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| Issue 73 | 15 August 2007 |
Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Try the online version. FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
This conference is a must for anyone in tobacco control in New Zealand. It is unlikely that we will see another conference of this quality for a good decade or more. The government has identified tobacco as one of the key health issues, so workers should not be shy, even at this late stage, of approaching their employer for time off to attend. Find out all about the conference on the website at http://www.smokefreeoceania.org.nz. The precursor to the conference is a very important seminar hosted by the New Zealand Medical Association titled "Death and Taxes - Future directions for tobacco taxation". This seminar reports on the research commissioned last year into the effects of tobacco taxation. We know that price (tax) is the most effective single intervention in reducing cigarette/tobacco consumption, so the findings of this research are likely to significantly affect future tobacco control efforts. This seminar is on the Monday prior to the Oceania Conference (3 September 2007). It is being held at the Aotea Centre between 9.30 and 12.30, and is another must attend! I am intrigued at the level of disinterest shown so far by our senior politicians on this matter. Top level spokespersons have been invited from each of the political parties to take part in a panel discussion following the release of the research findings. At the time this editorial is being written, not one of the political parties had responded accepting the invitation to attend and debate the matter. Now, I appreciate that a Monday morning is not good timing for cabinet ministers. However I am sure that the government has one or two back bench members who are capable of debating this question intelligently with all comers. It is however the silence of the opposition that I find so stunning. Having read The Hollow Men I wonder why they remain so silent. All Health Select Committee and Finance and Expenditure Committee members have been especially invited to attend the seminar, regardless of whether they take part in the panel discussion. I congratulate the two MPs (National's Dr Jackie Blue and Labour's Maryan Street) who have said they will be there. I know there are those in Parliament who get this newsletter. There is still time to accept the invitation and get along. Health is a key public policy matter and there is no debate that there are seriously strong health gains to be made from improving our smoking statistics. I would have thought that was something all our MPs would have been concerned about. So, there's a lot happening! Come to the seminar if you can. With or without a political debate it is sure to be a key event for our sector in the next little while. Have a good fortnight. Mark Peck Director IN THIS ISSUE:
WE WANT YOU AT THE DEATH AND TAXES SEMINAR
The theme for the seminar is the crucial role tobacco taxation plays in reducing tobacco consumption, ultimately leading to a drop in smoking prevalence. Two reports commissioned by the Smokefree Coalition and ASH NZ will be presented: Tobacco Taxation in New Zealand, principal author Des O'Dea, and Dedicated Tobacco Taxes – Experiences and Arguments, principal author George Thomson. A cross-party panel of MPs has also been invited to participate in a forum on this issue. Most of today's tobacco control leaders in New Zealand are agreed that a rise in tobacco taxation is crucial to the next phase of bringing the numbers of smokers down, and it is of vital importance that the day is well-attended. Please make every effort to be there, especially if you're in Auckland, so that we can put on a real show of force for the media who will be present. Talk to your director or employer about being given the time to attend, as it's one of those events when numbers will make a real difference. It will also be well worth the time for any tobacco control worker. There is much to be learned from the reports that will be presented. Please r.s.v.p. to director@sfc.org.nz by 24 August 2007. We look forward to seeing you there! NEW NURSE CAMPAIGN GROUP TO HELP SMOKERS QUITNurses around New Zealand have joined forces to create a smokefree advocacy group in response to findings from a new report into nurses and smoking. The ASH-KAN (Assessment of Smoking History, Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses in New Zealand) Report released today by ASH NZ shows that 90 percent of nurses believe it is part of their responsibility to advise clients to stop smoking, but less than half have the specialised training they need to help effectively. Grace Wong, a nurse and the first author of the report says, "Nurses are the front-line of our healthcare system and our research has shown that 90 percent would do even more to help their patients stop smoking if they could. The new group has been set up to help make this happen and realise the huge untapped potential of this vital workforce." She says systems need to be put in place to educate nurses on how to help patients quit smoking, and to increase support services for nurses who smoke and want to quit. "There are 600,000 smokers in New Zealand. At least 50 percent