Saint Joseph Health Systems’ Sandra Reed gave an informative presentation at the last meeting of the Plymouth Lions Club. She is the Health and Wellness Educator of Community Health and Well Being with Saint Joseph Health Systems. The tobacco retail landscape in Marshall County and Indiana which includes E-Cigarettes and Vapors is still a problem. Changes in tobacco marketing which include point of sale marketing, price promotions, in-store product displays, product placement and retail advertising have contributed to the problematic situation. Over 8.9 billion was spent on tobacco marketing in 2015.
In Marshall County there are more than 68 tobacco retailers. Cigarettes are still the leading product, but E-Cigarettes are on the rise. E-cigarettes are smoking devises that are designed to simulate the sensation of smoking. Many e-liquid solutions contain nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco. Vapors from E-Cigarettes are NOT harmless – they are actually aerosols. Aerosols can contain nicotine, heavy metals, and cancer-causing agents. E-Cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among Hoosier Youth.
Twenty-four states currently have increased the tax on cigarettes and raised the age limit to 21 and it is worked by reducing the number of young smokers. It will be proposed again in legislature in Indiana and it has a good chance to pass this year.
What can we do? First, help raise awareness and second partner with others to encourage healthier community environments.
In other business the Plymouth Lions Club discussed the Blueberry Pancake and Sausage fundraiser at the Lions pavilion in Centennial Park during the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. The club will be serving Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Inventories have been completed, the blueberries have been donated and the schedule is in progress. Everyone in the Club invites you to visit their booth for great food during the Blueberry Festival. It is fundraisers like this that help us provide scholarships to high school seniors, dictionaries to third graders, help with eyeglasses thru the Operation Kidsight Program, and various other projects. Lions Serve and help others have a better life. If you or someone you know would like to join the Plymouth Lions Club, please contact any Lions Club member.
