Letters to the Editor

There's never been

a better time to quit

To the Editor:

Everyone knows tobacco is a health risk. Most are unaware, however, of the extent of the harm tobacco causes. It is the only legal product that kills a third of its users when used as directed. Up to half of all smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease.

Second-hand smoke harms everyone who is exposed to it. In Indiana, 9,800 Hoosiers die each year from the effects of tobacco use. Indiana ranks sixth among all states in adult smoking prevalence, is consistently in the list of states with the highest smoking rates, and is higher than the U.S. rate of 20% (ITPC.in.gov/)

But tobacco is more than just a Hoosier health risk. In the United States, as well as globally, tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death. More than five million people die from the effects of tobacco every year -- more than from HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

And promoting prevention and cessation is more than just a Hoosier focus. The World Health Organization designated May 31, 2009 as World No Tobacco Day (Google: World No Tobacco Day 2009). The intent was to bring global attention to the devastating toll of the international tobacco epidemic and the need for nations to work together to implement proven measures to reduce tobacco use and save lives. The WHO advocates the same measures that Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation and its Greene County partner embrace: Ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships; raise the price of tobacco products by significantly increasing tobacco taxes; protect everyone from secondhand smoke with laws that require smoke-free workplaces and public places; and fund and implement effective tobacco prevention and cessation programs to prevent children from starting to smoke and help smokers quit.

The WHO also advocates utilizing health warnings, both in writing and pictorially, on tobacco packaging.

World No Tobacco Day focused on the bigger picture. But change starts with just one. For help with quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and speak with a trained quit coach.

There's never been a better time to quit,

Nancy Cummings

Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator

Bloomfield

Simon family appreciates support

To the Editor:

From the family of Robert Simon: We would like to thank everyone for all the support we received after his tragic accident. Thanks for all the food trays, flowers, card and hugs and tears from all our family and friends.

A special thanks to Todd with Welch & Cornett for being kind, understanding and answering the tough questions.

Please keep us in your thoughts as we all move forward in our daily lives.

Ernest and Sylvia Simon

Linton

Lisa, Scott, Jessica and Ryan McCombs

Sandborn

Angie, Ken, Bub & Danielle Hert

Sandborn

Family says thanks

for recent support

To the Editor:

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all who helped during the recent hospitalization and passing of our loved one, Eva M. McIntosh.

Special thanks to the nursing staff of intensive care and third floor at Greene County General Hospital, Dr. Batterton, Jenkins & Sons funeral Home and Tulip Church.

Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Donna Kluesner

Linton

Roger McIntosh

Bloomfield

Thanks for helping

with dust problem

To the Editor:

The prompt response by Bart Beard, Steve Lindsey, and Kermit Holtsclaw (our county commissioners), County Highway Superintendent Mike Hennette, Atlas E & P, United Excavating, and Brent Hawkins in abating the dust at residences along CR 800W is certainly appreciated.

Thanks to each of you!

John Rowe

Worthington