Tobacco Tobacco Dependence: Prevalent, Lethal, and Neglected as a Chronic Disease
American Indian and Alaska Native communities face a tobacco crisis, with smoking rates at 38.5%—double the national average. Lung cancer, 90% attributable to smoking, leads causes of death among Alaska Natives. Yet comprehensive solutions exist: Medicaid coverage for cessation treatments, tribal resolutions, environmental policy changes, and community-driven interventions can turn this winnable battle.
SouthEast Alaska Rural Health Consortium Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is February 16
Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit activist and Alaska Native Sisterhood leader, championed the groundbreaking Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945—America's first such law. Her powerful testimony before the Senate gallery countered racist opposition and secured passage, protecting Alaska Natives from systemic discrimination a decade before Brown v. Board of Education.
SouthEast Alaska Rural Health Consortium Solano County Improves in Policies, but Not Grades
Solano County cities mostly received failing tobacco-control grades, yet officials highlight genuine progress. Suisun City banned smoking at park events, and the county prohibited smoking on all owned campuses. Fairfield, Benicia, Vallejo, and Vacaville actively pursue stronger policies, proving community health improvements extend beyond letter grades.
Smoking Policy Olathe raises minimum age for tobacco purchases to 21
Olathe city leaders voted 6-1 to raise the tobacco purchasing age from 18 to 21, making it the first city in Johnson County to implement this rule. The new ordinance applies to vaping materials too, with violators facing $25 fines and potential tobacco education courses.
SouthEast Alaska Rural Health Consortium Missoula Grocery Stores give Children Free Fruit as Alternative to Junk Food
Three Missoula grocery stores are fighting childhood obesity by offering free fruit to children while shopping. Orange Street Food Farm and two Missoula Fresh Market locations give bananas and other healthy snacks to kids twelve and under, promoting nutritious eating habits and making shopping easier for parents navigating stores with hungry youngsters.
Tobacco American Lung Association ‘State of Tobacco Control 2016’ Report Finds Policymakers Failing to Act to End Tobacco-Caused Death, Disease
The American Lung Association's 2016 report reveals a troubling trend: while youth cigarette smoking declined, use of e-cigarettes and cigars surged to record highs. With nearly a quarter of high school students still using tobacco, policymakers must act aggressively. The report grades states and federal government on prevention funding, smokefree laws, taxes, and cessation treatment access—most earning failing marks for insufficient action against America's leading preventable cause of death.
Tobacco Public health advocates, retailers clash on tobacco bill
Oregon faces a heated debate over tobacco licensing. Public health advocates and retailers clashed at the State Capitol over Senate Bill 1559, which would require state licensing of tobacco retailers. While retailers support a statewide system, advocates want local jurisdictions to impose additional restrictions, including pharmacy bans and school-distance requirements, to combat the nation's highest youth tobacco sales rate.
Tobacco National Jewish Health Launches Commercial Tobacco Program Customized for American Indians
National Jewish Health launches the first tobacco-cessation program designed specifically for American Indians. The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quitline offers culturally sensitive coaching from Native coaches, nicotine replacement therapy, and focuses on reducing commercial tobacco use rather than complete cessation, recognizing tobacco's cultural significance.
Wellness Exercise and your heart: physical activity reduces risk of death after 1st heart attack, but don’t overdo it
Recent research from Johns Hopkins reveals a critical balance: heart attack survivors with high fitness levels face 40% fewer deaths, yet excessive exercise reverses these benefits. The key? Moderate activity—running under 30 miles weekly—combined with practices like yoga offers optimal cardiovascular protection without overdoing it.
TIPS Campaign Free Nicotine Replacement Offered Throughout February in Conjunction with National Tips Campaign
This February, the Michigan Tobacco Quitline offers eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy to support the CDC's Tips from Former Smokers campaign. Real stories from people living with smoking-related diseases inspire millions to quit. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW today.