Georgia Tobacco-Free Hospital Initiative Because it’s the right thing to do.

Objectives Learn about state and national tobacco usage. Identify the impact of tobacco on state and national health Identify the pros and cons for a tobacco-free hospital.

Georgians and Tobacco 1.3 million adults in Georgia smoke cigarettes 25,000 middle school students smoke 73,000 high school students smoke Northwest and Southeast Georgia have the highest smoking rates.

Demographics of Smoking Cigarette smoking is more common among adults who live below the poverty level (30.6%) than among those living at or above the poverty level (20.4%).

Who’s using tobacco?

Mortality and Morbidity Over 10,000 Georgians die every year from smoking related illnesses. Adult smokers lose an average of 16 years of life compared to non- smokers.

Death by tobacco

Health Disparities

Smoking and Pregnancy Women who smoke: Are twice as likely to have trouble getting pregnant Have a 30% higher chance of not being able to get pregnant Are twice as likely to have a premature rupture of the membranes.

Pregnant Mothers have… Intrauterine (inside the uterus) growth delay Higher chance of pre-term labor Premature rupture of membranes (water bag), which may lead to pre-term delivery or an infection affecting the baby Increased rates of stillbirths, miscarriages, and ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy Complications during delivery

And the Baby…. Is more likely to be born too soon Is smaller Is 1.4 to 3.0 times more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Secondhand Smoke It hurts you. It doesn’t take much. It doesn’t take long.

And it’s not just smoking… Smokeless tobacco has 28 cancer- causing agents. Increases your risk of getting cancer of the oral cavity, throat, larynx, and esophagus. Smokeless tobacco users get 2 to 3 times as much nicotine as those who smoke cigarettes (National Cancer Institute)

The bottom line… Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, motor vehicle accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides COMBINED.

And it’s not only about health… In Georgia alone: 1.8 BILLION dollars in healthcare costs among adults 3.3 BILLION dollars in lost productivity costs in adults 35 and older.

Tobacco and Hospitals Employees Patients Visitors

Who pays for tobacco?  direct medical costs per smoking employee per year  higher insurance premiums because of smokers on the plan

Smokers… Go in the hospital more Stay longer when they are there Are more likely to die there Are more likely to have wound infections, postoperative pneumonia, and other respiratory complications Need more medication

The numbers… Hospital Admissions per 1000 people Average Length of Stay Per 1000 people Smokers Non Smokers

But wait, there’s more Smokers are: More likely to take disability benefits More likely to take sick days More likely to take more time off during the workday 2.5 times more likely to have an accident on the job

What are the REAL costs? In 1999, each adult smoker cost employers $1760 in lost productivity and $1623 in excess medical expenditures ($3383 per year). Current estimates rank as high as $5606 per employee per year.

Other Factors A tobacco-free workplace will have lower worker’s compensation costs and… Lower fire insurance costs Liability issues

Do the Math Total # of Employees X Adult Smoking Rate in Georgia (22% for males, 18% for females) = Probable Number of Smokers

Health 101 # of Smokers x $1933 = Total Health Costs # of Smokers x $1487 = Lost Productivity Costs Total Health Costs + Total Lost Productivity Costs = Total Cost per Year

Conclusion Save lives Save money Do the Right Thing