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Ybor cigars headed to troops overseas 

Some groups collect cookies, clothes and toiletries for U.S. soldiers.

In Ybor City, they collect cigars.

"The guys overseas got to know that they are appreciated by the people back home," said Robert Alorda, a founder of the Ybor City Cigars for Soldiers program.

"They need something to remind them of home," Alorda said.

Tuesday night, a group of volunteers met at the Ybor City Development Corp. office, 2015 E. 7th Ave., and packed around 2,000 donated cigars.

Volunteers placed three cigars and a note about the program in a clear plastic bag. The cigars will be shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, Alorda said.

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AmVets kitchen cited for smoking ban violation  

Delaware County Health Department restaurant inspectors have cited a veterans organization for smoking in the kitchen, while two other establishments were written up for lacking a certified food handler and dirty floors and equipment.

Inspectors found dirty ashtrays during a recent inspection at AmVets Post 12, 7621 N. Ind. 3. As a result, the health department issued the organization a warning letter noting that further violations of the countywide smoking ban in public places could result in a fine.

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Timothy's Fine Tobaccos to host annual Cigars for Soldiers fundraiser 

Timothy's Fine Tobaccos will have its annual Cigars for Soldiers fundraiser on Feb. 9.

The event at the cigar shop, 115 Center Ave., will be from 6-9 p.m. and feature 50/50 drawings; raffles and special sales. Ten percent of store proceeds will go to the fundraiser.

A representative from Miami Cigars will be on hand and will donate a cigar to the troops for every three sold, said Emily Socier, daughter of shop owner Tim Socier.

Customers will also receive a free cigar for every three bought, Emily Socier said.

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LETTER: Obama could save lives with military smoking ban 

As commander in chief, President Barack Obama could become a hero to the medical profession and save untold numbers of lives with one command: Ban smoking on American military bases throughout the world.

He could start by prohibiting the sale of cigarettes in post exchanges (PX's) on military installations. Maybe he could shame supermarkets and drugstores into not selling cigarettes. Stores don't sell crack cocaine, right? But cigarettes are just as deadly; they just take longer to kill you. . . .

As a former smoker, I have severe respiratory problems. When I finally quit on Aug. 12, 1976, it was too late. Actually, it wasn't terribly difficult to stop. It was the decision to quit that was hard.

I'm reminded every day how dumb it was to smoke, as I spend the rest of my life on oxygen.

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New push to expand smoking ban in Indianapolis could hit snag  

There's a new push to expand the city's smoking ban to bars, bowling alleys, hotels and private clubs.

The ordinance introduced to the new Democratic-controlled City-County Council Monday night is very similar to a Republican-sponsored proposal that failed to pass out of committee last month.

One provision in particular could be a deal-breaker. It's the one requiring private clubs, including American Legion and VFW posts to have their members vote on retaining smoking.

If they did, children under 18 would not be allowed on the premises.

At the Ernie Pyle VFW Post 1120 on the city's southside, members aren't happy.

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Study shows smoking increases injury risk  

Nearly one-third of active-duty service members smoke, and that figure increases among troops in a combat zone, according to the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors.

Most Soldiers know that smoking cigarettes can eventually cause lung cancer and emphysema, but one does not have to wait 20 or 30 years to experience the adverse effects of smoking.

Multiple studies by U.S. Army Public Health Command scientists show that smoking has immediate health effects — such as increased injury risk and diminished physical performance.

“Past studies of Army basic trainees show the risk of injuries among Soldiers who smoke was as much as 90 percent higher than nonsmokers,” said Michelle Chervak, senior epidemiologist at the USAPHC.

“From past data as well as analysis of recent data collected on operational units, we can definitely say that smokers have a greater risk of any injury, and more specifically, overuse injuries — damage to musculoskeletal tissue that accumulates with repetitive activities such as running,” she added. “Higher injury risk is likely due to factors that impair the body’s healing and repair processes.”

USAPHC studies have also demonstrated that smoking negatively impacts muscle endurance, especially as Soldiers get older.

