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To the Editor:
I am writing to express support for tobacco-free baseball fields at Bradshaw Park in Columbus.
By supporting a tobacco-free policy, the Columbus Youth Softball Association will send a clear message that they care about the health of the kids in our community and want to encourage youths to make positive lifestyle decisions. A tobacco-free policy will also encourage coaches and parents to be positive role models by not using tobacco in recreational areas.
Prohibiting tobacco use reinforces to our youth that tobacco use is discouraged and shows that we, as adults, care about their health.
When youths use tobacco, they are ingesting thousands of chemicals. These chemicals cause lung, throat and mouth cancer, as well as bronchitis and emphysema. Tobacco use also inhibits lung growth, causes muscle fatigue, raises blood pressure, and leads to heart disease. The nicotine in tobacco is extremely addictive, making it very difficult to break the smoking addiction.
The tobacco user not only exposes participants and spectators to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, but it also becomes a nuisance and safety concern. The litter caused by tobacco use diminishes the beauty of the city’s baseball fields and can be accidentally ingested by young children.
We urge you, as responsible, caring citizens of our community, to support a tobacco-free policy at our city’s recreation facilities. Take time to discuss this important issue with city board members and city council members. Urge them to vote in favor of our future by protecting the health of the young people living in our community!
Jamie Rodriguez, Tobacco Free Platte County
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