The Chronic Disease Staff works on prevention and slowing progression of chronic disease. Chronic diseases include cardiovascular disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, pulmonary disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly seven out of ten Missourians who die each year, die of a chronic illness. The staff works with programs to reduce the burden of chronic disease. The best way to reduce chronic disease is to live your life with healthy lifestyles, thus preventing chronic disease from beginning. Some examples are:

• Good Nutrition
• Never using tobacco products
• Daily physical exercise
• Keeping your weight in an ideal range
• Getting enough rest

Presentations are available on a wide range of health topics in the community or for work sites. For more information, please call 325-7185.

Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Reduction

Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the United States.  In Missouri, the annual healthcare cost is $2.13 billion; your tax burden for federal and state taxes is $586 per household per year whether you are a smoker or non-smoker (according to The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids).  Missouri has one of the highest smoking rates, ranked at number 46th with 50th being the worst.
 
Freedom From Smoking classes:  a six-week class focusing on triggers, behavior changes and support.  The next class will be held in the fall of 2011.  For more information, call 816-325-7185. 

You can also attend classes online at www.ffsonline.org.

Call the Missouri Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW

or you can visit www.becomeanex.org.

For more information on articles related to the burden of tobacco please visit

www.lungusa.org
www.cdc.gov

Independence Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006

The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 was written by the Clean Air Independence Coalition and voted on by the citizens of Independence. In November 2006, the ordinance was passed by 63.82% of the voters and took effect 120 days after being verified by the city clerk on March 17, 2007.  Ordinance Number 16526 is located in the City Code, Article 2 of Chapter 11. The ordinance can also be viewed online.

The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 states smoking is not allowed in any enclosed public place or workplace. Frequently asked questions about the ordinance can be viewed here.

In addition to the FAQ found above, the following questions have also been raised by residents.

Are private clubs exempt? While some cities and states may exempt private clubs, the Independence ordinance does not exempt private clubs. Private clubs are listed specifically in Section 11.02.005 as areas that must prohibit smoking.

Can people smoke at the entrance to the building? The ordinance does not mention anything about how many feet away from an entrance smoking can occur. This is up to the owner of the establishment.

For any questions on the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 or clean air laws in other states and countries, call the Health Promotion Division at (816) 325-7185.