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• Lackland medical campus to become tobacco free 

In accordance with the Air Force Surgeon General's tobacco policy, the 59th Medical Wing campus, and all outlying facilities, will become tobacco free effective Jan. 1, 2012, eliminating all designated smoking areas and use of tobacco products.

Tobacco products are currently defined as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff and dip. Commercial off-the-shelf smoking cessation aids will be authorized as staff and beneficiaries make the transition to a tobacco-free environment.

The AF/SG advises that tobacco use is inconsistent with a fit and healthy force and continued use of tobacco products by Airmen results in significant impact to the mission. The Centers for Disease Control have shown lost duty time from smoking in the Air Force amounts to 3,573 full-time equivalents per year--equal to the loss of an Air Force wing.

"This is a significant impact," said Maj. Gen. Byron Hepburn, 59th Medical Wing commander. "But, more importantly are the serious health issues associated with tobacco use."

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VFW post might go smoke-free  

After winning a court battle over the city's ordinance against smoking, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1298 might decide to go smoke-free on nights when it hosts charitable gaming.

A majority of the eight-person VFW house committee - which manages the operations and finances of the post and consists of post members and officers - voted in favor of becoming a smoke-free facility during a closed-door vote Tuesday.

Malcolm Cherry, a committee member and past quartermaster for the VFW, said the question will now go before a vote of the full membership this evening.

The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance banning smoking in most public buildings April 28.

The VFW and American Legion Post 23 fought enforcement of the ordinance at their posts.

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Noncommunicable diseases and post-conflict countries 

The most obvious area of concern relates to mental health, resulting from exposure to violent and traumatic events, forced displacement, impoverishment, uncertainty and isolation. Not surprisingly, surveys reveal very high levels of mental ill-health in countries emerging from conflicts.3

Rather less attention has been paid to the ways the post-conflict environment increases risks of other noncommunicable diseases. First, high levels of psychological distress contribute to harmful health behaviours, such as hazardous drinking and increased smoking, which in turn increase the future burden of noncommunicable diseases. Second, post-conflict countries commonly experience rapid urbanization, also associated with increased alcohol and tobacco use, as well as higher levels of obesity and reduced physical activity. Third, tobacco, alcohol and food companies often take advantage of weakened post-conflict trading systems.

This toxic combination of stress, harmful health behaviours and aggressive marketing by multinational companies in transitional settings4,5 requires an effective policy response,6 but often the state has limited capacity to do this. For example, Afghanistan has no national policy, strategy, targets or coordinating body for noncommunicable diseases.

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New report highlights need for action on health in the aftermath of war 

Countries recovering from war are at risk of being left to their own devices in tackling non communicable diseases, leaving an "open door" for exploitation by alcohol, tobacco and food companies, health experts warn.

Writing in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Bayard Roberts and Martin McKee, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Preeti Patel, of King's College London, argue that the post-conflict environment risks increases of mental health problems and other NCDs, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.

After exposure to violent and traumatic events, people may be prone to developing harmful health behaviours, such as excessive drinking and smoking, which exacerbate the problem of NCDs in the long-term. This is why the lack of a strong will from the authorities to restore the health system leaves an open door for commercial ventures to influence health policy to their advantage.

The authors write: "This toxic combination of stress, harmful health behaviours and aggressive marketing by multinational companies in transitional settings requires an effective policy response but often the state has limited capacity to do this." . . .

Dr Roberts, a lecturer in the European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition at LSHTM, says: "While great attention is rightly paid to infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases should also be given attention -especially as the post-conflict environment can provide the perfect breeding ground for unhealthy activities like smoking, drinking and poor diet. We are making the argument that if the authorities do not step up to lead the way in developing policies which will benefit public health, then they leave the route clear for companies to step in and serve their own interests."

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• E-Cig Brands up Marketing Spend, Keep Eye on Health Claims 

Because e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products, marketers are constrained when it comes to messaging about a product that contains nicotine but not other harmful substances found in cigarettes.