of them will die early due to related illnesses. Nurses have given us the clear message that we should be equipping them with the skills to cut the number of deaths by offering brief advice and support to their patients," says Ms Wong. Mark Jones, Chief Advisor of Nursing at the Ministry of Health says that it is vital to encourage nurses to promote smokefree lifestyles and that the new report will help to address knowledge gaps that exist in the workforce. "The report presents a positive picture of a committed workforce, eager to support clients and for more education and time to deliver smoking cessation interventions. However, few nurses reported receiving education about smoking cessation interventions in their initial or postgraduate study. This is of concern because providers of nurse education have a major impact on the attitudes and expectations of nurses and their practice." An entire copy of the report can be downloaded from www.ash.org.nz. To find more about the nurses' advocacy group, or to join, e-mail nurses@ash.org.nz. ASH NZ media release, 11 August 2007 NO BUTTS ABOUT NGONGOTAHAToi Te Ora – Public Health and Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha joined forces to make July 'Smokefree Home and Cars Month' for the Ngongotaha community. "There has been fantastic support from the local community, and many have joined in to help get the message out there," said Deanna Watkins, Health Promoter for Toi Te Ora – Public Health. "From the Main Street shops to the local sporting clubs, the support has been overwhelming and a credit to the people of Ngongotaha." The objective of the Smokefree Homes and Cars month was to increase parents' and caregivers' awareness of the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke on children. "Children tend to have no choice about being around second-hand smoke, and they often can't refuse to get into a car with a smoker," said Deanna Watkins. "That's why they need particular protection. Making sure children's air is safe is as important as making sure they are safe from physical harm." Rotorua Review, 17 July 200 NEW DUTY-FREE TAX SHEET
The Smokefree Coalition has produced a new fact sheet around duty-free cigarettes. We ask, "Why should tobacco products be discounted for people who leave or enter the country?" In fact, allowing the tax-free purchase of cigarettes is a glaring anomaly in the government's approach to tobacco smoking, and a gap in its international commitments. New Zealand has signed the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which includes an obligation to discourage the sale of duty-free tobacco. We want duty-free sales to end because raising the price of cigarettes through tax is an important deterrent to would-be smokers. A low-resolution version of the fact sheet is freely available on the SFC website at: http://www.sfc.org.nz/pdfs/dutyfreefactsheetweb.pdf. If you need a higher resolution PDF copy, you can request one (3.31Mb) from Mark Peck (director@sfc.org.nz). Printed copies will soon be available for free in limited numbers. CANADIAN DOCTORS CALL FOR TOUGHER PACKAGING MEASURES
31 July 2007 is the date on which tobacco companies agreed to remove the deceptive labels 'light' and 'mild' from their cigarette packages as part of an agreement with the Competition Bureau. Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada say the agreement is so poorly written it allows the companies to continue to deceive their customers, all the while pretending that they have done something good for public health. "As predicted, the companies have not ended the deception," explains Dr. Atul Kapur, President of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada. "The tobacco companies have merely replaced the words 'light,' and 'mild' with other marketing terms." Among the companies' continuing practices are:
Canada's Supreme Court had harsh words for the tobacco industry practice of using package terms to reassure smokers. In recent years, for example, manufacturers have used labels such as "additive free" and "100% Canadian tobacco" to convey the impression their product is wholesome and healthful. Technically, the labels may be true. But their intent and effect is to falsely lull consumers into believing the product will not harm them, or will harm them less than would other tobacco products, despite evidence demonstrating that products bearing these labels are no safer. Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada media release, 31 July 2007 SMOKING CESSATION TRAINING FRAMEWORK NEEDS YOUR IDEASThe draft Smoking Cessation Training Framework document is now available for comment and feedback. If you would like a copy please contact Trish Fraser, Project Manager, National Workforce Training Framework for Smoking Cessation Workers project: Phone: 03 442 9236 The document is also now available on the NZ TAN listserv. Feedback is required by 5 pm Monday, 1 October 2007. If you are working in smoking cessation or have an interest in 'having a say' please access the document from the NZ TAN listserv or contact Trish and she will email the document to you. If you are not a member of the NZ TAN listserv and would like to join, contact: Janine Paynter, ASH NZ jpaynter@ash.org.nz; Ph: 09 520 3074. SEEKING WELLINGTON MĀORI SMOKERS FOR TV COMMERCIALSThe Quit Group is looking for Māori smokers who are keen to quit smoking and would be happy to be filmed for several months during the quitting process. Talent fees will be paid. We need people who:
