Page 29 - TAIWAN TOBACCO CONTROL ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Experiences in the promotion of original and creative concepts in communities: Keelung City has created smoke- and betel nut-free healthy environments in 7 areas frequented by fishermen and aborigines (Fude Temple, Maritime Plaza, Shazili Community, Baifu Park, Nuannuan Park, Renaili Community, and Qidu LOHAS Wa-terfront) in an effort to maintain supportive environments through community power. 4 educational activities on tobacco, betel nut, and alcohol hazard prevention with 1,015 participants were organized in cooperation with workplaces, campuses, or healthcare units in communities ("Smile" Smoke, Betel nut, and Alcohol-Free Harbor Brisk Walking Activity, Baifu Waterfront Anti-Tobacco, Betel Nut, and Alcohol Brisk Walking Activity, "Bright Summer" Anti- Tobacco, Betel Nut, and Alcohol Concert, and Xiding "Say No to" Tobacco, Betel Nuts, and Alcohol). On May 20, 2017, Keelung City organized an event titled "World Hepatitis Day - Say NO To Tobacco, Betel Nuts, and Alcohol" in cooperation with Rotary International. The Mayor and government officials at all levels were invited to jointly show their support for relevant issues. Health screening and health education activities were provided at the venue. 531 participants gained a better understanding of the dangers of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and betel nuts as well as rehabilitation channels through challenge activities. On May 30, 2017, a Dragonboat Race and Family Fair was organized in cooperation with the Education Department to provide education on tobacco, betel nut, and alcohol-free family activities. The 2016 Health Promotion Achievement Expo was organized to present achievements in the field of tobacco, betel nut, and alcohol hazard prevention and provide education on booth setup. The goal is to provide the general public with a clear understanding of tobacco-caused diseases, smoking cessation services provided by health and medical care units, the dangers of third-hand smoke, betel nut-induced cancer, and the connection between e-cigarettes and nicotine addictions. This activity drew a total of 1,068 participants. Smoke-free Workplaces Most people spend at least one-third of their days at the workplace, making these locations an important area for tobacco control and health promotion. Data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that medical expenses for smoking employees are 6,000USD higher than those for non-smoking employees. They also report sick more often and are less productive. There are 30% more fires and related accidents in workplaces where smoking is allowed than in non-smoking workplaces. Rigorous promotion of non-smoking workplaces is therefore extremely cost effective. The area of second-hand smoke exposure for adults is their workplace. Non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke over long periods are 20- 30% more likely to contract lung cancer, 30% more likely to suffer from heart disease, and 65% more likely to suffer a stroke. If systematic planning and implementation of smoking cessation can applied in the workplaces, promising results could be achieved, and the benefits can be expanded to the family and community as well. In 2003, three workplace health promotion and tobacco control counseling centers were established in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. Workspace requirements were used as the basis for providing counseling and educational training and establishing a workplace tobacco control and occupational healthcare service network. In 2006, in addition to promoting tobacco control and expanding the program to include employee health promotion, three "healthy workplace promotion centers" were established as well to conduct on-site counseling for establishing a healthy work environment as well as providing inquiry services, health education, and training. In 2007, the national healthy workplace certification system was initiated. In 2008, in order to prepare for the promulgation of new Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act regulations, the certification requirement 27 Reducing the Demand for Tobacco