Driving Lane... The Activist Corner
Thoughts, Perspectives and Suggestions
by David Lane Stonecypher,
SIGNALS Curriculum Author
SLOW PROGRESS, BUT PROGRESS...
It's interesting to watch as our culture changes; the good trends as well as the bad. It would appear most of the time the negatives move rapidly while healthy and positive, life saving norms, come on gradually over longer periods.
I recall the resistance that seat belt laws encountered when first imposed. A terrible cry came forward from drivers about infringing on their personal freedom and choices. Over time, the wisdom and validation of the law has become the common view. This perspective crossed my mind as I read the little article below.
Smoking Laws Credited as NYC Life Expectancy Hits Historic High
February 3, 2010
The New York Daily News reported Jan. 26 that New York City residents now live longer than ever, and experts say that the city's tough laws on smoking deserve some of the credit,
A baby born in the city in 2007 could expect to live 79.4 years, the greatest life expectancy since records have been kept. That includes a life expectancy of 76.3 years for men and 82 years for women, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report (PDF).
"This probably reflects less on medical care than it does on the improvement of a few behaviors and conditions that have a big impact on health problems, particularly smoking, HIV/AIDS reduction and reductions in injuries," said city health commissioner Thomas Farley.
Two smoking-related illnesses were responsible for a majority of deaths in the city in 2008: heart disease (39 percent) and cancer (24 percent).
