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Kansas Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Tobacco addiction is something that often happens early in life as children try a cigarette to look “cool” or to fit in with their friends. Some may feel sick when they first smoke and decide it is not for them. Others may keep trying until they “get it right” and then they are hooked and the addiction begins. Ninety percent of smokers start using tobacco regularly at or before 18 years of age.
Secondhand smoke also endangers children’s health. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. They also have more ear infections and are more likely to develop asthma.
The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids is an organization that seeks to protect children from tobacco addiction and exposure to secondhand smoke. The primary goals are to: 1) Alter the public’s acceptance of tobacco by deglamorizing tobacco use and countering tobacco industry marketing to youth and other practices, 2) Change public policies at federal, state and local levels to protect children from tobacco, and, 3) Increase the number of organizations and individuals fighting against tobacco.
If you know someone who needs help, call the Kansas Tobacco Quitline, 1-866-KAN-STOP, a 24 hour hotline with trained counselors to provide information and assistance in helping people become tobacco free.
Linda Timme RD, LDHealth and Wellness CommitteeFirst United Methodist ChurchPittsburg, KS
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