'The Islander', South Hero, Vt. (2/12/08)

To the Editor:

I am writing today as a healthcare provider and tobacco education lecturer, and as an advocate for the elimination of tobacco products via cessation and education.

Over the past 31 years of practice, I have seen some patients suffer from chronic pulmonary diseases, which left them unable to breathe without portable oxygen tanks, and some who have had part of their jaw and face removed from an oral cancer that had spread.

The statistics revealing tobacco?s deadly effects are truly staggering, with 1,000 Vermonters dying each year from its chemicals and carcinogens. These are real people, our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Unfortunately, the harm being done in Franklin County ranks near the top of the state. The prevalence of youth smoking in grades 8-12 is 17%, and that of those 18 and older is 25%. Smoking among pregnant women in our region is 23%. All these numbers are significantly above our state?s averages and much higher than the national averages.

In a new study done by the CDC, it was shown that "state tobacco control programs are independently and significantly associated with larger and more rapid declines in adult smoking prevalence.? According to Terry Pechacek, P.H.D, of the C.D.C, "If states consistently fund programs at recommended levels, they could substantially reduce adult smoking prevalence, and thus reduce smoking?related morbidity, mortality, and economic costs."
The C.D.C report also went on to state that in Vermont there would be 7,733 less smokers if the state utilized the minimum C.D.C recommended levels of funding for cessation and prevention, and 22,153 less smokers if the maximum was spent. In addition, they found that there would be 2,475 less tobacco related deaths.

The present legislature is wrestling with how to keep our state fiscally solvent. They are strongly considering reducing the amount of money utilized from the Master Tobacco Settlement funds that Vermont receives, and spending it elsewhere. This strategy will simply and literally condemn more Vermonters to death via tobacco. According to Matt Myers, the vice-president of the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids, "The tobacco companies counted on ? the shortsightedness of politicians when they handed them millions of unexpected dollars, and they were right."

I have great respect for our state government and hope that after careful analysis they will set a shining example for other states on "doing the right thing" for those addicted to nicotine, and those that are potential prey for tobacco companies.
Sincerely,
Nevin Zablotsky, DMD
South Hero