Let's give CVS an "atta boy" NO Cigs

[jebartle]

They will no longer sell tobacco products and will rename to CVS Health!....Yea!

[dodaneodwyer]

I agree!

[njbchbum]

Not until they remove the other unhealthy products from their shelves/stores...sodas, candy, cookies/cake, alcohol, products with cancer-causing additives, etc.

[Hancle704]

And some will want them to stop selling wine and beer because buying public can't be responsible for their purchase decisions. Then there is all that harmful candy and Ice Cream.

[Villager Joyce]

Can't folks be happy they did something right?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ridiculous. Until they are illegal why not continue to sell them?

As has already been pointed out look, at all of the other unhealthy products that they sell. This is a public relations grab and nothing else. Someone high up in the corporation figures they will make more money from people coming into their stores because of this move.

Alcohol, tons of sugared products, salted nuts, poisonous cosmetics, all kinds of processed foods with cancer causing additives, caustic cleaning solutions and who knows what else are still be sold there and no one cares. The anti tobacco people simply have a better PR department the people who are against these other things.

Does anyone think that fewer people will smoke because of this.

[tommy steam]

When you eat the junk they also sell , you harm yourself. With smokes,you not only harm yourself but others around you. I understand they have concluded that even your pets can be harmed by secondhand smoke. I smoked and quit in 1972 after I had seen some of my friends fathers and my own relatives die from lung and throat cancer. It was very disturbing for me to see. I think it's a good thing they stopped selling cigs. It just might make the light bulb go off and get someone to quit.

[mickey100]

When you eat the junk they also sell , you harm yourself. With smokes,you not only harm yourself but others around you. I understand they have concluded that even your pets can be harmed by secondhand smoke. I smoked and quit in 1972 after I had seen some of my friends fathers and my own relatives die from lung and throat cancer. It was very disturbing for me to see. I think it's a good thing they stopped selling cigs. It just might make the light bulb go off and get someone to quit.

Good points. I think its great CVS banned cigarettes and tobacco products, which have caused so much illness and death in this country.

[karostay]

They will no longer sell tobacco products and will rename to CVS Health!....Yea! I know admin will boot this for being
off subject but for the time being
I hope all restaurants follow
No out door smoking
One way to eat healthy

[KeepingItReal]

When you eat the junk they also sell , you harm yourself. With smokes,you not only harm yourself but others around you. I understand they have concluded that even your pets can be harmed by secondhand smoke. I smoked and quit in 1972 after I had seen some of my friends fathers and my own relatives die from lung and throat cancer. It was very disturbing for me to see. I think it's a good thing they stopped selling cigs. It just might make the light bulb go off and get someone to quit.

Think I would prefer second hand smoke to a drunk coming at me and my family and even my pets in 3 ton automobile at a high rate of speed with no idea about what he/she is doing. Seems very inconsistent to applaud no tobacco sales while giving a thumbs up to alcohol sales which has caused untold deaths to innocent people, broken families, health problems and many other negative results.

Wonder if CVS refusing to also sell alcohol products might just make someone quit drinking too? Maybe an underage person or a college student wanting to participate in binge drinking would be convinced to not do it if they said no to alcohol sales too which would save them from a life of problems.

CDC Features - Excessive Drinking Costs U.S. $223.5 Billion (http://www.cdc.gov/features/alcoholconsumption/)

The Economic Costs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption | CADCA (http://www.cadca.org/resources/detail/economic-costs-excessive-alcohol-consumption)

[Wandatime]

Are they still selling rolling papers? Just wondering.
:icon_wink:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

When you eat the junk they also sell , you harm yourself. With smokes,you not only harm yourself but others around you. I understand they have concluded that even your pets can be harmed by secondhand smoke. I smoked and quit in 1972 after I had seen some of my friends fathers and my own relatives die from lung and throat cancer. It was very disturbing for me to see. I think it's a good thing they stopped selling cigs. It just might make the light bulb go off and get someone to quit.

Actually there are studies to prove almost anything. In fact there are many studies that show that second hand smoke does no harm at all.

I'm not saying that either one is right or wrong, but you just can't say things like "they have concluded that....."


