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Attempt Draws Attention to DHH Resources to Help Kick the Habit
Baton Rouge, La.-The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital’s Tobacco Control Program and WJBO are teaming up to educate Baton Rouge-area smokers on the dangers of tobacco use and free resources available to help them kick the habit. At the center of the radio campaign is DJ Clarence Buggs, who has gone without a cigarette since March 14 and is helping listeners find the support they need to stay tobacco free for good.
“I’ve been a smoker for more than 20 years and have never been able to quit for good despite many attempts before,” explained Buggs. “Now that the smoking ban has gone into effect and the fact that there’s loads of free help at www.800quitnow.com, I figured I have better odds at really kicking the habit this time.”
Louisiana Legislative Act 815, which bans smoking in public places, went into effect Jan. 1 and has resulted in fewer smokers in Louisiana’s restaurants and workplaces. In addition to the individual health benefits of not smoking, health advocates say fewer people smoking also reduces the number of people exposed to secondhand smoke.
Diane Hargrove-Roberson, director of Louisiana Tobacco Control program, applauded Buggs for taking his personal fight public.
"Smoking and tobacco use kill more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined,” explained Hargrove-Roberson. “Clarence’s testimonial will educate others as to the dangers of addiction, and the message to quit should be heeded by others.”
Cigarette smoke contains nearly 5,000 chemical compounds, including arsenic, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke may increase the risk of lung cancer by 25 percent. In an average week, more than 80 percent of Louisiana residents are exposed to secondhand smoke.
“We are working hard to educate Louisianans on the importance of how to live healthy lifestyles,” explained Dr. Fred Cerise, DHH secretary. “From online and phone hotline assistance to stop smoking to techniques to reducing the fat and calories we consume, we know that changing behaviors can change our rates of heart disease, illness and dollars spent on treating sick people.”
Buggs is encouraging listeners to join him in his quest to be tobacco-free. Each weekday morning on News Radio1150 AM from 9 to 10:45 a.m., Buggs details for listeners his challenges and successes. Those who need additional assistance can log onto www.800quitnow.com or call 1-800-Quit-Now for free resources.
About The Louisiana Tobacco Control Program
The Louisiana Tobacco Control Program, under the Department of Health and Hospitals, began in 1993 as a community and statewide program of advocacy for a tobacco-free environment. The program is committed to promoting partnerships and using research-based strategies for tobacco prevention, control and awareness in order to empower citizens to make healthy lifestyle choices to create a Tobacco-Free Louisiana.
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