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02/01/2007: "Smoking Section"
I am having a harder time breathing these days so maybe I am more sensitive. Second-hand smoke really seems to bug me – both physically and emotionally. Originally, I didn’t think twice about why my cancer metastasized to my lungs since I never smoked cigarettes. However, I was recently reminded that I did spend about 10 continuous years in a rock band. There was a good period there where we played about three nights a week in bars and rehearsed another two or three in a small room. These were the days when people crowded smoke filled clubs. Also, our other guitarist smoked heavily just under my nose. That means I was exposed on a regular basis. I am not sure if this is to blame but certainly something to think about.
Do you remember when the person next to you at a restaurant could light up right in the middle of your meal? Maybe your parents smoked as well. It was not until I have been back in Europe, that I realize how nice it is that smoking has been banned indoors in California. I just spent an hour eating dinner in a restaurant in Düsseldorf and I am consumed. I came out coughing and now sit in my hotel room with my clothes reeking. There is no escape over here.
With 66,000 people a year dying because of smoking and 50% of their kids lighting up each day, France has now passed a law this year that will ban smoking in schools, hospitals and restaurants.
Since 2004, cigarette packs in the Europe Union have a big black and white label on the front just under the brand that tries to tell people in various ways, that smoking is bad for you. There are 14 different sayings such as, “Smoking Kills”, “Smoking is bad for your skin”, “Secondhand smoke kills” and others. From what I see, the warnings are not working. Now, they are starting to feature color images along with their sayings. Belgium is first to feature these new warnings and others will follow soon. You can see more here.
I am impressed by our public education that has worked hard to educate our children about the dangers of drugs and smoking. It is impressive that our kids are vehement against smoking. When Nick was about 5, he saw his first smoker and stared for the longest time trying to understand what they were doing. Now, he wonders why they are killing themselves. I think he represents a healthier and greener generation.
Hi Doug. When we were in Denmark last year this is the first thing we noticed. The train station, restaurants yuk. No smoking on the trains though. We were happy about that. I was so worried about my 4 year old granddaughter who was with us. So hard to believe it wasn't that long ago that smoking was the norm in California and how far we have come. I hope all is well. Janet