What do bars think of the Smoke Free Air Law??

After 8 months Wisconsin's smoke free air law has been nothing but positive. Not only can we boast that the law has improved Wisconsin's health, but its helping businesses. Want prove? Checked out the video below. The video is about two minutes long and worth watching.

We can take pride is what we've accomplished, and remain strong in knowing there is more to do.

Great work Wisconsin!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJaImOhtyT0

Teens' brains can't handle Smoking

A new study released by UCLA, states that tobacco smoking has a major impact on teens' brains. The study shows that smoking can actually effect a youth's rational decisions regarding their well-being, and that includes their decision to stop smoking.

While studies have linked cigarette smoking to deficits in attention and memory in adults, UCLA wanted to compare brain function in adolescent smokers and non-smokers. Focus was given to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that guides "executive functions" like decision-making and that is still developing structurally and functionally in adolescents.


Simply put, the greater the addiction the less activity in prefrontal cortex. We must remember that teens are still developing socially and physically and adding tobacco hurts the entire developmental process.


The test consisted of pressing a button when a lighted arrow appears, unless a auditory tone was played then no action was required. This would test the ability to inhibit an action.


We all know the dangers of smoking, yet teens still smoke. In fact, 80% of adult smokers became addicted by the time they were 18 years old. Studies like these are crucial to understanding how we can assist our youth from ever starting to smoke.

To read more about the study, click on the link below.

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/25072

SmokeFree Wisconsin Becomes Health First Wisconsin to take on additional health issues

re:THNK is thrilled and encouraged that SmokeFree Wisconsin, the organization that lead Wisconsin in its drive to eliminate smoking in workplaces, greatly reduce teen smoking in Wisconsin, and dramatically reduce the impact of tobacco on Wisconsin's health, is expanding its efforts and will work alongside us to combat the deadly addiction promoted by the tobacco industry.

“SmokeFree Wisconsin and their partners have been working hard on tobacco prevention and control for years and have had much success. The unique niche SmokeFree Wisconsin has developed will greatly advance our work on tobacco prevention and control to help individuals make healthy choices in their communities.

“Health First Wisconsin’s prevention-focused mission to promote nutrition and physical activity, combat tobacco use and prevent alcohol abuse will move Wisconsin forward not only by improving the health of those who live, work and play in this state but also by saving Wisconsinites money.”

To learn more about Health First Wisconsin and the issues they will be taking on visit their Web site at healthfirstwi.org. Also, follow them on Twitter, @healthfirstwi, and stay connected on Facebook.

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=228877

Message about Tobacco Prevention Funding from SmokeFree WI

In response to Governor Scott Walker’s proposed state budget announced Tuesday, Maureen Busalacchi, SmokeFree Wisconsin’s executive director, issued the following statement:

“SmokeFree Wisconsin appreciates Governor Walker’s decision to maintain funding for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in his proposed budget. We understand the tough economic situation Wisconsin is currently experiencing, however, cancer and respiratory diseases, complications linked to tobacco-use, do not slow down in difficult budget times therefore, continued funding for the Program is absolutely necessary.

“The Program has proven to be a wise and valuable investment for Wisconsin. In the last ten years, the Program worked to successfully cut adult smoking rates by 21 percent, and because of the efforts from the Program and its partners, 50,000 fewer Wisconsin kids are lighting up today. But, emerging products from the Tobacco Industry continue to threaten the health of our youth and our state, thus, it is critical that the Program is able to continue its work.

“The 10 percent cut in funding for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program will make efforts to reduce tobacco-use more challenging, especially in light of the large cuts the Program experienced in 2009. However, without further reductions the Program will continue to be highly effective, preventing death and disease in Wisconsin and saving both public and private sectors health care dollars.

“SmokeFree Wisconsin looks forward to working with the Program on new, innovative ideas to help further reduce tobacco use in our state. This is a Program that produces results, and will continue to do so and we are grateful the leaders of Wisconsin recognize its value.”