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Mayo Clinic researchers have amassed additional evidence that secondhand smoke kills and smoke-free workplace laws save lives.
Their research shows that the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths was cut in half among Olmsted County, Minn. residents after a smoke-free ordinance took effect. Adult smoking dropped 23% during the same time frame, as the rates of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity remained stable or increased.
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Earlier this month, the Surgeon General released a new report on smoking and health, marking the health agencys 50th anniversary for when it first linked smoking to health concerns. The Nations Doctor is now correlating even more dire consequences to the addiction that will likely push more employers to incorporate smoking cessation initiatives into wellness programs in order to curb health risks and boost employee productivity.
Lifestyle laws in 29 states may hamper employer efforts to maintain a strict smoke-free workplace.