Visit www.quit.org.nz for more information and a questionnaire. OCEANIA TOBACCO CONTROL CONFERENCE
No matter what part of tobacco control you are involved with – there will be something for you in the programme. Visit the website (www.smokefreeoceania.org.nz) for detailed information about the conference, including the draft programme, abstracts for the keynote presentations, descriptions of the workshops and much more. Join the email list to keep up-to-date with conference news and important deadlines. PACIFIC ISLANDS HEARTBEAT SMOKING CESSATION SERVICE
This workshop is designed to enhance the skills of health professionals and community health workers in providing brief intervention for patients. It is ideal for providers who wish to provide complete support for clients with tobacco-related conditions. The workshop will be held at Whitireia Community Polytechnic (Nursing School) in Porirua on 18 and 19 September, starting at 9 am. For more information contact Anthony Leaupepe, Training Facilitator, 04 472 2780 ext 2, or e-mail: anthonyl@nhf.org.nz. THROUGH THE SMOKENot a Cough in a Carload: Images from the tobacco industry campaign to hide the hazards of smoking
One strategy was to use endorsements by healthy and vigorous-appearing singers, Hollywood stars, and elite athletes. Another was to raise fears over weight gain: "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet." Among the more reprehensible tactics was using images of the noble and caring physician to sell cigarettes. Doctors were depicted both as satisfied and enthusiastic partakers of the smoking habit ("More Doctors Smoke Camels"). Images of medical men (and a few token women) appeared under soothing reassurances of the safety of smoking. Liberal use was also made of pseudo-scientific medical reports and surveys. You can check out a wonderful collection of these images at the Stanford University School of Medicine's Not a cough in a Carload website: http://lane.stanford.edu/tobacco/index.html. The images may take some time to load, but are well worth the wait! SMOKEFREE SHORTS
New ZealandSmokers take lightly the news their performance may suffer New research from a United States university claims smoking is a clear predictor of erectile dysfunction, and the more you smoke, the bigger the risk. But that research was not enough to sway the determined smokers of Christchurch. In a small and unscientific survey that steered carefully away from the issue of personal experience, to a man participants denied the threat to their performance would be enough to make them give up. The Press, 4 August 2007 Parents buying cigarettes for under-18s, say dairies Shopkeepers said a call to ban cigarette displays to reduce youth smoking is a waste of time when a much bigger problem is parents side-stepping the law against under-age smokers. Solway Superstore operator Chirag Patel said he always requested ID when young people asked for cigarettes, but he was fighting a losing battle. "Mum comes in and buys smokes and hands them to her daughter, what can you do?" Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 July 2007 New Plymouth looks to ban smoking in open areas
While not a ban, smokers would be requested through signs and publicity not to light up in council-owned open areas. Such a policy would be similar to that of the South Taranaki District Council, which in 2005 became the first council in New Zealand to make the district's parks and playgrounds smokefree. Mayor Peter Tennent said, "I think it's important that we give a signal as a community of what we think is acceptable around our children." Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 2007 InternationalOutdoor smoking ban "inevitable" in Western Australia Smoking in outdoor dining areas will inevitably be banned in Western Australia, Premier Alan Carpenter says. Fremantle Council has voted to ban smoking in outdoor cafe and restaurant areas, including the port city's famous café strip. Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 2007 Desperate smoker asks for jail time Iowa woman Jodi Perkins is so desperate to give up her 23-year smoking habit she volunteered to spend time in jail to help her quit. She called the local jail to see if officials would allow her to spend her holidays inside so she could get the nicotine out of her system. She offered to pay whatever fee might be required. "It is a sickness – an addiction," said Perkins, who claims she has tried just about everything to stop. "This is shameful. I can't take it any more. I don't know what to do. I need to be removed from the nicotine. Willpower doesn't do it for me." The sheriff's office said no to her request. NZ Herald, 8 August 2007 Snuff not safe In the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center report that users of smokeless tobacco are exposed to higher amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines – molecules that are known to be carcinogenic – than smokers. American Association of Cancer Research media release, 9 August 2007 Snuff's popularity grows, despite cancer fears
