Editor,
I am writing in response to the article on banning smoking published in the Daily Lobo on Feb. 27.
I feel the headline writer missed the point by focusing only on the negative aspects with the headline, "Campaign to ban smoking loses spark," saying it all.
Our University is exploring becoming a smoke-free campus and joining the over 100 other campuses in the U.S. who have already done so.
The North Campus Health Sciences Center went smoke-free in August 2007, and now the regents want to hear what students and staff have to say about the issue before they move on, so the needs of all can be served.
An informal survey done by peer educators at the Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 15, showed 76 percent of students favored the campus becoming smoke-free.
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It is good health policy to create smoke-free zones. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., accounting for over 1 in 5 deaths each year. Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 chemicals that are toxic, 50 of which can cause cancer. Yet, because nicotine is highly addictive, it is very tough to quit.
Those who are the most successful at quitting are people who are ready to do it, seek outside support to quit and use nicotine reduction therapies, if needed.
There is help for both students and staff. The Student Health Center now offers students free, unlimited support sessions with a tobacco-cessation peer consultant who is trained to help you get through your barriers to quitting.
Free nicotine reduction therapies are also available for clients. You can make an appointment by calling 277-3136.
Staff can get help through Employee Health Promotion Program by contacting Rhonda Miranda at 277-4996. For your health and the health of everyone around you, never quit quitting.
Patricia Kerr
UNM student
