Editorial: Tobacco Free - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Tobacco Free

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

At the beginning of this year Baptist Health, Jackson Hospital and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital jointly implemented a tobacco-free campus policy.  This smoke-free policy included their sidewalks, grounds and facilities.  This was a bold move that deserves continued recognition, discussion and praise. 

In Alabama 40 hospitals had already taken these aggressive measures to eliminate smoking or tobacco use on their grounds by patients, visitors and employees.  With over 440,000 deaths attributed to smoking each year it was time for a policy change such as this.

Now is also the time that we encourage other health providers to follow suit.  Additionally, we would applaud any local college or university that would consider doing the same.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is ready to help with a free help line, website and online counseling services for any Alabamian who is ready to quit smoking today. 

Log onto www.alabamaquitnow.com for more information.

Make 2011 the year that you say goodbye tobacco and hello to better health.

We welcome your feedback.

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