TOBACCOFREE/Blog

Pets and Secondhand Smoke Posters

As part of its overall mission, Tobacco Free Florida is charged with educating Floridians about the dangers of secondhand smoke. In order to do this, we must break through in new and interesting ways, presenting the audience with facts that will compel them to either a) quit using tobacco altogether or b) quit using tobacco around those they care about. In this case, that includes their beloved pets.

 

Donate Your Status

To celebrate Tobacco Free Florida Week, we are asking that you donate your Facebook status to someone you care about using this link: http://apps.facebook.com/tffweek/. Your status update will help spread the word about the dangers of secondhand smoke, which kills 50,000 Americans each year. Remember to say “Be Free For Me” to the smokers you know, and encourage them to call 877-U-CAN-NOW for help beating their addiction. Together, we can all help Florida truly Be Free.

http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/Picture 1.png

Big Tobacco Targeting African Americans

Did you know that the tobacco industry heavily targets African Americans? Aggressive advertising has had a destructive impact: 45,000 tobacco-related deaths occur in the African American community each year—a higher mortality rate than that of any other group in the US. Have you noticed this trend in tobacco ads? How can we stop it?

http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/shutterstock_27468472_0.jpg

Tobacco Free Florida Week Events

We are less than one week away from Tobacco Free Florida Week (March 21st-28th), and we couldn’t be more excited! Did you know that secondhand smoke exposure kills over 50,000 nonsmokers each year and can increase a nonsmoker's risk of heart disease and lung cancer by up to 30 percent? In honor of TFF Week, ask the smokers in your life to "Be Free for Me." Refer family and friends to the Florida Quitline at floridaquitline.com or 877-U-CAN-NOW for help in beating their addiction.

http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/Logo---blue.jpg

Behind the Scenes at the SHS Shoot

 

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a Tobacco Free Florida Commercial? We’ve got your backstage pass right here! The photos below are from our new campaign about the dangers of secondhand smoke. You might recognize the scenery in the commercials, because we filmed in various locations throughout Orlando, including a skate park, playground, high school, and residential home. Be on the lookout for the new TV and radio spots, launching statewide on Monday!

 

http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/028-cropped_0.jpg
http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/261-cropped.jpg
http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/346_0.jpg

Youth Tobacco Prevention

Did you know that more than 13% of high school students were current smokers in 2007 and an estimated 4% of all middle school students were current smokeless tobacco users in 2006? What drives these youths to pick up this nasty habit? Some factors include low socioeconomic status, approval by peers or siblings, and accessibility. They believe that tobacco use is the norm and has functional benefits.

Third Hand Smoke

We have all heard about the effects of secondhand smoke, but there has not been much talk about “third-hand smoke.” You’ve probably noticed that being around a smoker can leave a smell in clothes, hair, and furniture, but did you know that smoke actually leaves behind a dangerous chemical, too?

 

ToBackYou

Are you trying to convince a friend or loved one to quit using tobacco? If you were never a tobacco user yourself, it may be difficult to understand how strong the addiction is and find a way to help. Tobacco Free Florida now offers the ToBackYou Program so that you can get someone’s back and help them Be Free from tobacco. The site offers a variety of funny and motivational ecards to send to tobacco users and non-users who are tempted by tobacco. The cards are sure to bring a smile to their face and give them an extra nudge of encouragement.

http://tobaccofreefloridaevents.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_image/7.jpg

Quit Journal Applications

Did you know that smokeless tobacco can contain SEVEN TIMES as much nicotine as cigarettes? Itʼs true. If you know someone trying to beat their addiction to smokeless tobacco, ask them to email us at media@tobaccofreeflorida.com about becoming one of our new Quit Journalers. Help us work towards our goal to make Florida Tobacco Free and join the many others who have already shared their story.

 

Click here to hear all the Quit Journals!

Tobacco vs. Olympics

What do the 2010 Winter Olympics and a tobacco-free lifestyle have in common? "Physical activity and sports are deeply incompatible with smoking," said Dr. Jaques Rogge, International Olympic Committee President. "We also strongly believe that sport can serve as a means of preventive education to youth to avoid unhealthy behaviors. This is why we have made the Games a smoke-free event, in cooperation with the World Health Organization and the organizing committees."