The CDC has proclaimed
the week of February 15–21, 2015, as "Through with Chew Week" in an
effort to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco. In 2013, 5.7% of high school students in the
United States used smokeless tobacco. The public awareness campaign is designed
to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.
The Van Buren County
Youth Leadership Council (YLC) has chosen to join the effort of the CDC to make
sure that members of their community understand the dangers of smokeless tobacco. During this week they will be spreading the
message with different activities in the community. Educators will be addressing youth about
health risks commonly associated with this type of tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco is
not a safe alternative to cigarettes, as some young people believe, and it is
even more habit forming because it contains a higher concentration of nicotine
than cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco can
cause oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums, and throat. In addition,
smokeless tobacco is addicting. The use
of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral problems, such as mouth sores,
gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent discoloration of teeth.
No comments:
Post a Comment