Behavior Health and Wellness Blog
Overall, mortality rates among smokers in the United States are about three times higher than those of non-smokers, primarily due to smoking-related diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and vascular diseases. Smokeless tobacco also poses significant health risks, being a known cause of cancer and potentially increasing the risk of sudden death due to heart arrhythmias caused by nicotine. As the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,
Studies have shown a link between acute cannabis use and car crashes, though further research is needed. It is challenging to directly connect the presence of cannabis or the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis’s “high,” to driving impairment in individuals. Additionally, research indicates that using multiple substances, like cannabis and alcohol, simultaneously can significantly increase impairment. Cannabis impacts parts of the brain responsible for movement,
Cigarette smoking among adults has decreased over recent decades. Most adult tobacco users continue to use combustible products, with cigarettes remaining the most widely used type. E-cigarettes are the second most commonly used tobacco product, and their use among adults rose between 2019 and 2022. Certain population groups favor specific types of tobacco products more than others. For instance, adults aged 18–24 years have the highest rates of e-cigarette use,
Sports teams have a broad, dedicated fan base that spans diverse demographics, making them ideal advocates for tobacco control, as their messages can quickly gain widespread attention. Athletes, admired and emulated especially by young people, can influence public attitudes toward tobacco use. Advocating for tobacco control aligns with the health-centric image of sports, enhancing the teams’ reputations as socially responsible and committed to community health. With established media platforms, event