Tobacco News

OKLAHOMA CITY — For each and every smoker, there is reason why they light up. Officials from the Oklahoma County City health department are on a mission to convince people to quit; they have declared May 31 as “No-Tobacco Day.” Along with countless health problems caused by smoking, state officials are trying to educate people on the marketing strategies of big tobacco especially, towards women and kids.

“They don’t realize how addictive the product is,” said Michelle Terronez with the Oklahoma City Health Department. “They mirror the ‘Chanel’ products. They use a lot of pinks and blacks which are very trendy colors and they used a lot of designs that not only attract women but especially younger girls.”

However, most smokers we talked to say they’re not stopping.

“It’s free will. Everybody has the right without hurting others to do as they may,” said Diana Marsh.

“We want them to understand we are not trying to attack them and personally attack them, we are trying to help encourage them to be healthy and live a prosperous and better quality of life,” says Terronez.

June 3rd, 2010 kfor.com