 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2005-04-01 10:50:00
Indoor smoking bans?
: I have Asthma, and when we dine out I'm always looking for a smoke free restaurant because the smoke triggers my asthma to flare up. What is the status of indoor smoking bans?
ANSWER: As of this answer, seven states have completely banned smoking in work sites, bars, and restaurants. They are Rhode Island, California, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Maine. Note again that California and New York are leading the way. New York, Connecticut, and several cities in Kansas have done this for their restaurants with great results and support from the community. From Guadalupe, AZ to Lincoln, NE to Columbus, OH, cities have assumed the smoke free status. Dr. Hyland, from Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York predicts that within 5-10 years all states will be smoke-free. He states that, "second hand smoke is completely unnecessary, and people are recognizing this". Dr. Hyland has also noted that the argument that a smoking ban would hurt or shut down restaurants and bars has proved false. Across the globe other countries are moving to create smoke free zones at a rapid pace. Cubans no longer have cigar smoke in offices, schools, and sports facilities. Italians no longer have the complimentary cigarette with a cappuccino. The Irish stamp out their smokes before entering their local pub.Smokers who work in smoke free zones doubled their chances of stopping the smoking habit according to Dr. Hyland, who conducted a study over 13 years following smokers. It creates an environment that nurtures their effort to quit smoking. He states; "2nd hand smoke kills people and causes sickness".
