Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Commercial Tobacco Control Framework

Minnesota’s recent commercial tobacco prevention efforts, led by community advocates and local public health, have driven innovative policy, systems, and environmental changes centered on health equity. These efforts include local communities passing Tobacco 21 laws before federal and state legislation, policies prohibiting the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol, starting in 2017, and […]

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 […]

Tobacco

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Each year, cigarette smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths, including around 41,000 nonsmoking adults and 400 infants who succumb to the dangers of secondhand smoke. While the number of adult smokers has significantly decreased over the past fifty […]

CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® Launches New Ads to Encourage People to Quit Smoking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Tips From Former Smokers® (Tips®) campaign returns this year with a fresh set of advertisements aimed at encouraging people to quit smoking. The campaign offers free resources to support adults in their journey to quit smoking, providing practical tools and inspirational stories. Proven to be highly effective, […]

Health and Economic Benefits of Tobacco Use Interventions

Why Say No to Tobacco? Using commercial tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Here’s why quitting or avoiding tobacco can significantly improve your health and well-being: 1. Protect Your Body: Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in your body. It is a major cause of: 2. […]