opinion-editorial
Tobacco control programs benefi t our community
Currently in NYC, 13.3% of youth smoke combustible cigarettes while 15.2% use e-cigarettes. Photo courtesy Getty
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BRONX TIMES REPORTER, M 12 MAR. 11-17, 2022 BTR
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BY VONETTA DUDLEY
Throughout the years, tobacco control
advocates have made great strides
in decreasing youth smoking rates
and educating communities on the
negative infl uences of tobacco products
especially amongst the youth.
Currently in NYC, 13.3% of youth
smoke combustible cigarettes while
15.2% use e-cigarettes. These numbers
are alarming, as tobacco use remains
the No. 1 cause of death and disease in
NYC. Flavored tobacco products have
even become the most infl uential marketing
tactic towards youth.
According to the NYC Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2 out of
3 young smokers start with menthol
or another fl avored tobacco product.
Menthol cigarettes are known as a
“starter” product. Menthol cigarettes
are known to give off a “cooling sensation”
while smoking. This masks the
harshness of the tobacco fl avor and
makes it easier for teens to start, but
harder to quit.
Programs such as NYC Smoke-
Free at Public Health Solutions have
continued to help build awareness and
educate local community members,
leaders and youth on the dangers of
tobacco use. Community based and local
education efforts are essential, to
raise awareness among youth of the
dangers of all tobacco products and
Big Tobacco’s infl uence within our
communities.
The fact remains that more work
still needs to be done as well as providing
education to help reduce the high
smoking rates among our youth populations
and to help to prevent chronic
health conditions related to tobacco
use.
For more information on NYC
Smoke-Free or to lend support in ending
NYC’s devastating tobacco epidemic
please visit www.NYCSmoke-
Free.org.
Vonetta Dudley is the youth engagement
coordinator for Bronx Reality
Check: NYC Smoke-Free at Public
Health Solutions.
/www.NYCSmoke-
link
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/www.NYCSmoke-Free.org
/www.NYCSmoke-Free.org
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/Free.org
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