I came across a fascinating article in WednesdayŠ—'s New York Times that I wanted to share with all of you.

Today is an important day in the world of global health and tobacco control Š—– the World Health OrganizationŠ—'s Š—“World No Tobacco Day.Š— ItŠ—'s a day to highlight the devastating toll tobacco products continue to have on peopleŠ—'s health across the world, and a day to advocate for policies that we know help people quit smoking and keep kids from ever starting the deadly habit.

Minnesota public health advocates celebrated a major victory today as the legislature passed a $1.60 cigarette tax increase. Governor Mark Dayton is expected to sign it in the coming days.

On Monday night, the people of the small town of Ketchum, Idaho (population 2,694), celebrated a very big public health victory.

President Obama released his budget proposal today for the fiscal year beginning in October, and it included something cancer advocates everywhere are excited about a proposed increase in the federal cigarette tax of 94 cents a pack and significant tax increases on other tobacco products.

This Saturday marks the 10-year anniversary of New York CityŠ—'s landmark smoke-free law. The NYC Smoke-Free Air Act ensures that all New Yorkers can breathe smoke-free air in their workplaces, whether thatŠ—'s in a high-rise office building, a neighborhood restaurant or a bar.

The second phase of the ads were officially announced this morning, and will be seen nationally beginning April 1. In support, I recorded this short video to commemorate the CDCŠ—'s bold efforts to combat tobacco use

But thanks to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which Congress passed in 2009, the FDA now has regulatory authority over the tobacco industry, reining in its misleading marketing of its deadly products. The law included a ban on terms such as Š—“light,Š— Š—“mildŠ— and Š—“low tarŠ— from tobacco packaging and marketing. Unfortunately, a new study I came across today documents how the tobacco industry is using deceptive tactics to sidestep this ban.

March 4, 2013

Around this time last year, the CDC launched a provocative advertising campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers of smoking and what it's like to live with a serious medical condition caused by smoking. That campaign was called Tips from Former Smokers, and I'm excited to announce that it is back on the air.

The TPP trade negotiations present an important opportunity to begin, and set a precedent for, treating tobacco products differently to achieve the economic development, poverty alleviation and health goals the president discussed.