To the editor:

I recently read in the magazine The Week (May 7, 2004, page 21) that lung cancer kills more women than gynecological diseases/cancers and breast cancer combined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the number of heart attacks in Helena, Mont., declined by 40 percent after the city banned indoor smoking, yet the rate of heart attacks quickly rose again after the law was struck down in court. Terry Pechacek of the CDC tells the Washington Post that “We’ve said before that secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease in nonsmokers, but this is our first recommendation that clinicians advise their patients with heart disease to avoid indoor settings where smoking is allowed.”

Lawrence is a progressive town in many aspects, and I believe we should take this step toward creating a healthier community. The restaurant, bar and music industries are all integral parts of Lawrence’s economy, and therefore the health of their workers and patrons should be revered.

Contrary to anti-ban arguments, I do not think that Lawrence businesses will lose money and employment opportunities for two reasons. One, a large part of Lawrence’s clientele are college students, and they will not be driving 30-plus minutes outside of town to be able to smoke a cigarette indoors. Two, Lawrence consists of a loyal community that believes in monetarily supporting local establishments in order to perpetuate the city of Lawrence, the economy and, therefore, the people.

Jennifer M. Dong,

Lawrence