I also quit smoking many years ago and don't like it when people smoke, but this is nothing more then a publicity stunt and public relations move. They probably aren't making enough margin on cigarettes these days. That's what usually drives big corporations like this.

[Abster]

I'll no longer be shopping at CVS. I don't even smoke but only think "what's next?"

[Chi-Town]

I remember when hospitals sold cigarettes in the gift shop. Then they stopped. Big deal. CVS stopped selling cigarettes. Big deal. BTW, CVS Caremark shares were up today.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I remember when hospitals sold cigarettes in the gift shop. Then they stopped. Big deal. CVS stopped selling cigarettes. Big deal. BTW, CVS Caremark shares were up today.


There you go. Stocks up.

[jrandall]

Bravo!

[tippyclubb]

If you don't smoke why would you care CVS quit selling cigarettes? Those that smoke will continue to do so, and it's legal.

[Taltarzac725]

When you eat the junk they also sell , you harm yourself. With smokes,you not only harm yourself but others around you. I understand they have concluded that even your pets can be harmed by secondhand smoke. I smoked and quit in 1972 after I had seen some of my friends fathers and my own relatives die from lung and throat cancer. It was very disturbing for me to see. I think it's a good thing they stopped selling cigs. It just might make the light bulb go off and get someone to quit.

I like your post about cigarettes as to another posters' idea of also banning alcohol in the US it has been tried and was a terrible idea because of societal and cultural trends in the US. Criminals and their lawyers also made billions getting around the alcohol bans during Prohibition. I am sure that the same or similar groups would love another chance at so much money and power.

[collie1228]

It's a joke, a publicity stunt. No one will stop smoking if CVS doesn't sell the cigarettes. Walk through the store and you'll see wine, beer, cookies, ice cream and a host of other "unhealthy" choices for you to make. Come on CVS, step up and get rid of all of those items too.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Can't folks be happy they did something right?

Here here
My sentiments exactly

[Polar Bear]

...Walk through the store and you'll see wine, beer, cookies, ice cream and a host of other "unhealthy" choices for you to make. Come on CVS, step up and get rid of all of those items too.


Wine, beer, COOKIES, ICE CREAM = cigarettes?!? Really?

What Joyce/Snowbird said.

[Polar Bear]

///

[jebartle]

if this helps just one person, just one, it's worth it!....We have to start somewhere!

[njbchbum]

if this helps just one person, just one, it's worth it!....We have to start somewhere!

Smoking is an addiction. Better that CVS shold have kept cigarettes on the shelves and turned all of the $$ from cigarette sales into smoking prevention programs for those so addicted!

Let CVS help one person stop drinking and remove alcohol from the shelves.

And let CVS help a diabetic and remove products with too many carbs from the shelves.

And let CVS help the obese by removing fattening products from the shelves.

If they really want to PROMOTE HEALTH - let them return to the age of the old-fashioned drug store and only dispense medicine - without a soda fountain!

Q: What do you call a person who puts up a make-believe front for people to see?
A: A phoney!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Wine, beer, COOKIES, ICE CREAM = cigarettes?!? Really?

What Joyce/Snowbird said.

How many people do you think have died because of heart condition or other ailments caused by over consumption of sugar? How much has the obesity epidemic cost this country? How many people have died because of drunk driving or other incidents where people were intoxicated?

A very small percentage of our population smokes today. Most are adults. Little kids consume far too much sugar and most people drink.

You're probably right. There's no comparison. Wine, beer cookies and ice cream have probably done a lot more damage then cigarettes.

[NotFromAroundHere]

How many people do you think have died because of heart condition or other ailments caused by over consumption of sugar? How much has the obesity epidemic cost this country? How many people have died because of drunk driving or other incidents where people were intoxicated?

A very small percentage of our population smokes today. Most are adults. Little kids consume far too much sugar and most people drink.

You're probably right. There's no comparison. Wine, beer cookies and ice cream have probably done a lot more damage then cigarettes.

From The CDC:
Percentage of Americans who smoke: 18.1%
Annual Alcohol related deaths: 88,000
Annual Obesity related deaths: 112,000
Annual Smoking related deaths: 443,000

[justjim]

This PR stunt could backfire. Those that smoke need "drugs" probably more than others. Where do you think a smoker might go for their cold medicine?

