Smokers closing in on Kish

Those who smoke have designated areas around campus where they can have their cigarettes.  Despite those areas, students are standing closer to the doors and smoking in areas outside.  There is no consideration for those of us who do not smoke.  After all, who wants to walk by someone smoking and have to be subjected to it?  As a non-smoker, cigarette smoke affects and subjects others to what is called “secondary smoke.”  The statistics are alarming as lung cancer is the number one cause of death, NOT heart attacks, strokes and other such illnesses.

Making the choice to smoke is your own.  However, think of those who do not smoke.  Thank God for one of the teachers that did come outside this past week and reinforced that smoking was not allowed in the areas where some were standing.

Smoking on campus has its designated areas.  Students are taking advantage of the situation and not taking into consideration those who do not smoke, who don’t want to smell it and breathe it into their lungs.  I know that there are those that do obey the smoking rules.  It’s a simple rule to follow.  The teachers and staff that come out to reinforce the smoking law on campus have the responsibility to enforce the law upon the students.

The Illinois Law prevents smoking any closer than 15 feet from an entrance of any building, restaurant or businesse.  Tobacco use in the United States has declined over the last 20 years; however, the use of cigarette smoking on college campuses is still quite high and a public health concern.  

Women are particularly at risk more than men.  Research was done by Mark Whelan, MD who said, “When one learns to smoke they must overcome the body’s natural resistance to breathing a toxic substance, with only ardent desire to overcome the body’s own safeguards to keep the process going.  However, reversing the habit, although perhaps a bit more complex, moves one toward the body and it needs, not far away from it.  Therefore, ending the habit will feel more natural and is actually easier, and far less painful than starting.”

Let me just ask this: With all being said, is it truly worth the time and effort to stand outside the door, light up and expect it to be okay to do so?  Do you realize the statistics are enough alone to break the habit?  Probably not.  It’s something to think about and wonder if it’s really worth it.  If you are wondering why I care so much, watch your mother and sister die from lung cancer like I did and see what happens right before your eyes.