--or let die. You stay in your section; I'll stay in mine--but don't blow in this direction. Yet that truce is very hard to maintain. In the past few months, a rash of new restrictions, legislation and governmental tough talk has helped health communication professionals elevate the antismoking campaign to new heights ("Breaking," 1995, p. 46-47). Before, it was a matter of health warnings, moral persuasion and segregation of the warring parties. Now smoking is in danger of being legislated virtually out of existence--or at least shoved into the realm of behavior so socially reviled that it must be practiced only in private.
Society has come a long way in its knowledge about smoking and second-hand smoke. People now realize that an apple a day does not necessarily keep the doctor away and that a walk around the block is not enough to counteract the by now obvious danger of smoking. Of course, acknowledging the problem is a great start, but there is much more to consider in campaigning against smoking. Every day Americans are inundated with messages about the danger of smoking and how to achieve the best health possible. The success of these communications efforts is unmistakable, yet not fully documented. Studies show that in recent years more Americans have given up smoking. Additionally, other related issues like cost of health insurance and second-hand smoke have come to more and more American's attention ("Ashes," 1994, pp. 15-16).
Health campaigns are working to correct these common misconceptions through smoking and lung disease education programs ("Don't Snuff," 1992, p. 25). In addition, organizations involved in communicating antismoking information are making an effort to work together to share information and resources and provide consistent messages and more effective education programs. What helps health communication campaigns the most is the government. The health effects of smoking are drawing new attention from...