Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Behavior Health
and Wellness Blog

Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist

Current tobacco use among U.S. middle and high school students has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). Over the past year, at least 500,000 fewer students reported using tobacco products, with 2.25 million students in 2024 compared to 2.80 million in 2023. This decline is […]

Diabetes and Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Smokers have a 30% to 40% higher chance of getting diabetes compared to non-smokers, with the risk rising the more you smoke. Nicotine in tobacco raises blood sugar levels, while the harmful chemicals in cigarettes cause inflammation, making it harder for the body to regulate […]

What Effect Does Smoking Have on Your Eyes and Macular Degeneration?

Smoking is a major risk factor for developing eye conditions like macular degeneration, but unlike aging or genetics, it’s a factor you can control. Research increasingly links environmental pollutants, including cigarette smoke, to eye diseases, with the CDC highlighting the connection between smoking and disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Smoking can negatively affect […]

Youth and Tobacco Use

Youth use of tobacco products in any form is dangerous and poses significant health risks, not just to the individual but to those around them as well. Preventing tobacco use among young people is essential to reducing overall rates of tobacco addiction, as the habit is often established during adolescence. In fact, nearly 9 out […]

Health Effects of Cigarettes: Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). In the U.S., coronary heart disease (CHD), caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, is the most common form of heart disease. This plaque, made up of cholesterol and […]

Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can impact the bone structure supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss in severe cases. Smoking is a major contributor to severe gum disease in the U.S. The condition begins with bacteria on your teeth that can slip beneath the gums, […]

Tobacco Use and Oral Health Facts

If you’re a smoker or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard all the usual warnings about lung health, but smoking’s impact on your oral health doesn’t get talked about as much. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and smoking can wreak havoc on it in ways that might surprise you. From stained […]

Smoking and Death

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, claiming countless lives every year. It’s a heartbreaking reality, but it’s also a call to action. By quitting smoking, you’re not just adding years to your life—you’re reclaiming your health, your freedom, and your future. Every cigarette you choose not to smoke […]

E-Cigarette Use Among Adults

Adults often view vaping or e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes or cigars. Many turn to e-cigarettes as a means of reducing their tobacco consumption or quitting smoking altogether. However, it’s important to note that e-cigarettes are not a healthy alternative for anyone, as they still pose significant health risks and concerns. Some […]