Snuff's rise in popularity has followed Norway's introduction of laws that ban smoking in offices, restaurants, bars and other public places. Many smokers, denied their cigarettes, turned to snuff instead, and producers responded by boosting production of snuff in small packets that now are often found under the lips of many young Norwegian men and women. Aftenpolten, 26 July 2007 Cigarette additives may make it tougher to quit More than 100 of 599 additives that might be in cigarettes are potentially harmful, with some making cigarettes even more addictive and others making it difficult for people to detect tobacco smoke in their midst, a new study contends. US News & World Report, 3 August 2007 Dutch dizzy over fake cigarettes An innocuous fake cigarette that looks real but doesn't contain tobacco is becoming a trendy accessory in Dutch cities. Radio Netherlands reported the Belgian manufacturer of the SuperSmoker hasn't been able to keep up with orders for the device, which looks like a cigarette but delivers nicotine from a capsule, and releases a harmless puff of condensation that looks like smoke. Political Gateway, 31 July 2007 Maureen's deathbed bid to stop pupils smoking
The terminally ill 57-year-old wants schoolchildren to visit her and learn the perils of smoking. The condition has left her bed-bound with a machine to help her breathe, able only to eat baby food and with regular help required to clear suffocating lumps of mucus from her airways. Now, following her brave attempts to use her own misery to persuade smokers to quit, she has revealed another plan to show teenagers what cigarettes can do and prevent them taking them up in the first place. Cambridge Evening News, 7 August 2007 British chain proposes perfumed pubs Artificial scents are set to be pumped into British pubs to mask the smell of stale beer, sweat and other odours previously camouflaged by cigarette smoke. Mitchells and Butlers, which runs about 2,000 pubs across Britain, is testing leather, freshly cut grass and ocean breeze fragrance in its premises since a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces began in England on 1 July. AFP, 5 August 2007 Missouri Court of Appeals finds evidence of deliberate wrongdoing by a tobacco company In a groundbreaking decision, a Missouri Court of Appeals found evidence of intentional wrongdoing by a tobacco company, but ordered the case retried on the issue of punitive damages. In setting aside a US$20 million punitive verdict – the largest ever awarded in Missouri in a smoking case – a three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City nonetheless found that evidence of Brown & Williamson's wrongful conduct was sufficient to submit to a jury. Kansas City Star, 31 July 2007 Smoking clash leaves pub man with broken leg
But the woman refused and became abusive to the 59-year-old great-grandfather. Mr Wells asked her again. But her boyfriend approached and pushed him back into the pub. He fell but got back up, only to be knocked to the floor again before the thug also pushed Mr Wells' wife, June, aged 58. Bolton News, 1 August 2007 People of lower income and education smoke more and are less likely to quit Latest research from the Washington State Department of Health shows that although the number of adult smokers in the state is continuing to drop, people with low income (less than US$25,000/year) and less education (high school diploma or less) smoke at higher rates than the general population and are less likely to quit successfully. PR Newswire, 1 August 2007 Smoking ban yields 365 violations in first month The one month old smoking ban in Louisville, United States, continues to be a controversial law, to which some businesses comply and others don't. Thirty five officers have been assigned to enforce compliance. "In some cases we received sneers and jeers, but for the most part people have been very responsive and our inspectors have not run into situations where it's been an adversary relationship," Louisville Health Department representative Matt Rhodes said. 32WLKY.com, 1 August 2007 Report shows Big Tobacco's contributions to California politicians
"The tobacco companies are spending more than $US68 million to influence elections and the outcome of legislation here at the Capitol, and we think that's important for the public to know," said Paul Knepprath of the American Lung Association. NBC, 11 August 2007 70 percent of non-smokers more likely to eat in pubs since UK smoking ban Seven in 10 non-smokers in the UK are more likely to eat in pubs, following the introduction of the smoking ban while 36 percent intend to visit pubs more frequently, research has revealed. The poll of 500 consumers, also found that 18 percent of smokers were more likely to eat in a pub now the ban is in effect. CatererSearch, 1 August 2007 Latest Gallup update shows US cigarette smoking near historical lows In a Gallup poll conducted mid July, 21 percent of American adults reported they had smoked cigarettes in the past week. Gallup has never found a lower percentage in the more than 60 years it has asked this question. The poll also shows a continuing decline in the amount of cigarettes US smokers smoke each day. The vast majority of smokers continue to express a desire to quit. Gallup, 25 July 2007 Store owners plan to fight tobacco power wall plan
