Story Photos
 Mr. Butt Head watches as members of the Kelso High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group help shoppers fill out surveys at the Kelso Safeway store. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Taking on tobacco
Thursday, November 20, 2008 11:41 PM PST
By Cheryll A. Borgaard
Printable version
E-mail this articleTobie Crocker has never been a smoker. But she knows the devastation smoking can cause in others, including fellow nonsmokers.
“My father-in-law, who just turned 70, has had three bouts of lung cancer” despite never smoking, said Crocker, 40, of Castle Rock. “They think it was from secondhand smoke in his childhood.”
Crocker took a moment Thursday at the Kelso Safeway to fill out a short survey about what people think about smoking and tobacco use in Cowlitz County. The survey was part of Cowlitz County Health Department’s observance of the Great American Smokeout, an annual nationwide event encouraging people to take the first step toward quitting smoking.
“I think what we need is prevention and more intervention at a younger age,” said Crocker, adding that she has an 18-year-old smoker in her household. “We’re trying to help him quit, and we would do whatever we could to make it happen.”
Crocker would like to see more enforcement of underage smoking laws. “Every day, I see young kids standing on that corner over there smoking,” she said, gesturing toward Allen Street. “We need to crack down on that.”
Cowlitz County youth tobacco rates remain around 1 percent higher than the state average for sixth-graders and more than 4 percent higher than the state average for 12th-graders, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Adult rates here are 6 percent higher than the state average and remain among the highest in the state at 22.4 percent.
“We want to get adults to think about it and know that they can influence younger people,” said Maggie Miller, health educator and tobacco prevention and control for the Cowlitz Tribe, which helped organize the event. “We educate the kids, and they can go home to mom, dad, older siblings and say, ‘Hey, did you know this about cigarettes?’ “
Patrick Hollenbeck, who stopped at the Smokeout table at Safeway, said he doesn’t want his child to grow up with secondhand smoke like he did. The 22-year-old Fort Lewis soldier has cut his 1 1/2-pack-a-day habit down to about half a pack and plans to quit entirely soon.
“My wife’s pregnancy is the biggest reason for quitting,” said Hollenbeck, who was visiting his Castle Rock in-laws with his wife, Caitlyn. He said his strategy for quitting is “weaning myself off, cutting out the ‘necessary’ cigarettes, like after meals or first thing in the morning.”
The four-year smoker offered some advice for quitting. “Decide you want to do it and don’t give in,” he said. “It’s all about will power.”
Hollenbeck also had a family tragedy about secondhand smoke to share.
“I had a second cousin, who died of lung cancer. She never smoked, but her husband did for 40 years.”
Help's available
Washington state Department of Health offers free help to quit smoking including counselors and smoking cessation products such as nicotine patches or gum. Call (800) QUIT-NOW or visit www.quitline.com
lola*in*longview wrote on Nov 20, 2008 11:49 PM:
" Wednesday I was walking down Allen street towards Kelso High School, there were three boys probably in the 6th grade and they all had cigarettes in there mouths. They stopped in the Red Lobster lot to smoke. I told them a few things about smoking and that they could go to juvenile if caught but they just kept on puffing away. It is just disgusting that kids think it is cool to smoke. It is gross and one day when they are a little older and can't run the block they will regret it, but too late. I hope a police officer drives by there and takes them to juvie and scares the kids so they won't be smoking anymore. "
Hauskapoika wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:39 AM:
" I quit smoking 25 years ago, this month, with the help of the American Lung Association. I am very thankful because 3 brother-in-laws have died from cancer due to smoking, and an
opera singer relative developed emphysema and lung cancer and died due to smoking. Emphysema is UGLY, but dying is permanent. Perhaps the school systems can arrange, through health classes, to have the American Lung Association make presentations to the
kids about smoking. It was a real eye-opener for me, and a life saver. "
