Louisiana’s teen tobacco usage rates remain higher than the national average, with approximately 38.3 percent of high school and 15.6 percent of middle school students in Louisiana use tobacco, according to the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS).

In light of these startling statistics, youth throughout the state are choosing to Stand UP! against the tobacco industry and its adolescent-targeted direct marketing efforts. Twelve groups across the state were awarded grants from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) to engage and get youth involved with tobacco control and prevention efforts through the Defy the Lies initiative. As part of the grant, Defy teams participated in the point-of-purchase (also known as point-of-sale) project, which focused on tobacco products and advertising in stores where youth are likely to visit on a regular basis, like gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and corner stores in their own communities.

“Reaching out to Louisiana youth, especially during the transition from middle and high school, is crucial,” said Tonia Moore, Associate Director for TFL. “We are continuously working to get local communities involved in TFL’s Defy the Lies initiative, a youth movement that takes down the influence of the tobacco industry, promotes tobacco-free lifestyles, and brings awareness to media and elected officials about what tobacco products are being consumed by and sold to our youth. The time is now to get a better handle on the large number of youth using tobacco products and stand up to the aggressive marketing tactics being used today.”

Click here to read the full story.

Do you ever get tired of going to a bar or event and leaving smelling like an ash tray? If so, check out this great resource from TFL’s Let’s Be Totally Clear site for smoke-free events and venues throughout the state of Louisiana. Its updated frequently, so check back from time to time to see what’s going on in your area!

Click here for smoke-free events.

Click here for smoke-free venues.

The Southern University System is celebrating 1 year since it passed the states first 100% tobacco-free policy. Check out this great Letter to the Editor from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living & Let’s Be Totally Clear grantee Linda Early Brown from the SUS Ag Center:

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One year ago, Southern University became the first university system to pass a 100 percent tobacco-free campus policy. The tobacco-free policy, implemented on January 2, is effective on all five campuses. SU’s policy goes above and beyond by making the campus grounds and events completely tobacco-free inside and out, including prohibiting distribution, advertising or gifting of any such products.

The Communities of Color Network, in collaboration with the SU system and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), are excited about this opportunity for the students, faculty and staff statewide to begin working towards a healthier and tobacco-free lifestyle. We look forward to being an integral part in the implementation phase of the tobacco-free policy by continuing to educate staff, faculty members and students on the SU campus on the benefits of being tobacco-free.”

Click here to read the full article from the Louisiana Weekly.

Panic is an overreaction to a real (or even imagined) problem. It is a natural startle reaction that gets exaggerated and becomes prolonged. People often learn to panic because, in early childhood, panic can get us out of responsibilities. However, living with panic or anxiety every day can create a shutdown of feelings, so you’re in a state of shock. You cannot think clearly, make good responses or decisions.

Click here to read a great article from psychcentral.com that features several ways to help recognize and cope with anxiety.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), in partnership with the LSUHSC School of Public Health, recently compared teen tobacco rates to the national average in response to results from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) that highlighted growing trends in tobacco use among African American youth and youth adults. The startling results showed that in Louisiana, high tobacco prevalence is not unique to African Americans. In fact, Louisiana’s teen tobacco rates remain higher than the national average, regardless of race.

In 2011, approximately 36 percent of African Americans and 39 percent of White high school students in Louisiana were tobacco users. These figures experience little change from 2009; this suggests persistently high consumption patterns for both racial groups. The only discernible difference in the data is between middle and high school students. A statistically significant increase in tobacco utilization is observed between middle and high school students regardless of race or type of tobacco product.

Click here to read the full release, learn more about TFL and see how you can get involved.

Click here to read the data brief with more details on Louisiana youth tobacco usage.

For more information about the DEFY program, click here.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) recently launched its 2012 state-wide media campaign “_______ Stinks!” The campaign features an interactive concept targeted at creating a call-to-action for all Louisianans to advocate for stronger protections from secondhand smoke in bars and gaming facilities.

TFL also launched an updated www.LetsBeTotallyClear.org website, Twitter (@betotallyclear), and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/letsbetotallyclear) pages to assist supporters of the smoke-free movement across the state to get more involved and share what they think stinks about secondhand smoke. The updated Letsbetotallyclear.org website also boasts a comprehensive list of smoke-free venues, shows and events across the state.

Check out the full release here.

Tobacco Industry Interference was selected as this year’s theme for The World Health Organization (WHO) World No Tobacco Day, which is meant to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. The day is intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects.

For more information, click here.

For the third time since the legislature cleared the air in most Louisiana workplaces, including restaurants, the state Senate rejected a bill that would have expanded the smoke-free air law to include bars and casinos with a 22-15 vote. Click here to learn more about advocating for smoke-free air, and be sure to let us know your thoughts about the Senate’s vote to continue to allow smoking in Louisiana bars and casinos.

As Louisiana gears up for the 2011 Legislative Session starting April 25th, smoke-free air advocates wait in anticipation to see if state legislators will once again attempt to clear the air of secondhand smoke in bars and casinos. Details surrounding potential smoke-free air bills have yet to be announced, but supporters don’t have to wait until legislative session to speak up in support of smoke-free air. Visit LetsBeTotallyClear.org to share your thoughts on smoke-free air, upload your photo, and follow the blog for updates. Click here to read the latest news story on smoke-free air released by Gambit magazine in New Orleans this week.

Health.com recently ranked the 10 Worst Jobs for Your Lungs. While obvious hazardous occupations like mining and firefighting made the cut, a less obvious profession, bartending, also made the list. Unfortunately for bartenders and casino workers, serving drinks inside of a smoke-filled room puts them at a greater risk for lung disease, especially if they remain exposed over the course of several years. While the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act currently requires most workplaces to be smoke-free, Louisiana bar and casinos workers remain unprotected by state and local laws. Don’t bar and casino workers deserve healthier, smoke-free workplaces? In response, a new LetsBeTotallyClear.org website recently launched to help supporters of smoke-free air advocate for smoke-free policies, find local smoke-free bars, music venues and events.