Those of us who quit smoking have saved a lot of money over the years!

[KeepingItReal]

From The CDC:
Percentage of Americans who smoke: 18.1%
Annual Alcohol related deaths: 88,000
Annual Obesity related deaths: 112,000
Annual Smoking related deaths: 443,000

Studies can be found to say almost anything and some totally contradict others. No doubt smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity are all 3 heavy contributors to the death rates in America.

From this study over 10 years ago:

Tobacco use was linked to 435,000 deaths in 2000 or 18.1% of total deaths. Poor diet/physical inactivity accounted for 400,000 deaths, or 16.6% of deaths, in 2000 (Cover Figure).



http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/who-report-smoking-and-drinking-cause-millions-of-deaths-worldwide/

http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death#sthash.z8TniN0Z.dpbs

Obesity to Overtake Smoking as Leading Cause of Death
Comment
Print
Tobacco use continues to be the underlying cause of the greatest number of deaths in the United States, according to an analysis of actual causes of death by researchers at the CDC. However, poor diet/ lack of physical activity, currently ranked number 2, is expected to surpass smoking as the prevailing underlying cause of death by 2005.

Tobacco use was linked to 435,000 deaths in 2000 or 18.1% of total deaths. Poor diet/physical inactivity accounted for 400,000 deaths, or 16.6% of deaths, in 2000 (Cover Figure).

While smoking rates have dropped in recent years, obesity is on the rise. Currently, nearly 65% of Americans are overweight. From 1990 to 2000, the number of deaths attributed to poor diet/physical inactivity increased markedly in both absolute and relative terms, from 300,000 to 400,000 deaths and from 14% to 16.6% of total deaths. Although the number of deaths caused by smoking also increased from 1990 to 2000, the increase was slight, up 35,000 from 400,000 in 1990 (the increase can be attributed to the inclusion of deaths caused by secondhand smoke and infant deaths caused by maternal smoking, which were not reflected in the 1990 data).

Despite the increase in the number of smoking-related deaths, the percentage of deaths linked to tobacco use declined nearly 1 percentage point, from 19% of all deaths in 1990. Actual causes of death are defined as lifestyle and behavior that contribute to the reported causes of death, with heart disease, cancer, and stroke topping the list of reported causes (Figure).

[Susan G]

So glad they made a move in the right direction. Unfortunately both my parents were smokers and died early due to smoking related causes. Hopefully CVS will fill that space with smoking cessation products.

[collie1228]

Wine, beer, COOKIES, ICE CREAM = cigarettes?!? Really?

What Joyce/Snowbird said.

I guess you didn't notice the quotes around "unhealthy". Really?

[Polar Bear]

I guess you didn't notice the quotes around "unhealthy". Really?


I guess you'll have to explain to me the difference the quotes make. Really.

[Indydealmaker]

They will no longer sell tobacco products and will rename to CVS Health!....Yea!

Before you award CVS a Nobel Prize, you might consider this possible scenario:
CVS makes a deal with the feds wherein CVS leads the way by banning tobacco sales in exchange for exclusive medical marijuana federal distribution deal.:1rotfl:
Not to mention that the tobacco products occupied a significant amount of shelf space disproportionate to the $$ added to their bottom line.

[DianeM]

I don't applaud the idea. People have the right to buy cigs if they wish. Who the heck is a corporation to mandate that they are not available. People will just go somewhere else to buy them. And no....I do not smoke. Really is another case of "big brother".

[Villages PL]

Can't folks be happy they did something right?

I think people can be happy and critical at the same time. For example, I'm happy but I think it's not credible for them to rename themselves, CVS Health, just because they stopped selling cigarettes. Who do they think they are fooling?

Maybe their name should be "CVS - Trying To Be Healthier"

[Villages PL]

I remember when hospitals sold cigarettes in the gift shop. Then they stopped. Big deal. CVS stopped selling cigarettes. Big deal. BTW, CVS Caremark shares were up today.

Stocks are up because of the free advertising they got. Walgreen didn't get any free advertising but will be making more money selling cigarettes. I think both companies are NOT for being healthy, it's just that one of them (Walgreen) is being honest about it.

