with a double swhirly comb over?

OH GAWD YOUR TERRIBLE! ROTFLMAO!

but yes.......I can tell by the way he types he isn't my type. heh!

[Conspiracy Guy]

His saying his wife gave him an ultimatum, "Smoke or have sex anytime anywhere". I wonder if he thought you ladies would think he was sexy? But I would bet he is alone when he has sex.

[SheLion]

His saying his wife gave him an ultimatum, "Smoke or have sex anytime anywhere". I wonder if he thought you ladies would think he was sexy? But I would bet he is alone when he has sex.

You know, just his attitude towards smokers, which includes me, is turn off enough. Once he opened his thoughts in here about his feelings toward people who smoke, right then, I didn't want anything to do with him.

He can have sex anytime and anywhere he wants, but I sure don't want to witness it. And that was abit more then I cared to hear from him. LOL

If he thought that would make him appear "more sexy" in my eyes, he has another thought coming. I'm sure most of the gals in here would agree.

[CSM]

Come on guys, you know he is a stud muffin and we are all just jealous of his "manlihood" that his wife keeps on the mantle and grants him permission to take them out!

If it takes an ultimatum like that, then it shows a major lack of respect for each other. Why on earth marry someone you don't love as they are?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Let's refer to him as a "Boneless Smoke Gnatzie", in reference to his lack of a backbone.

[maryz]

That's how it appeared when I "captured" it. What has changed?

When I voted, the questions were in one different order (I think the order they wanted); then after I voted, they were shown in descending order by percentages of votes, i.e., at that time anyway, gov't should mind its own business leading.

[CSM]

I will call him that, but it will be in reference to what his wife keeps on the mantle!

[MrLeRoy]

Tobacco curbs need more time for results

We've been having a War On Some Drugs for at least 30 years now, and are STILL waiting for results. Big Government never admits failure.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Everyone needs a hobby

[jmc813]

WOD Ping

[CSM]

I almost fell into the trap of being a hobby. When I tried to quit to fullfill someone elses wishes. She got very angry when I "slipped up" and smoked 1 cig with a friend. I didn't hide it or try to lie or any of that crap. In the midst of an argument I asked what I would be asked to quit next......Her reply alcohol, no hesitation at all. I said fine, then what is next.......Coffee, again no hesitation. She had actually thought all of this out. Well, I asked what next.......I am not sure yet, no hesitation.

I immediately went over to a buds place and began to have a few beverages and smoke a couple of cigs. She walks in and demands that I quit those things or quit her. She was the easiest of the enjoyments to give up so I dropped her like a bad habbit!

[Conspiracy Guy]

I tell people, "I have been me for 49 years and some months. I like me and if you don't, sorry".

[CSM]

Yep, I am the same way with the I like me and if you don't then to bad! As I continue to get more experience I become more set in my ways and end up being harder to change. I think that is good, but it doesn't help the love life!

[CSM]

Minnie probably thinks the MSU Spartans loss to Lousianna Tech was because the QB's name is SMOKER, not because of the defense letting them march down the field.

[Madame Dufarge]

Once he see's that smoking is only bad for women he can smoke again

Why would Minion be excluded?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Having been through a terrible marriage (Jekhel and Hyde) which produced two wonderful children but way too much pain, I'll tell you this. If you or your lady thinks, "the other would be better if...." Keep looking. I loved my X wife and even liked her a lot until she started trying to change me. I am pretty much the same as I was when I was 16 just more experienced, I change when I think I need too. The best way to keep me from changing is to try to make me change. I'm glad I made the booboo of not getting to really know her first cause my kids are great. But if I met her today, I'd just keep walking.