Dissolvable Tobacco Products

Gov. Terry Branstad recently released a campaign challenging Iowa to become the healthiest state in the country during the next five years. As physicians, we commend this effort.

That said, 50 percent of the campaign is focused on the adoption of healthy behaviors, including eliminating smoking. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, 4,400 adults die annually in Iowa from smoking Doina cigarettes. More than $1.01 billion is spent caring for patients throughout Iowa due to tobacco use. We see the long-term effects of tobacco use in our practices every day.

Valencia wishes to Ban Smoking on all Campuses

Valencia College, one of Florida's largest public state colleges, will ban smoking Eva cigarettes on all its campuses starting with the 2012 academic year.

Valencia is following the lead of several other Florida colleges and universities that have become smoke-free, meaning they don't allow students, faculty or visitors to smoke anywhere on school grounds — not even in cars in the parking lots.

Smoking Rate Low in California

Californians are kicking the habit. The rate of adult smoking Golden Gate cigarettes has dropped sharply over the last two decades, reaching its lowest level on record, largely because of aggressive tobacco control campaigns by state and local governments, officials said.

Last year, 11.9% of Californians said they smoked, down from 25.9% in 1984, the earliest data available, according to the California Department of Public Health. Only one other state had a lower smoking rate last year: Utah with 9.1%.

Johnny Depp Smokes Electronic Cigarettes

Many have never heard of Electronic Cigarettes, but it seems Hollywood took a puff and couldn't put it down! Ever since Johnny Depp was depicted smoking an Ecig in "The Tourist", these devices have become the latest fad not only in Hollywood, but everywhere.

Notable Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio are switching from real Classic cigarettes, to "Electronic Cigarettes". Whether it is a matter of convenience or health, these Hollywood heroes are taking in the vapor.