Jump to full article: Ft. Myers (FL) News-Press, 2009-06-24
Intro: So with nearly 20 percent of adults in Lee County who smoke, and young people lighting up at a higher rate than the state average, there's good reason for public health providers' new campaign, Tobacco-Free Lee. . . .
According to a recent survey, 18.4 percent of Lee high-schoolers and 5.7 percent of Lee middle-schoolers reported smoking within 30 days,; the statewide numbers were 14.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
Equally alarming, 22.6 percent of Lee women reported smoking and 14 percent reported smoking during pregnancy.
Bringing together students, adults and leaders from the business and faith communities is a good start in Tobacco-Free Lee's efforts to decrease the number of smokers and would-be smokers.
The former will be directed to resources to help them quit. The latter will be shown through marketing campaigns that a minority of students engage in such risky behavior, contrary to what students believe.
To get involved or register to participate in a daylong organizational and training workshop, contact Brendan Donohue at 332-9651. For free help in kicking the habit, call the Florida Quitline at 877-822-6669.
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