National Public Health Week Addresses Tobacco Use

Secondhand smoke leading cause of preventable death in U.S.

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By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Apr 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - When it comes to tobacco in Alaska, Natives are much more likely to use, and those living in rural parts of the state use at double the rate of those living in Anchorage, according to health officials.

For National Public Health Week UAA students gathered to discuss the issue.

The hour-long panel included faculty, staff and community partners, and covered the dangers of smoking and the benefits of a smoke-free campus.

In fact, according to the American Public Health Association, secondhand smoke is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, triggered by even brief exposure.

More than 50,000 non-smokers in the U.S. died last year as a result of lung cancer and heart disease.

Young adults in particular have higher rates of tobacco use than the general population, and for many UAA students, the numbers hit close to home.

In our next installment for National Public Health Week, health officials will tackle the importance of immunizations.
 

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Anonymous said on Wednesday, Apr 4 at 3:09 PM

Take a picture of the lungs...that will make you Quit...

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