The Chronic Disease Staff works on prevention and slowing progression of chronic disease. Chronic diseases include cardiovascular disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, pulmonary disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 7 out of 10 Missourians who die each year, die of a chronic illness. The staff works with programs to reduce the burden of chronic disease. The best way to reduce chronic disease is to live your life with healthy lifestyles, thus preventing chronic disease from beginning. Some examples are:

• Good Nutrition
• Never using tobacco products
• Daily physical exercise
• Keeping your weight in an ideal range
• Getting enough rest

To work toward our goal of a healthier community a community group of concerned citizens work together to address three risk behavior areas of chronic disease. The Healthy Independence Coalition meets several times a year; the work groups address physical activity in the community, smoke free areas and clean air, and nutrition events such as diabetes health fairs and grocery store tear off sheets for local groceries. Anyone that is intrested is encouraged to join the Healthy Independence Coalition. For more information call 325-7189.

The Chronic Disease team also conducts educational and exercise programs for our senior residents at various locations throughout the city.In addition, presentations are available on a wide range of health topics in the community or for work sites. Please call 325-7185 for information.

Independence Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006

The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 was written by the Clean Air Independence Coalition and voted on by the citizens of Independence. In November of 2006, the ordinance was passed by 63.82% of the voters and took effect 120 days after being verified by the city clerk on March 17, 2007. The ordinance number is 16526 and is located in the City Code as Article 2 of Chapter 11. The ordinance can also be viewed online at www.indepmo.org/userdocs/homepage/Special%20Election-11-7-06%20Ord.%20&%20Exh%20A.11-01-06.pdf

The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 states that smoking is not allowed in any enclosed public place or workplace. Frequently asked questions about the ordinance can be viewed at www.indepmo.org/userdocs/homepage/Smoking_Ordinance_FAQs.pdf

In addition to the FAQ found above, the following questions have also been raised by residents.

Are private clubs exempt? While some cities and states may exempt private clubs, the Independence ordinance does not exempt private clubs. Private clubs are listed specifically in section 11.02.005 as areas that must prohibit smoking.

Can people smoke at the entrance to the building? The ordinance does not mention anything about how many feet away from an entrance smoking can occur. This is up to the owner of the establishment.

What is the Kansas City ordinance about? Kansas City adopted a new ordinance in 2005. All workplaces and public places will be 100% smoke free when “eighty-five percent of the people living in the metropolitan area are in towns or cities with similar ordinances.”

At this time, the only cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area that have 100% smoke free laws are:

Missouri: Independence and Lee’s Summit.

Kansas: Olathe, Fairway, Overland Park, Leawood and Lenexa

Other cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area that are working on clean indoor air efforts are Excelsior Springs, Smithville, Raytown and Blue Springs.

In addition, Baldwin, MO, Kirksville, MO and Columbia, MO have 100% smoke free laws and Maryville, MO and Arnold, MO are smoke free in restaurants only.

Across the United States there are twenty-two states where smoking is prohibited in most workplaces and all restaurants and bars, ten of these twenty-two occurred since 2006. Starting with California in 1995 to New Hampshire whose law goes into effect this September, many states are realizing the effects of second hand smoke and making changes to improve the health of their citizens.

For any questions on the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 or clean air laws in other states and countries, call the Health Promotion Division at 816-325-7185.