Patent Slap on E-Cigarettes

A law firm claims to have a patent covering all e-cigarettes products and advised the electronic cigarette industry that it plans on preventing the sale of such products which are not licensed.
Although the communication referred specifically to enforcement or the patent claims only against e-cigs vendors and importers throughout the European Industry and Norway, its actions could ultimalely spread to other countries, including the U.S.
In the USA, some attorney generals have filed law suits, some have already won, against the sale of e-cigs until FDA approval has been obtained.
This was reported by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).
To read the full article, click below.

http://www.prlog.org/11000416-cigarettes-hit-with-patent-infringement-threat-effect-could-disrupt-industry-already-under-fire.html

Some Smokers Need Extra Help Quitting

In a recent (well, from 6 weeks ago) article published in the LA Times, researches at Oregon Health Science University found out that there are two types of "quitters" when it comes to smoking: those that quit "cold turkey" and those that need more help along the way.

Their data supported that continued cessation efforts were effective even if the quitter's initial attempts to quit were unsuccessful. Read the story and get the link to full report here: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/02/news/la-heb-smoking-cessation-20100902

This research only adds to the importance and need for fully funded tobacco prevention and contol programs that offer treatment services, like the WI Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers to people who want to quit their nicotine addiction. The Quit Line's funding was severely cut in 2008 and cannot offer the follow up services that are so important for so many people that want to quit.

Following in the footsteps of Michigan

The state of Michigan released a quarterly Smoke Free Compliance Survey. Michigan went smoke free on May 1st of this year. Although their laws varies from Wisconsin, the basis remains the same. Since May 1st, there have been 583 complaints with 158 citations issued. There were also 5 cease orders issued, until an establishment complied with the law.
Of non-food establishments, 173 complaints were received and 11 citations were issued.

To read the full release, click below

Survey

We're #1 (on the list)

Thomas Frieden, director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has released the six areas of priorities for the CDC. These winnable battles, as he calls them, will keep the nation healthy. His six choices SMOKING, AIDS, OBESITY/NUTRITION, TEEN PREGNANCY, AUTO INJURIES, and HEALTH CARE INFECTIONS.

Some are upset because their "causes" were not mentioned, others are excited because their "cause" will get publicity.

To read the article click:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/09/30/cdc-chief-picks-winnable-battles-health/

Federal Tobacco Prevention/Control Efforts WILL Make a Difference

As the 111th US Congress session drew to a close, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids reflected on the historic steps it took to create an America free from the burden of tobacco. While there is still a lot of work to be done in every state in the union, collectively these steps will dramatically reduce the number of youth who start using tobacco and help thousands of adults quit. re:TH!NK applauds their efforts and hopes they continue into the 112th session.

The five major accomplishments that Congress took in 2010 include:

• FDA regulation of tobacco products
• Tobacco tax increase
• Health care reform that makes prevention a priority
• Increased funding for tobacco control efforts
• Stopping illegal sales of tobacco products over the Internet

To read the full CTFK press release, click here: http://bit.ly/dlvdaJ