Mike Hammoud met with nearly 200 members of the Atlantic Convenience Store Owners Association to discuss plans to fight the new power-wall legislation, because he says they were not consulted properly over its implementation. Steve Machat, Manager of Tobacco Control with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, said tobacco vendors were consulted and many had already made necessary changes in their shops. The Daily News, 1 August 2007 Anti-smoking laws mean well, but also have a dark side It's easy to understand why a city would want to pass a law against smoking in public places. The primary justification is obvious: nobody should be forced to inhale somebody else's smoke. Laws against smoking are both politically correct and serve the best interests of public health, but libertarians must be concerned. When the rights of any single group are targeted for forfeiture, freedom of choice diminishes for all of us. The Acorn, 2 August 2007 More smokers feeling harassed by smoking bans Americans are not blind to the difficulties faced by people who smoke; most say they are sympathetic toward smokers because they understand it is hard to quit even if someone wants to try. However, as the percentage of Americans willing to ban smoking in various public places continues to creep up, close to half of smokers now say they feel unjustly discriminated against by society. Gallup, 25 July 2007 Mosquitoes feasting on British smokers The mosquito invasion comes just one month into the smoking ban in all public places, which has led to more pubs erecting outside heaters. The insects are thought to be attacking people outside pubs and restaurants because they are attracted to the heaters installed to help those who have popped out for a cigarette stay warm. South Manchester Reporter, 2 August 2007 QUOTABLE QUOTES"Links to poor health in children from passive smoking as they breathe in the cigarette smoke around them are also proven. The list of poisons in that smoke is scary and there's none on that list that you would normally let your children anywhere near." Ian Munro, Parenting, Timaru Herald, 7 August 2007 "Our walls and ceiling are brown, though I'm trying to clean and paint. Our clothes usually smell of smoke or are brown from hanging in the closet. My high school-age son is so paranoid of smelling of smoke before school that he waits in the basement, where he has his room, before school rather than upstairs." Letter to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5 August 2007 |
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There are only three weeks to go until
the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference in Auckland. This is a big event for New
Zealand. It is the inaugural Oceania Conference and has as its theme "From
Vision to Reality". The keynote speakers are a veritable "who's who" in the
various sectors of tobacco control.
The
"Death and Taxes Future Directions for Tobacco Taxation" seminar is coming up. It has been organised by the Smokefree Coalition and ASH NZ, and will be hosted in Auckland by the New Zealand Medical Association on Monday 3 September.
Responding to the way in which tobacco companies have implemented a voluntary agreement to ban misleading words on cigarette packages, a group of Canadian doctors is calling for tougher measures based in law.
Do you work in tobacco control or have an interest in this area? Then come to the inaugural Oceania Tobacco Control Conference in Auckland, 4–7 September 2007.
Free Training for Health Professionals – Introduction to Smoking Cessation
Early in the last century, when questions about the health effects of smoking became a topic of widespread discussion, tobacco companies undertook a multi-faceted campaign to allay the public's fears. As terms like "smoker's cough" and "coffin nails" (referring to cigarettes) began to appear in the popular vernacular, tobacco marketers recognised the need to counter this threat to their livelihood.
Where
possible, links are provided below the stories. Please click these to read the
story in full.
Smoking in New Plymouth's parks, playgrounds, sports grounds and walkways is set to be stubbed out.
Three out of four Norwegians think the tobacco product known as snus, or snuff, can cause cancer.
Nevertheless, its popularity has been soaring, especially among young men.
Dying ex-smoker Maureen Hamilton is opening her house in Cambridge, UK, to show youngsters what the deadly addiction can do.
A UK pub landlord was attacked and left with a badly broken leg after he asked a smoker to take her cigarette outside. Colin Wells, the manager of the Cross Guns in Westhoughton, approached the woman who had lit up inside the pub's porch, asking her to extinguish her cigarette and to smoke in the beer garden behind the pub.
A new report says the tobacco companies have a big influence at the
State Capitol on California politics. California's 4 million smokers provided the tobacco companies with plenty of money to flex their power in California politics, according to the report released by the American Lung Association.
A café owner in Halifax, Canada, says his tobacco power wall "isn't going anywhere" despite a ban from 1 August. The ban prohibits vendors from advertising and displaying tobacco products behind store counters.