As we close out November, we hope you’ll remember The Great American Smokeout and our Tobacco Prevention and Education Program efforts we focused on earlier this month. November is also Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, usually in the cells that line the air passages. The causes of COPD and lung cancer are similar. About 85-90% of cases are caused by smoking, but nonsmokers can get COPD or lung cancer, too. Other risk factors include exposure to second hand smoke, exposure to radon or other pollution, and genetics.

At every stage of life, think about how to maintain health:

• For developing fetuses, this means first and foremost reducing exposure to nicotine and tobacco product exposure.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of vaping and cigarette use.
• Middle school is a good time to start having these conversations. The American Lung Association has some great resources to jump start conversations with your children about vaping.
• During childhood, think about air quality within the home and outside of it. The American Lung Association website has some great resources on how to protect the air you breathe.
• Ensure children have their age appropriate, recommended vaccinations. Some new research suggests peak fitness levels in young adulthood are also associated with lung function later in life, so if you’re not exercising regularly, now is a good time to start.
• If you or your children are experiencing prolonged shortness of breath or cough, don’t wait to talk to your health care provider about having your lungs evaluated. The bottom line is that it is never too late to begin investing in your respiratory health.

You can lower your COPD and lung cancer risk in several ways:

• Quit smoking or don’t start. 
• Avoid secondhand tobacco smoke.
• Aim for a healthy weight. 
• Be physically active. 
• Limit exposure to outdoor air pollution.
• Reduce indoor air pollution.
• Take precautions against seasonal flu and pneumonia. 
• Test your home for radon gas. 
• Use protective gear if exposed to indoor or outdoor air pollution. 

Article adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Lung Association and the CDC.

Our Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) responds to violations of the Oregon’s Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA) and has seen an increase in complaints recently. Our enforcement focuses on relationship building, education, and making our community a safer place for everyone to live, work, shop, and play.

The ICAA protects people in our state from the health risks of secondhand smoke. The ICAA prohibits smoking in a workplace and within 10 feet of all entrances, exits, and accessibility ramps that lead to and from an entrance or exit, windows that open and air-intake vents. This applies to smoking, vaporizing, and aerosolizing of inhalants in and around public places and places of employment.

Anyone may report violations of the ICAA by completing an online complaint form or by calling 1-866-621-6107.

Download ICAA decals, flyers, signs, and cards here. Learn more from the Oregon Health Authority. Want to talk with someone locally? Call our office at 541-889-7279. We

Every year on the third Thursday of November, we celebrate The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions you can take to improve your health. There has never been a better time to begin living your best smokefree life!

Like many people who smoke, you may have thought about quitting. You may have found yourself coughing more than usual or found it harder to breathe. You probably thought, “I have to stop smoking, now!” You may have even tried once or twice before—only to find yourself smoking again.

Quitting smoking is not easy, and it’s not a matter of willpower. The nicotine in tobacco is addictive, and that’s what makes quitting so hard. The good news is we know more than ever before about what works best to help people quit. A smokefree life is possible and there has never been a better time to try quitting than right now.

Tomorrow, November 17th, join thousands of other people from across the country for the Great American Smokeout. Mark the date. Make a plan. Start living life smokefree. The Great American Smokeout is more than a reminder of the dangers smoking poses to your health. It’s a call to act. No matter your age, or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term.

Are you ready to quit? Visit the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line for free counseling and medication (like patch and gum) to quit smoking, vaping or other tobacco products. Free for all adults and youth over age 13 living in Oregon. Insurance not needed. Coaches are there 24/7. They are real people who have helped others quit for good—no judgments, just help. Learn more about what happens when you call the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line.

In English
Text “READY” to 200-400
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
www.quitnow.net/oregon

En Español
Call 1-855-DEJELO-YA (1-855-335356-92)
www.quitnow.net/oregonsp

People Living with Disabilities
Deaf & Hard of Hearing people can call TTY line @ 1-877-777-6534 or use a relay service to connect with 1-800-QUIT-NOW.