opera singer relative developed emphysema and lung cancer and died due to smoking. Emphysema is UGLY, but dying is permanent. Perhaps the school systems can arrange, through health classes, to have the American Lung Association make presentations to the
kids about smoking. It was a real eye-opener for me, and a life saver. "
Reel McCoy wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:27 AM:
" I wonder who provides the smokes, that is most of the problem. "
mhmltn wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:06 AM:
" All this crying about a tobacco and I bet most the people crying will smoke a joint and think it is just fine.Leave TOBACCO ALONE.I am sick of this crap .By the way,I don't smoke either.More kids will probably die from their folks smoking Meth than the kids smoking tobacco. "
LJD wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:07 AM:
" I was a heavy smoker for over 29 years. Upwards of 2 packs plus per day. It was killing me. I quit cold turkey 10 years ago. I thought that it was going to be impossible to stop. I was wrong. Once I made up my mind to stop, the cravings were gone. It never even crosses my mind to smoke. It is a mind set. Those who have never smoked don't have a clue as to the nature of the beast and should stop condeming those who do. It is a horrible addiction. If you don't smoke don't start. If you do smoke get help now, before it is too late. You CAN quit but you gave to really want to in order to succeed. I am living proof. "
cynic954 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:45 AM:
" nope cant take them to juvie, they just give them a $104.00 ticket like the longview cop with nothing better to do did to my daughter the day before her 18th birthday. "
concerned wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:48 AM:
" Hey lola ger real..the police wont take kids to juvie if they see them smoking. I may be a terrible thing to see such young kids smoking but they wont stop until they want too. What we all should be worried about is who sells the smokes to the kids or who is giving them the cancer sticks.. "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:26 AM:
" I'm so glad Obama is a smoker and thinks theses anti-smoking laws are about the most ridiculous thing ever. Some people are genetically pre-disposed to cancer and others, like myself, are genetically immune to cancer. There are a lot of people who are genetically immune. That's why there has been so much research into gene therapy to cure cancer. I'm a smoker and I run all the time without loss of breath and at times further and longer than my friends who don't smoke. Weaker people are always going to come down with something and try to blame someone else for their problem. Others want to say, "It's my right to not be around smoke" Don't you think this "black death" would've killed the entire world by now if it were so deadly? There are many parts of Europe that you go into a house, business, bar and it's just filled with smoke. I don't see anyone complaining and I don't see people falling to the ground in death. This is ridiculous that people want to blame tobacco for their own genetic shortcomings. "
bmoc wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:50 AM:
" On a positive note, cigarette smokers who also use marijuana, are very unlikely to get cancer. There is a great study out of UCLA about that, but many researchers know that THC inhibits cancer. So if you are going to smoke, make it the green stuff. "
JustMyOpinion wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:04 AM:
" Unfortunatly I had some business at the juvenile center a couple of years ago, and while I was there I watched teen aged boys smoking by the flag pole. Smoking by teens just isn't enforced. "
Common Sense 24 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:06 AM:
" Wow, Cynic954. I bet your daughter started smoking just that day too, huh? She was breaking the law, don't expect sympathy from anyone. The cop was doing his job just as he should have. Excellent job officer!!!! We appreciate the work you do and thank you for your service. "
KristyC1978 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:48 AM:
" Common Sense, what does it matter when her daughter started? She said her daughter got a ticket and that was it she didn't say "poor her". She was stating what the Police officer's do. I have a daughter and the key to not smoking is PARENT's. I don't leave smokes around for her to take. That is where most teen's get it is from someone in their family. It is the person's right to smoke if they are over 18. It is unhealthy, gross addictive, but our choice. I never liked sitting in a smoke filled bar or resteraunt so the smoking ban never bothered me. I do think that all kids deserve a smoke free inviroment, I wouldn't take my kids where there where people sitting around smoking. "
~:sturgeon:~ wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:08 AM:
" LJD~right on! When smoking looses its charm, know this: it was easier to start than to quit. Congrats to all that can puff and not be affected, you are the exception~belive this. In the 26 years I smoked I gave $ 27,000.00 to the tobacco companys. Yes, you rule the one body you get to take this ride in. And it is your decision how you are going to care for it. Not very comforting to know as you lay on your deathbed that it was because of something you could have not done, is the very cause of your death. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:09 AM:
" Only 16 percent of state adults smoke. OK then, time for the majority to take the next step and remove the 16 percent from public all together. I get so tired of going passed places designated for smokers and seeing all the cig butts on the ground. How filthy can people be. If we passed that initiative, I think it would go along way to keep those kids from smoking. Make it so they can't do it in public and that ruins some of the "I'm cool" status kids think it gives them. It's also a good way to teach them how democracy works. Power to the people and in this case, 84 percent should not be infringed upon by a lousy 16 percent. We need to make the law so they can only smoke at home or on their property. That would go long way toward reducing the numbers in the story. "
Proud Teacher wrote on Nov 21, 2008 11:38 AM:
" Well, TDN Bad Boy, I didn't think we ever had much common ground, but we do on this issue. Thanks for bringing up the fact the minority holds the majority of us non-smokers hostage with their second hand smoke and their litter. As someone with asthma, I am sick and tired of holding my breath every time I have to go in and out of a building that was stupid enough to allow their "smoking area" near the main entrances. They should have to skulk off into the darkness, or YES NOT BE ALLOWED TO SMOKE IN PUBLIC! Mr. Bad Boy, start the petition to get this on the ballot. You would find out that there are quite a few of us, even with our other political differences, would be happy to work with you to help make it a law. "
Atrucker wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:08 PM:
" I just found out I have 2 grand kids that smoke tobacco and pot . They are a whole 12, and 15 years old . One is also involved in unprotected sex . Less than two years ago they were in to church activities and doing well in school . Now it is sex , drugs and rock and roll , Thank - You Kelso for so much bad influence. I know why the football team loses they are all dopers in that school.
I could not believe my ears as my grand child ran down what the freinds do for fun . Shooting, snoorting, smoking dope , drinking , oh here is the best part most of them are not even 16, years of age .
I do not think the cops will enforce the smoking laws , including where you can smoke .
In some places in California , if a truck driver is caught smoking while driving , he is stopped and cited for being an occupational hazard on the road. Because your lack of attention , may get out of hand fast.
The kids could not come up with a good reason for smoking , or any thing else they were doing . They fail in school and can not tell me why.
If the teachers are allowing this to happen , something is really wrong with that system .
I mean go back to hack paddles if that what it takes. "
I could not believe my ears as my grand child ran down what the freinds do for fun . Shooting, snoorting, smoking dope , drinking , oh here is the best part most of them are not even 16, years of age .
I do not think the cops will enforce the smoking laws , including where you can smoke .
In some places in California , if a truck driver is caught smoking while driving , he is stopped and cited for being an occupational hazard on the road. Because your lack of attention , may get out of hand fast.
The kids could not come up with a good reason for smoking , or any thing else they were doing . They fail in school and can not tell me why.
If the teachers are allowing this to happen , something is really wrong with that system .
I mean go back to hack paddles if that what it takes. "
sparky wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:09 PM:
" spete98611, So glad to hear that you are genetically superior to the rest of us. Are you imnune to emphysema, bronchitis, bad breath, and smelling like an ashtray as well? "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:44 PM:
" Sparky: Most of the people diagnosed with the conditions you have listed also have family that have been diagnosed with the same condition. I've never had bad breath and always receive compliments on the way I smell. Which is really weird especially when it's total strangers sitting next to me and I receive a compliment. I come from a long line of people who smoke and my great grandmother lived to be 116 and could've been older but it's not known exactly when she was born, anyhow, she died from pneumonia after suffering burns to most of her body during a kiln fire. "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:45 PM:
" I just think it's funny how a lot of people complain about the dangers of second-hand smoke yet there's nothing scientifically supportive of it. Oh my, it smells bad....boohoo. If only you people knew what you're breathing on a daily basis and taking into your body. The dangers of death by second-hand smoke is the least of you people's worries.lol "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:48 PM:
" I have no problem with the majority rule in making it illegal to smoke in public. I've lit up in a couple of stores locally out of protest to incompetant employees who lack basic customer service skills. But majority rule is a double-edged sword and people need to remember that. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:56 PM:
" Atrucker, just wondering if the bad influence you blame Kelso for starts at home? I can probably guess simply because I know your political persuasion. Not that that makes me happy because these are two kids who are playing risky games with their lives. Hope your family can solve it. If not, you can always blame it on Pres. Bush. "
CRfisherman wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:19 PM:
" spete98611.....ha ha. That is the most ridiculous bunch of rambling that I have ever had the mispleasure of reading. Obviously your genetic superiority has blocked the use of reason and the ability to read reports on the effects of smoking. You are either 15 years old and think you're invincible or you're too cross eyed to read the fine print.....please....drink the Kool-aid. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:19 PM:
" spete98611 or should refer to you as Dr. spete98611? Your ideas about smoking, genetics, the law, heck probably most everything else are so full of bs I don't know where to start. Fortunatly your opinions on this issue were rejected by the voters, despite your genetic superiority. Genetic superiority! What a laugh, you read some stupid things on this blog by you win the booby prize with that little theory. You should change that 98611, what's the zip code of fantasyland? "
AJL wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:40 PM:
" What about all of the non smoker's who are fat and unhealthy. At any given moment you could have stroke or a heartattack from what you eat. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:40 PM:
" Health Care is a crisis in this country because of diet and smoking and poor lifestyle. 90% of the healthcare spending goes for heroic measures for people with heart disease, diabetes and asthma when each of these illness are easily avoided by exercise, good diet and NOT SMOKING. You don't just get these diseases, you give them to yourself by poor lifestyle choices. "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:04 PM:
" CRfisherman: I never said that I was genetically superior. What I said was I, along with others, are not genetically predisposed to cancer due to immunities in our genes. I spent most of my childhood in hospitals and have had my genetic code looked over closely. I have been in hundreds of newspapers, magazines and television programs. So yeah, I know a thing or two about the medical field being that I have some of the world's best doctors on speed dial. Cheney:...Are you a big man like Dick? By how large your mouth appears I'm betting you are. The main point is none of you have a right to talk about whether or not someone smokes. If someone dies due to their own behavior so what? Another person dies woohoo...really. There's nothing to support the effects of second-hand smoke. It's the biggest joke. The problem with obese people in this country is a bigger problem (no pun intended) than smoking. Being a citizen of both the US and Canada I can say without a doubt that Americans are the largest, and most of the time, dumbest group of people I've met. But it's okay. I love stupid people because their easy to manipulate. And if things go bad here I can jump ship...by the way, I'm 27 years old, work at home (which I own 100% of on ten acres) and know more than you think. I love the smell of unemployment. I need a smoke.lol "
DUH wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:04 PM:
" I am a smoker and am aware of the dangers. I believe in the rights of non smokers. I do not smoke near buildings or entrances but, if I happen to be out in a parking lot, (way outside the 25 foot limit) and you see me smoking and you decide to park next to me, then get out of your car and gripe about my smoke... TOUGH! I am well within my legal rights. You say you have a right to breathe clean air. I agree and so does the law. By law you have clean air to breathe in business and in a 25 foot radius near the entrance and exits. Outside of that, Boo Hoo. P.S. I wouldn't mind a bit if the law was changed so that I can only smoke on my property. Maybe with less places available for me to smoke it would help me cut down. And for another thing, when I butt out a cigarette, I put it in my pocket so that you non-smokers wont trip over it and fall down and go "boom". "
Atrucker wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:55 PM:
" To pete in Castle Rock, you were in hospitals most of your life and you choose to still smoke ? I just do not get that. I was a smoker to , once they said quit or die that was enough. I do not miss the expense , the mess or the smell. And yes YOU DO STINK !!
AS fore DUH almost nobody goes out 25ft to smoke . it is right out side the door .
TDN bad boy , you misssed the part where I said less than a year ago these kids had good grades and going to church, has NOTHING to DO with BUSH or POLITICS . Bush Robbed you blind and you can't see it . And the problem is his destruction is not over yet. "
AS fore DUH almost nobody goes out 25ft to smoke . it is right out side the door .
TDN bad boy , you misssed the part where I said less than a year ago these kids had good grades and going to church, has NOTHING to DO with BUSH or POLITICS . Bush Robbed you blind and you can't see it . And the problem is his destruction is not over yet. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 21, 2008 3:40 PM:
" Let me get this straight bspete98611, Americans are dumb? Yet you are defending smoking? I see second hand smoke is good for you, that's why it's illegal to smoke in public. Smoke all you want buddy, but smoking is stupid and defending it is just way beyond stupid. It's fun watching you try to defend the undefendable. You don't know what you taking about, I guess the question really is what's in those cigarettes you're smoking? I ran the Seattle Marathon and am a avid cyclist but only after quitting smoking in 1990, give it a try. A man of you incredible abilities (real or imagined) should have no problem whipping the habit, but it's your health, money and soapbox. But why quit? I forgot it's good for you, right? "
sparky wrote on Nov 21, 2008 3:48 PM:
" spete, you've been in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and tv shows? You have some of the world's best doctors on speed dial AND you are immune to all of the negative effects of tobacco, namely cancer? Oh yeah, AND you smell good too? You should reveal yourself to us mere mortals so we can learn from your wealth of wisdom and your vast experiences as a 27 year old. I bet there are a few tobacco companies who would even hire you as their newest spokesperson. You could be a big star, spete! Even bigger than you are in your own head... "
CONCERENED wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:18 PM:
" HOW COME 30 YRS AGO, WE NEVER HEARD ALL THIS CROCK ABOUT 2ND HAND SMOKE? HMMMMMM FOOD FOR THOUGHT EH? "
DW wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:52 PM:
" Remember folks, smokers save the government millions of dollars. #1 They pay high confiscitory taxes to smoke, and #2 they die before they get to use many of the government benefits of older folks. So thank you smokers for all that you do for our society. "
realist wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:07 PM:
" To Concerned: WHY DID WE NOT HEAR ABOUT THIS 30 YEARS AGO? BECAUSE WE DID NOT KNOW 30 YEARS AGO, THAT'S WHY! HELLO!!
To Cheney & Sparky-- I could not have said it better. Well done!! "
To Cheney & Sparky-- I could not have said it better. Well done!! "
mom of four wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:22 PM:
" Duh: Thanks for picking them up, the oonly reason why I don't like them on the ground is well it looks trashy for one and two I really don't like my kids trying to pick them up to be like someone else. I don't smoke. I don't like the smell. Both of my parents smoked when i was growing up I just made that choice not too. I think it is wonderful that you wouldn't be mad if they did change the law for you to smoke on your own property and your right it might help you quit:).....also, to the comment made about "fat" people well if you choose to pork out and get fat that is harming you, not me. I wish more people would come together and quit looking for an argument. "
toledoone wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:51 PM:
" Mexican drug cartels invading our country, the economy colapsing, our enemies lining up to invade and we are worried about smoking? "
Cheney119 wrote on Nov 22, 2008 10:07 AM:
" Yes, Illegal drugs and addiction are terrible, but Deaths from Smoking: 440,000 annual deaths each year are smoking-associated (CDC). That's a lot of easily avoided pain and suffering. "
5point wrote on Nov 22, 2008 10:10 AM:
" Reading some of these posts has got to be the best comic entertainment I've experienced in years. The next Daily News headline should read: "RECENT STUDY REPORTS IGNORANCE LOOMS LARGE IN COWLITZ COUNTY" Re: spete98611 and atrucker - I'm pretty sure you two must share the same birthdate. When they were passing out brains, you guys must have thought they said trains, and jumped out of the way. "
mad monkeys wrote on Nov 22, 2008 5:15 PM:
" Lola in Longview, it is sad I know, however when pulling in the KHS and CMS parking lot I see not just high schoolers but middle schoolers smoking by the fence. The not so funny but also sad thing is I have passed them with a kelso police officer in front of me who watched and did nothing just sat there. Now when I was in school at Cheney High there police who if they saw you... BUSTED!! "
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