[NotFromAroundHere]

I don't applaud the idea. People have the right to buy cigs if they wish. Who the heck is a corporation to mandate that they are not available. People will just go somewhere else to buy them. And no....I do not smoke. Really is another case of "big brother".

Wow. So a business shouldn't be able to decide what they do, or don't want to sell? Who does decide?

[graciegirl]

I think people can be happy and critical at the same time. For example, I'm happy but I think it's not credible for them to rename themselves, CVS Health, just because they stopped selling cigarettes. Who do they think they are fooling?

Maybe their name should be "CVS - Trying To Be Healthier"


or, Better Living Through Chemistry? Naw, that's been used.

Good advertising is riveting and catchy and grabs your attention.

Think. See the USA in your Chevrolet.

Not....See Minot North Dakota in your Chevrolet.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+see+the+usa+in+your+chevrolet&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=A0D939FD03D013CCD934A0D939FD03D013CCD934

[graciegirl]

I wish...that in health class in junior high they could show films and have medical experts tell children the horrors of addiction to alcohol and smoking and drugs.

But...I also wish they taught kids how to cook and manage their money too.

[Villages PL]

BTW, CVS Caremark shares were up today.

I just noticed that Walgreen shares were up 3.7% on Sept. 4th. It looks like investors are optimistic about future profits. $$$$$ This is capitalism at it's finest, where the desire for profit trumps all health concerns.

[slipcovers]

Does anyone know their profit on a pack of cigs? I think the reason is not enough profit, considering the lock up and cashiers have to be legal age, checking I'D, etc. Maybe to much hassle and no enough profit.

[Chi-Town]

I just noticed that Walgreen shares were up 3.7% on Sept. 4th. It looks like investors are optimistic about future profits. $$$$$ This is capitalism at it's finest, where the desire for profit trumps all health concerns.
And CVS just hit an all time high on Friday. Go figure.

[Ruthtomnorma3]

They will no longer sell tobacco products and will rename to CVS Health!....Yea!

Now if some others will follow!

[Abster]

I don't applaud the idea. People have the right to buy cigs if they wish. Who the heck is a corporation to mandate that they are not available. People will just go somewhere else to buy them. And no....I do not smoke. Really is another case of "big brother". This was my point exactly. I do not smoke either. BUT if I did, I would carry my arss to Walgreen for my cigs, toiletries and any necessary meds and/or prescriptions. My parents couldn't even stop my smoking. I doubt CVS could have either.

[Polar Bear]

I don't applaud the idea. People have the right to buy cigs if they wish. Who the heck is a corporation to mandate that they are not available...


Let me get this straight...people have the right to buy cigs, but corporations don't have the right to not sell them?

[Hancle704]

Before you award CVS a Nobel Prize, you might consider this possible scenario:
CVS makes a deal with the feds wherein CVS leads the way by banning tobacco sales in exchange for exclusive medical marijuana federal distribution deal.:1rotfl:
Not to mention that the tobacco products occupied a significant amount of shelf space disproportionate to the $$ added to their bottom line.

That is what I have been thinking, because they have to find something to display in that space that will generate the same or more revenue.

[janmcn]

That is what I have been thinking, because they have to find something to display in that space that will generate the same or more revenue.

Medical marijuana will be sold by prescription only, therefore it will only be available in the pharmacy, not sold by some cashier at the front counter.

[BarryRX]

Before you award CVS a Nobel Prize, you might consider this possible scenario:
CVS makes a deal with the feds wherein CVS leads the way by banning tobacco sales in exchange for exclusive medical marijuana federal distribution deal.:1rotfl:
Not to mention that the tobacco products occupied a significant amount of shelf space disproportionate to the $$ added to their bottom line.

why stop that line of reasoning there? cvs obviously stopped selling cigs because cigs are used more by less educated and poorer people. This will keep those people out of their stores so they wont have to fill low markup medicaid prescriptions. This will allow them to increase their profit margin and dominate the pharmaceutical segment and eventually take over the world, force us to convert to Islam, and give up our guns! Really, just because a random thought that has no factual basis enters your brain, you are under no obligation to share it.

