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Massena should create tobacco-free parks and playgrounds

Posted 1/13/11

To the Editor: As I look out my window at the beautiful snow falling, I wonder if the village of Massena has considered joining over 150 municipalities across New York State to adopt a policy …

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Massena should create tobacco-free parks and playgrounds

Posted

To the Editor:

As I look out my window at the beautiful snow falling, I wonder if the village of Massena has considered joining over 150 municipalities across New York State to adopt a policy designating tobacco-free parks, playgrounds and beaches.

I guess I am dreaming of summer and warmer weather.

I am also considering the fact that tobacco use is our nation’s number one cause of preventable death, claiming the lives of more than 440,000 people each year and costing the health care system close to $100 billion annually.

When I smoked I thought it would never happen to me, now I think back of all the dear friends and loved ones that have died from a smoking related illness or are currently suffering.

I hope we can create more outdoor areas for kids to play and not be exposed to second-hand smoke and unhealthy habits.

Julie Cruickshank, R.N, BSN, Massena