Why do we perpetuate and normalize some things that we know are detrimental to our health and are directly linked to death, yet we race to fight COVID? As we live and breathe in the days of COVID-19, a few things have become apparent: that COVID kills, that people are concerned and cautious, and finally, that some will shame and alienate an individual if they don’t agree or comply to the same degree in regards to the first two points. The perplexing bit about all of this, from an outside perspective, would be how we’ve arrived at what seems like a rather backward point in time. The number one killers in the United States are cancer and heart disease, as stated by the CDC, yet we … [Read more...] about Thinking about the irony in society
smoking
Ban on E-cigs
California is taking steps to ban flavored e-cigarettes after a second death has been confirmed in California. There have been multiple health concerns of breathing illnesses that have been from e-cigarette and vaping users. Up until now, there has not been a single company, device or ingredient/additive that has been directly linked to the illnesses reported. Many advocate and adult users of these flavors that are found in e-cigarettes have used such a device to help them quit traditional tobacco. These adult users feel that legislation should target those companies that are trying to market to young users. Tulare County tweeted that the Tulare County Public Health Officer is … [Read more...] about Ban on E-cigs
CSU Smoking Ban: Mixed Opinions
Chancellor Timothy P. White's Executive Order 1108 that bans the use of tobacco and all related products from the CSUSB campus has been receiving mixed reviews. This includes banning e-cigarettes, vaporizers, snuff and chewing tobacco on all CSU campuses, claiming that it will promote a healthier, safer learning environment. This executive order supersedes all previous campus policies related to smoking. All UC schools have been smoke-free for the past three years and now CSU schools have followed. The health risks of tobacco have been thoroughly studied and it is well known that smoking is unhealthy. However, students and faculty who are regular tobacco users are having a … [Read more...] about CSU Smoking Ban: Mixed Opinions
War at 18, smoke at 21
By Israel Ramirez |Staff Writer| Increasing the smoking age, from 18 to 21, is outrageous because it limits personal freedom. Many would argue that an 18-year-old is not old enough to make the decision whether he/she should smoke or not. I argue that if they are old enough for the country to ship them off to war, then they are prepared to make their own choices. Maybe it would be an even better idea to raise the age requirement to enlist for the selective service from 18 to 21. I agree with Gov. Jerry Brown’s decision to raise the smoking age to reduce the health issues caused by it. However, with the decision 18-year-olds are already able to make, I think increasing the age of smoking … [Read more...] about War at 18, smoke at 21
CC Briefs
By Francisco Villegas |Staff Writer| That smoke is going to get ya. (Oct. 12) According to The New York Times, Chinese men smoke 1/3 of all the world's cigarettes. China's government receives revenue, and therefore is unlikely to regulate stronger rules against the sales of cigarettes. Most smokers start around age 25. Only about 9 percent quit in China. Nudes are played out at Playboy (Oct. 12) Females are no longer to appear fully nude in Playboy magazines. Although women won’t appear nude, they will appear in provocative poses. The magazines will reduce the exploitation of women and be more PG-13. According to The New York Times, Playboy magazines have lost … [Read more...] about CC Briefs
CVS soon to be tobacco free
By Marie Fernandes |Staff Writer| Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of premature diseases and death in the United States with more than 480,000 deaths per year. On Feb. 5, CVS Caremark announced that by October of this year their stores across America will no longer be selling cigarettes and other tobacco products. President and CEO of CVS Caremark Larry J. Merlo said, “Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.” I believe that this is a great idea on their part because cigarettes and tobacco products do not belong in a place where health care is the main focus. According to Merlo, CVS’s decision to remove tobacco products from the … [Read more...] about CVS soon to be tobacco free
Hookah not as healthy as you may think
By Katerina McCauley |Staff Writer| I think the popularity in vapor tobacco stems from the general knowledge that it’s healthier than normal tobacco. The common misconception that hookah and vapor tobacco are healthier than tobacco has turned into just healthy in general. In reality, you are still inhaling something that’s not supposed to go in your lungs. According to notobacco.net electronic cigarettes, a form of vapor tobacco, contain about 20 ingredients depending on the brand including nicotine, while tobacco cigarettes contain 4,000 ingredients like arsenic, carbon monoxide, and other cancer causing agents. So a vapor-smoker still has 20 something chemicals going into … [Read more...] about Hookah not as healthy as you may think
Smoking put in the corner
By Stephanie Paniagua |Staff Writer| Not only can smoking cost you your life, it may also cost you money out of your pocket if you are caught smoking on campus outside of newly defined areas designated for smoking. It is possible that in the future CSUSB may impose a fine that would be more expensive than a parking violation. “A parking violation won’t kill you,” said Carlos Carrio, Health Educator and Wellness Coordinator for the Student Health Center at CSUSB. He went on to speculate that the smoking fine will be around $75. Carrio has been working at CSUSB since 2007 and has been trying to enact the new No Smoking On-campus policy since his arrival. “The policy was … [Read more...] about Smoking put in the corner
CSUSB’s reduced designated smoking areas
by Suanna Gutierrez |Staff Writer| Entering the fall quarter, patrons and students of CSUSB are to maintain a smoke-free campus. The new imposition of the campus smoking policies not only provokes awareness to a healthy lifestyle but also to the privilege of individual rights as patrons of the campus. The honest issue at hand is not based on an ethical opinion of smoking, but fundamentally on an individual’s right to be given the opportunity to voice an opinion and make personal lifestyle choices. The change in campus policy was posted as an online announcement early this fall explaining that the new policy is intended to promote a “pleasant environment for our entire campus community, … [Read more...] about CSUSB’s reduced designated smoking areas
No more smoking on campus
By Lindsey Martinovich |Staff Writer| Smoking on campus is prohibited... or nearly so. The following smoking policy was recommended by the CSUSB administrative council and approved by CSUSB President Albert Karnig in the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year: According to the new smoking policy, “Smoking is prohibited on all CSUSB property and in all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed, or otherwise controlled by CSUSB, with the exception of designated smoking areas.” This policy shall be assessed in two years from its inception date to determine its effectiveness and appropriateness. This policy may be assessed before that time as necessary to reflect … [Read more...] about No more smoking on campus