Dear Editor,

As we are already approaching the end of March of our “new” year, many people are beginning to step away from their New Year’s resolutions and restore back to what’s normal. Specifically, we are concerned about those who smoke. Quitting smoking is one of the best New Year’s resolutions one can make—although you shouldn’t have to wait for a holiday to quit. One major voice contributing out there aimed at helping people quit smoking is the American Cancer Society. They are marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17, 2012 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 45 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year. As of 2010, there were also 13.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes. The American Cancer Society may be a national voice but it is very important to highlight what is happening on a local level as well.

The Ottawa County Health Department is working diligently on adding local and national smoking cessation tools to our Tobacco Prevention webpage. When a community member is thinking about kicking the habit, our webpage will soon be a one stop shop for the tools are resources on how to quit.

In addition to the webpage the Health Department is working on creating a county-wide initiative that would make all parks and beaches tobacco-free. Many people are already familiar with the county ordinance for county beaches; making them all smoke-free. Our new endeavor will be aimed at making city and township parks tobacco-free. Recently in a phone call made to a local city manager for data collection purposes, we observed the dire need for such legislation. Employees from a local business were walking over to the park to smoke because they were unable to smoke near the business. Parks are becoming a scapegoat for smokers while simultaneously are supposed to be a safe space for your family.

Quitting smoking is the hardest thing an individual can pursue. The physiological effects on the body are difficult to overcome. Yet it’s important to remember that there are many resources made available to aid you or a loved one in the tough process. That’s why we’re here! The Ottawa County Health Department can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully.

Respectfully,

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

GVSU JUNIOR

TOBACCO PREVENTION SPECIALIST

OTTAWA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT