Health

Tobacco Free Florida is Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Menthol Cigarettes

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World No Tobacco Day is May 31 

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida Program is raising awareness about the dangers of menthol cigarettes during World No Tobacco Day. Every year on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the public health community observe World No Tobacco Day to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate to reduce tobacco consumption.

This year, the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network’s (NAATPN) approach to World No Tobacco Day is “No Menthol Sunday.” Tobacco Free Florida is joining this important movement to educate Floridians about the added dangers of menthol cigarettes.

Evidence from once-secret tobacco industry documents shows that tobacco companies have deliberately targeted young people and African American populations with menthol cigarette advertising. In fact, data has shown that youth cigarette smokers, ages 12 to 17, use menthol at higher rates than adults, even those ages 18 to 25.

Menthol cigarettes provide a minty flavor and cooling sensation, thus covering up the taste of tobacco and reducing throat irritation caused by smoking.7 As a result, menthol cigarettes lead to increased smoking initiation among youth and young adults. Menthol cigarette smokers have greater addiction to tobacco and decreased success in quitting smoking, according to a report released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013.

“Many Floridians are unaware that menthol makes cigarette smoking easier to start and harder to quit,” said Tobacco Free Florida Bureau Chief Shannon Hughes. “We want to raise awareness about this serious concern and let menthol users know that while quitting can be difficult, the state has free services that can help significantly.”

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Tobacco Free Florida offers residents free services that can double a tobacco user’s chances of successfully quitting.  Tobacco Free Florida’s 3 Free & Easy Ways to Quit include:

  • CALL: Call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach® who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.
  • CLICK: Tobacco Free Florida’s online cessation tool can be accessed at tobaccofreeflorida.com/webcoach.
  • COME IN: Local face-to-face help is available with the help of Area Health Education Centers, find one near you at tobaccofreeflorida.com/ahec.
  • For more information, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.

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The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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