Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga Work to End Local Tobacco Epidemic

Surgeon General’s Report focuses on Tobacco Smoke being a Leading Cause of Disease and Death

BINGHAMTON, NY – On December 9, 2010, the Surgeon General released a report titled, “How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease.” This report describes in detail the ways tobacco smoke damages every organ in the body and causes disease and death. It also confirms that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke and that smoke causes damage immediately to the cardiovascular system. The report further explains how federal, state and local tobacco control programs can effectively intervene to reach the goal of a healthier America by reducing the devastating effects of smoking.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing 1,200 people per day. Despite knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking, approximately 18% of adults and 15% of youth in New York State continue to smoke. Unfortunately, in our own community, the rates are even higher with approximately 20% of adults and over 17% of high school students smoking.

Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga, with funding from the New York State Department of Health, is working locally to end the tobacco epidemic by implementing the effective strategies outlined in the Surgeon General’s report. This work includes:

Championing smoke-free parks, playgrounds and other recreation areas
Working to educate the community about the importance of comprehensive restrictions on tobacco displays, advertising, and promotion
Assisting landlords and property managers to adopt smoke free housing policies to protect all tenants’ rights to breathe clean air
Offering quit assistance to current smokers
To learn more and find out how you can help, visit www.tobaccofreebt.org or call 607.778.3068

If you need help to quit smoking, call the New York Smokers’ Quitline at 1.866.NY.QUITS (1.866.697.8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com.

Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga is funded by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Use Prevention and Control. The goal of the TCP is to increase the capacity of Bureau funded partners to change tobacco policies and social norms. Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga is dedicated to building healthier communities through tobacco-free living and subscribe to the recommended CDC Conceptual Framework and Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs guidelines.

Posted: 12/15/2010 11:34 am

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