​Every year on May 31st the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors World No Tobacco Day. Since 1987, World No Tobacco Day has been celebrated to inform the public of the threat the tobacco industry poses to the development of countries and propose measures that the government and public should take to promote health through confronting the global tobacco crisis. The theme this year is “Tobacco—a threat to development”. The WHO goals for World No Tobacco Day are:

• Highlight the links between the use of tobacco products, tobacco control and sustainable development.
• Encourage countries to include tobacco control in their national responses to 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
• Support Member States and civil society to combat tobacco industry interference in political processes, in turn leading to stronger national tobacco control action.
• Encourage broader public and partner participation in national, regional and global efforts to develop and implement development strategies and plans and achieve goals that prioritize action on tobacco control.
• Demonstrate how individuals can contribute to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world, either by committing to never taking up tobacco products, or by quitting the habit.

 
Even though World No Tobacco Day is just one day, you can do something every day to prevent and reduce the harm of tobacco in your family and in your community. Here are some easy ways to do it:

• Make sure your family knows the risk of tobacco and talk to your children and teens about the harms of smoke.
• Promote smoke-free environments in your community to reduce secondhand smoke.
• Talk to supervisors and managers of multi-unit housing complexes to try to implement smoke-free policies in your complex.
• Celebrate other tobacco-related awareness days and events such as National Kick Butts Day and Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
• If you are a current smoker, and want to quit, visit websites like smokefree.gov to learn how to quit and stay smoke free today!

 
To learn more about the health effects of tobacco usage, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. For more information about World No Tobacco Day and tobacco-free events and news, like the World Health Organization (WHO) on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @WHO. 

Televisions, computers, I-pads, cell phones, and digital entertainment have increasingly become America’s new favorite pastime. Every year, we celebrate Screen-Free Week to try to unplug from digital entertainment and spend more time interacting with the world around us. This May 1st through may 7th, partner up with friends and family to try to set down your electronics, and try to find new ways to interact with each other, and the world outside. Celebrating Screen-Free Week does not mean giving up electronic devices at work and at school, bur during free time, try to find ways to leave them behind in favor of quality time with your loved ones. Screen-Free Week is not important because it means quality time with your loved ones, but it also means improving your health. Excessive screen-time can often lead to inactivity, especially in children. It is also linked to poor school performance, childhood obesity, and attention problems. To celebrate Screen-Free Week, go to an event  near you! If there is not an even close by, organize  one, and encourage your community to get out and celebrate Screen-Free Week!
For tips and activities to do while celebrating Screen-Free Week, visit these websites:

• 7 Parent Tested Tips to Unplug
• 101 Screen-Free Activities
• Who Needs Screens: 70 ideas of Family Fun
• Limit screen time for healthier kids
• Screen-free Ideas for Teachers

​Follow the Screen-Free Week blog and visit the Screen-Free Week Facebook to learn more about this week and why its important!

 
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