Despite the gains we have made in the last 20 years in reducing smoking, an estimated 17 per cent of the residents in the Interior Health region — more than 100,000 people — continue to use tobacco. In fact, it is difficult to find another readily available consumer product that carries such a risk to human health and safety.

In the Interior Health region, inpatient and surgical day costs for tobacco-related illness exceeded $31 million in the 2006/2007 fiscal year alone.

This figure does not include medical costs related to hospital and emergency room admissions for tobacco-related complications for asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.

Given continued public concern over the rising costs of health care, it is clear that strengthening our efforts to reduce the use of tobacco is a reasonable and cost-effective response.

Surveys show that at any given time, nearly three quarters of smokers want to quit ­— many have made repeated attempts to do so. But, as with any addiction, they need our support.

Reducing tobacco use is a community-wide responsibility. But, where can you start? Banning smoking on beaches, in parks and other public spaces is a good first step. Consider this — the majority of life-long smokers start smoking at age 15 or 16.

We want our children and teens to go to beaches and other recreational areas to play, socialize and have fun. We don’t want them to get the message that smoking is socially acceptable and a positive way to relax and have fun.

There is significant public support for an expanded ban on smoking — in fact, a survey conducted by BC Stats in 2008 found that 73 percent of those surveyed were in favour of 100-percent smoke-free public places, including outdoor patios, parks, and beaches.

Smoke free spaces are important. If you are a smoker who is interested in stopping, please contact QuitNow at www.quit now.ca or at 1-877-455-2233.