More homes will be smokefree at the end of this month when a federal rule takes effect. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development passed the rule earlier this year that makes most residences managed by public housing authorities smokefree by July 31.

In Oklahoma, roughly 104 public housing agencies administering low-income, conventional public housing across the state will implement the new rule that will protect residents, guests and employees from secondhand smoke.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. No matter how smokers and nonsmokers are separated in multi-unit housing, everyone is exposed to toxins and chemicals that cause numerous health problems in infants and children and increase the risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Secondhand smoke spreads through doors, windows, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, crawl spaces and gaps around sinks, countertops and walls.

The federal rule covers all indoor areas including individual living units, common areas, administrative office buildings and outdoor areas within 25 feet. The rule prohibits the use of cigarettes, hookahs, cigars and pipes. While the rule does not include electronic cigarettes, some public housing agencies have chosen to adopt policies that provide additional protection for residents.

As part of their work in communities, TSET Healthy Living Program staff across the state have partnered with 18 public housing agencies to assist in smoke-free or tobacco-free policy passage and implementation. Their work includes educating on resources available through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and assisting with signage to help enforce policy. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a program of TSET that offers free tobacco cessation coaching and nicotine replacement therapy to Oklahomans who register for services.

The founding chairman of the TSET Board of Directors was recently elected to serve on the board of directors for the North American Quitline Consortium.

Dr. Robert McCaffree, a pulmonologist, served 12 years on the TSET Board of Directors and is currently the director of state and local policy for the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center at the Stephenson Cancer Center and Regents’ Professor of Medicine in the section of pulmonary disease, critical care and sleep in the Department of Internal Medicine in the OU College of Medicine.

“Quitlines are a powerful tool in reaching tobacco users and assisting them with their attempts to quit,” said Dr. McCaffree. “Because of their effectiveness, residents in all 50 states, including Oklahoma, have access to a quitline.” 

To celebrate Parks and Recreation Month and Picnic Month, Shape Your Future has partnered with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to promote healthy and active lifestyles. Oklahoma’s 37 state parks provide an unlimited amount of adventurous activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and many more. Plus, when you pack a healthy meal and lots of ice-cold, refreshing water, you’ll have plenty of energy as you explore the outdoors.

ShapeYourFutureOK.com provides dozens of healthy picnic and infused water recipes sure to be a hit with the kids. Also, for a little healthy competition, we’re giving away a free two-night stay at an Oklahoma state park cabin! The contest, which is open through the end of July, encourages families to enjoy the outdoors and all the activities Oklahoma’s state parks have to offer. For contest details, visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com.

With healthy picnic recipes, activities and Oklahoma’s beautiful state parks, Shape Your Future encourages Oklahoma families to drink water, eat better, move more and stay tobacco free.