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Uploaded: Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 4:34 PM

Stanford Medical Center to ban smoking  

Posted by Resident, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Aug 22, 2007 at 5:22 pm

I don't necessarily agree with banning smoking in public parks, but this type of ban is definitely a good idea. I am one of those people who end up holding their breath as they exit a business building as the air just outside is so foul. It isn't just the smoking employees that are hanging about just outside smoking and on their cell phones, but also visitors and others on legitimate reasons to call at the building who just have to finish their fag before entering.

Posted by Walter_E_Wallis, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Aug 22, 2007 at 6:03 pm

Occasional ventilated smoking rooms would be a bit less fascist, and would do an adequate job keeping the smoke from non-smokers.

Posted by Robert Jackler, a resident of Stanford, on Aug 23, 2007 at 11:58 am

It has always troubled me when young people see people in lab coats, surgical scrubs, nursing smocks, or even simply wearing a medical center ID smoking. It is easy for kids to conclude that if medical folks make this choice, with all that they know about human health, then smoking must not be so bad after all. I beleive that all medical workers have a responsibility, if they choose to smoke, to do so out of the public eye.

Posted by Walter_E_Wallis, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Aug 23, 2007 at 5:54 pm

Difficult when they are not allowed an area. I want the Copenhagen concession. This abstemiousness is inappropriate.

Posted by Smoker At Stanford, a resident of Stanford, on Aug 25, 2007 at 9:10 am

Of note--if smoking/cigarettes are so bad, then why does the Dean continue to allow the tobacco companies to contribute funds to the med. center? Is it a bit arrogant/narrow-minded to force the issue?

I appreciate the concern for all and am always considerate of trash/others/etc. I smoke outside, >than 20 ft. away from any doors, on an outside walkway out of public access; so, the argument about the public/children viewing my bad habit is invalid. In fact, the public is in contact with the hospital smokers and other public smokers. I so admit I have a filthy habit fed by physical, emotional and spritual imperfection. The drugs prescribed by the medial field can be said to be very dangerous to a person's health also. We also weigh the benfits and risks (this is a personal choice). I will now be nervous and find it hard to function--may even get fired because cigarettes soothe and calm me down me when I have to deal with 'difficult' people.

Alcohol is also banned--but not enforced; there are regularly funded Friday afternoon 'happy hours' held at med school, hosted by faculty; without enforcement of this rule (EVER). Alcohol affects peoples behaviour and reasoning--what a better argument.