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Office of FSM Tobacco Control Program celebrates Success Stories for 2010

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 21, 2011 - Based on a recent appreciation day study, conducted in December 2010 by the staff members of the Office of FSM Tobacco Control, it was found that the following Pohnpei stores do not sell tobacco, betel nut, lime and leaf products: Nantuelek Store, Palm Terrace, Dollar Up Enterprises Pohnpei, Neime Company, Linda Carl Store, Yoshie Enterprises, Loyola Store, J Mini Mart, Kimo & Heily Marie Store, Henry Sine Store, Leffy & Lydia Store, Maiumy Matias, Madilte Micky, Elery Amaraich, Arlynn R. Linny, Stanley Mickey, MHS Transition Store, Emerihda Shed, Circle P5, Cinderella Store, F&J Store, Linda Carl, MSJ Store, Alpenster Pedley, Waltis Pertinant, Carmina Saimon, and Amy Santiago.

The Office of FSM Tobacco Control extends their sincere appreciation to all the vendors and businesses mentioned above for not selling tobacco, betel nut, lime and leaf, and congratulates these stores in their efforts which directly support the Office programs against tobacco and betel nut use throughout the Federated States of Micronesia.

On the same topic, the Office of FSM Tobacco Control is pleased to highlight that both the States of Kosrae and Yap have passed an "Indoor Clean Air Act" in 2010, prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment. In Kosrae, the Act provides that the owner of a public place or place of employment who fails to enforce the Act, will be punishable by "a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation" and "a fine not exceeding $200 for each additional violation." A person smoking in an area where smoking is prohibited will be punishable by "a fine not exceeding $50." Kosrae has also passed a law against the sale of individual cigarettes.

December 2010, also saw the First National Annual Non-Communicable Disease Conference in Chuuk State. Representatives from Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk, were given the opportunity to share the successes and challenges they are faced with in implementing their tobacco, cancer and diabetes programs.

For more information, please contact the Office of FSM Tobacco Control by e-mail at bhadley@fsmhealth.fm or at 320-2643.