It's probably an unfortunate stereotype that haunts me, of everything Asian appearing mired in an industrial or cigarette haze, but it's been a pleasant surprise to find there is a Lao ban on smoking indoors. It also seems that many don't smoke, even outdoors. It may be the expense that helps keep the habit in check, but the government makes sure its people are aware of the health hazards as well.
The Country also advocates breastfeeding for at least the first year of a baby's life. Because cultural values are in total agreement, Lao babies are healthy, well-nourished and get off to a good start.
Village chiefs are informed periodically that their bans need an "Everyone loves a clean Laos" sprucing up. My Lao hairdresser said there are ninety-five families in our ban, so someone knows who and where everyone is when this project comes around. Juice and milk boxes are rampant here, along with plastic bags and straws. Even though plastic bottles are recycled, there is plenty of trash to go around. Often there are villagers on a Sunday afternoon studiously picking up rubbish along the roadside. From the very old to the very young, everyone pitches in.
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Yay for picking up trash! Living in Oregon spoiled me for life. Clean, clean, clean. People in Hawaii seem to think that it's someone elses job to pick up trash. I'm glad there's a ban on smoking indoors, too. Smart people. And good old breastfeeding. Met a 21 year old mother yesterday who breastfeeds her four month old baby girl. Good for her! One really good thing I can say about Hawaii is that all children can have health care. The income limit is generous and all children 0-19 can be covered. Yay.
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