[obxgal]

I think to the average smoker it doesn't make any difference whether CVS quite selling them or not. Most smokes buy their cigarettes at the grocery store or gas station because of the price. The drug stores prices are a lot higher and always have been.

[Indydealmaker]

why stop that line of reasoning there? cvs obviously stopped selling cigs because cigs are used more by less educated and poorer people. This will keep those people out of their stores so they wont have to fill low markup medicaid prescriptions. This will allow them to increase their profit margin and dominate the pharmaceutical segment and eventually take over the world, force us to convert to Islam, and give up our guns! Really, just because a random thought that has no factual basis enters your brain, you are under no obligation to share it.

What makes you think I was sharing a random thought? When it comes to investing and CVS, I do my research. I am firm believer in trading on "special insight".

[CFrance]

From The CDC:
Percentage of Americans who smoke: 18.1%
Annual Alcohol related deaths: 88,000
Annual Obesity related deaths: 112,000
Annual Smoking related deaths: 443,000
Thank you! I was stunned at the suggestion that sugar causes more deaths than smoking. And another earlier statement that secondhand smoke isn't dangerous to your health.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Thank you! I was stunned at the suggestion that sugar causes more deaths than smoking. And another earlier statement that secondhand smoke isn't dangerous to your health.

Study Finds No Link Between Secondhand Smoke And Cancer - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielfisher/2013/12/12/study-finds-no-link-between-secondhand-smoke-and-cancer/)

Do those alcohol related deaths include drunk driving deaths?

[CFrance]

Study Finds No Link Between Secondhand Smoke And Cancer - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielfisher/2013/12/12/study-finds-no-link-between-secondhand-smoke-and-cancer/)

Do those alcohol related deaths include drunk driving deaths?
Try this link CDC - Cigarette Smoking in the United States - Data and Statistics on Smoking - Campaign Resources - Tips From Former Smokers - Smoking & Tobacco Use (http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html) from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. To quote in part: Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke.

[NotFromAroundHere]

Study Finds No Link Between Secondhand Smoke And Cancer - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielfisher/2013/12/12/study-finds-no-link-between-secondhand-smoke-and-cancer/)

Do those alcohol related deaths include drunk driving deaths?

yes

[Nightengale212]

Below is the likely reason CVS stopped selling tobacco products.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation, today announced an in-store fundraising campaign to help fight the #1 cancer killer of women lung cancer. Funds raised through the campaign will benefit LUNG FORCE, a new initiative to make lung cancer in women a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.From now through June 29, CVS/pharmacy customers will have the opportunity to contribute to LUNG FORCE at the register in stores nationwide or online at www.cvs.com/lung with all proceeds going to support the movement. CVS Caremark is the national presenting sponsor of LUNG FORCE

[Villages PL]

I just noticed that Walgreen shares were up 3.7% on Sept. 4th. It looks like investors are optimistic about future profits. $$$$$ This is capitalism at it's finest, where the desire for profit trumps all health concerns.

On the following day, Walgreen's stock price was up again...2.4%

[Polar Bear]

On the following day, Walgreen's stock price was up again...2.4%


So...their stock rising is a bad thing?

[Suzi]

I have it on a fairly reliable source that they decided to not sell cigarettes because they were in constant battles with violations due to selling to minors. I was paired, years ago, with the local police department doing "stings" because of selling to minors. Many people working at the cash registers do not check ID's and this leads to citations etc. That can get costly. When the profit margin is slim to begin with, I'm guessing the idea of a "healthier image" with getting rid of cigs, was a no-brainer.
Again, years ago, I used to volunteer teach in high schools about the effects of smoking - I had a non-smoker lung and a smoker lung (real lungs). That made a real impression with those kids. We could use more of this kind of shock teaching - the real truths of what smoking does to your lungs.

[Villages PL]

So...their stock rising is a bad thing?

For me it's good because I own a LOT of Walgreen stock. :D

Having said that, I would still encourage people not to smoke and don't rely on drugs to promote good health. In my opinion, the only thing that promotes good health is a healthy lifestyle.

[DELTADWN]

Now if they would just ban all of the sick people that patronize the place (think: coughing; sneezing; touching stuff) it would really be a healthy place to shop! :thumbup: