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ITEM f 9.C.2. <br /> Sherburne County <br /> Public Health <br /> Memo <br /> To: Park and Recreation Commission <br /> From: Jennifer Eide, Community Health Coordinator J <br /> Date: December 4,2003 i <br /> Re: Tobacco Free Parks and Recreation <br /> Tobacco Free Parks and Recreation for the City of Elk River <br /> Sherburne County Public Health is working towards changing social norms around tobacco use <br /> throughout the county. Tobacco use and second hand smoke kill thousands of Minnesotans each <br /> year. The most recent efforts have been focused on tobacco free parks and recreation in the city of Elk <br /> River. We have been gathering support from a variety of groups, professionals, and citizens and would <br /> like to present on the positive effects of adopting a tobacco free park and recreation policy to the Park <br /> and Recreation Committee. <br /> Tobacco free parks and recreation makes sense. <br /> The purpose of recreational areas is to provide areas for the community to be active and <br /> maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eliminating tobacco use on city —owned parks and recreational <br /> properties will reinforce this philosophy. <br /> By creating tobacco free places, we will not only reach youth, but also parents. Tobacco free <br /> recreational areas will send out the tobacco free message to parents and encourage them to be <br /> positive role models for their children. <br /> Youth are exposed to second hand smoke during recreational activities. Second hand smoke <br /> has been found to cause many health problems among children including bronchitis, <br /> pneumonia,ear infections and asthma. <br /> Tobacco use hinders physical performance during recreational activities. <br /> I have attached"A Decision Maker's Guide to Tobacco Free Policies for Outdoor Recreational Facilities" <br /> for your review before I attend your meeting on December 10`" <br /> I look forward to meeting with you. <br /> 1 <br />