But at the same time, because the cigarettes are not regulated, marketers in this relatively new and growing space are benefiting from looser FDA restrictions and are boosting budgets -- even though finding marketing agencies and search platforms willing to rethink no-tobacco-client policies isn't so simple.

One such brand is Spire, launched in October by Procter & Gamble marketing veteran Jeffrey Hill. It is looking to take advantage of any of the category's health benefits without saying as much in consumer-facing marketing.

Mr. Hill is making his case to oncologists. He told Ad Age he is also in talks with city officials across the country to ink public-private partnerships that could make the products available for sale in public locations. He said it's appealing for cities with no-smoking policies in outdoor spaces and for regions under financial duress, and added that he's close to signing one such deal. . . .

E-cigarettes are not, however, limited like tobacco companies as to where they can advertise. NJOY's current marketing campaign centers around a "gold standard" theme that runs mainly in store and on the net, but moving forward the company plans to use traditional media, events and guerrilla-marketing tactics. "Given the strength of our business, we have the resources to invest heavily," said Mr. Anise. "We'll focus on retail and merchandising and then expand into more consumer media."

Its agency is Release the Hound. But during the 2009 trial, a large PR firm turned down the account, despite its conclusion that the "nicotine" product could actually help people, said a senior-level executive at the firm. It was too risky, the executive added, since the firm worked with a foundation that opposed the category. . . .

Spire's Mr. Hill has already experienced this kind of regulation and gotten creative in his consumer-marketing approach. When he tried to sell the Spire on government military bases -- smokers active in the military are a main target, along with college students -- he said that the FDA expressed concern. So he heightened his focus online with a direct-sales model that incentivizes consumers to promote the brand via outlets such as Facebook and earn commission on sales. He's working on a similar program on college campuses including a major PR campaign around graduation in the spring. "We're not selling in the conventional way," he said. "It's new-age marketing."

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AROUND THE ARMY: Smokers have increased injury risk 

Nearly one-third of active-duty service members smoke, and that figure increases among troops in a combat zone, according to the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors.

Most Soldiers know that smoking cigarettes can eventually cause lung cancer and emphysema, but one does not have to wait 20 or 30 years to experience the adverse effects of smoking.

Multiple studies by U.S. Army Public Health Command scientists show that smoking has immediate health effects, such as increased injury risk and diminished physical performance.

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LETTER: Fishers Legion post finds the middle on smoking  

In response to Jim Mahnke's Dec. 22 letter about smoking in veterans halls, I'd like to invite him to the Lowell Beaver American Legion Post 470 in Fishers. Although smoking is still acceptable at the post, an area has been set aside so individuals and families can enjoy a smoke-free luncheon or dinner. As an ex-smoker, my family and I have found this to be extremely enjoyable.

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• Judge upholds Delaware County's tougher smoking ban  

MUNCIE -- A judge's Wednesday ruling upholding Delaware County's enhanced smoking ban likely served as an early Christmas gift for local nonsmoking advocates.

It also could make for a long, cold winter for smoking patrons of local taverns.

Delaware Circuit Court 1 Judge Marianne Vorhees, who presided over a two-day trial last week, ruled in favor of the defendants in a related lawsuit, the county commissioners and the Delaware County Health Department.

The suit, filed in July, had been aimed at overturning the enhanced smoking ordinance adopted this year by commissioners. Unlike a 2006 measure, it also prohibits smoking in bars and fraternal organizations. Defendants in the suit were the Delaware County Licensed Beverage Association, three local American Legion posts, an AmVets post and a tobacco shop.

During last week's trial, and at earlier hearings, tavern owners testified that their profits had dropped sharply since the new ordinance went into effect in August.

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American Legion and VFW can Smoke in BG 

The city of Bowling Green will stop enforcing the smoking ban against the American Legion and VFW until further notice.

Both sides came to that agreement in Warren Circuit Court today, to allow the city attorney to consult with the city commissioners and the Code Enforcement Board's attorney.

The city must decide if it will appeal Judge Brent Potter's ruling last week

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