Town of Ball takes initiative to make the town healthier

BALL, La. (KALB) – The Town of Ball became the 35th Louisiana municipality to adopt a comprehensive smoke-free indoor ordinance.

The town council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance during the June 18 town council meeting, making them the ninth municipality in Rapides Parish to do so. The ordinance went into effect on July 18.

Mayor Gail Wilking of Ball said she wants to protect the longevity and the future of Ball.

“It’s very important to me as well as my counsel that we provide a healthy surrounding for our residents and the visitors here,” said Mayor Wilking.

With vaping on the rise amongst today’s youth, Mayor Wilking hopes the new ordinance will impact her younger constituents.

“I think they don’t realize there’s no difference in my opinion between vaping and smoking cigarettes or cigars,” said Mayor Wilking.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living collaborated with the Ball community on this ordinance. They provided extensive information, which led the counsel to make an informed decision. Their goal is to create a healthy Louisiana, including the state’s youngsters.

“We can educate our youngsters on the harmful effects of using tobacco of any form, including vaping, and have them not even initiate the use. That’s a win for us,” said Misty LaSalle, CENLA Regional Manager for The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.

According to TFL, there are 7,000 chemicals associated with secondhand smoke. About 27 percent of Louisiana adults use tobacco products.

LaSalle said secondhand smoke comes with massive health risks

“So you have a higher risk of high blood pressure or diabetes and, of course, you have a higher risk of cancer, and all forms of cancer can be linked back to tobacco use,” said Misty.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living encourages other Louisiana municipalities to become smoke-free. For more information on how you can do that click here.

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