Letter from "Deaf Doctor", Dr. Carolyn Stern

From: Carolyn Stern MD (Spanjer)
Date: Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Subject: Smoke Free Gallaudet Campus
To: elaine.vance@gallaudet.edu


Dear Ms. Vance,

What can we do to make Gallaudet University a smoke-free campus?

Research has shown that where young people are exposed to smoke and smokers, the more likely they are to start smoking. And, the younger they start, the more likely they are to become addicted. Once addicted, it is much more difficult to quit.

Research has also shown that SMOKING CAUSES chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and emphysema and is STRONGLY associated with heart disease, circulatory diseases, ulcers, and impairs developing fetuses.

Secondhand smoke increases a non-smoker's risk for heart disease, lung cancer, and worsens symptoms of adults already suffering from asthma, allergies or bronchitis.

Many Universities, Hospitals, and other locations have made the move to become smoke-free. Why not Gallaudet!

I feel Gallaudet should be completely smoke free because of the tremendous health benefits for the entire University community. There won't be any more cigarette butts lying around campus and receptacles don't need to be purchased.

Even more important, with Kendall School and Le Clerc Center (MSSD) on the same campus at Gallaudet University, I see even more of a reason NOW to enforce a smoke free campus for the health of our students at Gallaudet.

Respectfully,

Carolyn Stern MD

Family Physician
Gallaudet University
Student Health Services


Carolyn Stern MD (Spanjer)
CEO, DeafDOC.org
Physician, Rochester School for the Deaf
Physician, Gallaudet University
58 Eastland Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
585.271.7004 Voice
585.241.9806 VP
585.271.3826 Fax
deafdoc@deafdoc.org
www.deafdoc.org