By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Southern US Starts to Shun Smoking
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > Southern US Starts to Shun Smoking
Public Health

Southern US Starts to Shun Smoking

DavidEWilliams
DavidEWilliams
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

If you ever feel like being pessimistic about public health, at least consider the case of cigarette smoking. As a kid growing up in the 1970s I hated the smell of smoke. But my mother told me to get used to it, since the important decisions were made in the smoke-filled rooms (remember that term?) and I wouldn’t want to get left out. But things did change, if gradually, to the point where smoking became uncommon in airplanes, then restaurants and eventually even bars.

If you ever feel like being pessimistic about public health, at least consider the case of cigarette smoking. As a kid growing up in the 1970s I hated the smell of smoke. But my mother told me to get used to it, since the important decisions were made in the smoke-filled rooms (remember that term?) and I wouldn’t want to get left out. But things did change, if gradually, to the point where smoking became uncommon in airplanes, then restaurants and eventually even bars.

It’s funny how after getting used to smoke-free environments it’s really offensive when you’re back in the olden days. I remember flying first class from London to Boston on American Airlines in 1995. There were three rows of first, and the third row was the smoking section. Smoking had been dumped on domestic flights but most international flights still had arrangements like this. I wrote to the airline and told them I was switching to Delta, which had gone no-smoking systemwide.

I never thought they’d get rid of smoking in Europe, especially Italy. In 2002 I spent some time in Rome where I was amazed to meet chain-smoking cardiologists stinking up the office. But even there they’ve changed.

More Read

State Dental Commissions Protect Not Just Your Teeth; They Also Protect…Dentists
The Importance of Drug Utilization Review
Hand Hygiene Monitoring in Hospitals
Hospitals Push Hard for Medicaid Expansion
Tattering the Safety Net

The South has been the most smoking-friendly part of the US, but that’s changing, too. Atlanta is the latest to ban smoking in public parks. Laws like this are being enacted at the state level, but have gotten the most traction at the local level, even in tobacco country.

Overall I’m feeling good that people have become concerned enough about public health to intervene. In another 50 years we might treat firearm proliferation with as much concern as secondhand smoke is getting today.

 


TAGGED:smoking
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Image
Public Health

Understanding Depression And How Social Networking Communities Can Help

April 8, 2012

TV Anchorpeople and Illness: Lessons Learned

September 29, 2012
Public Health

Is Treatment for Hepatitis C Hype or Hope? Big Win for Big Pharm

March 12, 2012
Emergency room visits
BusinessHospital AdministrationPolicy & LawPublic Health

Would You Call 911 for a Hangnail?

April 1, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?