With Eagles Wings
Tobacco Prevention
| Dangers of Commercial Tobacco for Youth, Others and Prevention Tips |
Nearly every adult who smokes (almost 90%) took his or her first puff at or before the age of 18. 31% American Indian and Alaska Native youth report having used some form of tobacco in the last month. In a study of high school seniors, only 5% of those who smokes believed they would still be smoking two years after graduation. In fact, 75% were still smoking eight years later. The adolescent brain is more receptive than the adult brain to the addictive properties of nicotine-symptoms of dependence can occur after just one exposure to nicotine. Children and teenagers make up the majority of all new smokers, and the tobacco industry's advertising and promotion campaigns target young people. 43% of young people who smoke as few as 3 cigarettes go on to become regular smokers. Cigarette smoking by young people leads to serious health problems, including cough and phlegm production, an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness (both performance and endurance), adverse changes in blood cholesterol levels, and reduced rates of lung growth and function. In a recent national survey, American Indian and Alaska Native youth were more likely than youths from other racial/ethnic groups to smoke cigarettes during the last month.
For Youth Outsmart tobacco company advertisers--know the facts behind their slick invitations to smoke or dip. Be strong--Refuse cigarettes or spit tobacco even when offered by friends or relatives. Spend your money on something that won't enslave you, make you stink, give you diseases, hurt your relatives, or make you a fool of the tobacco industry. If you smoke or dip--Quit! Involve your family in the process by talking to them about why you're quitting and by asking for their help. Set a date and tell everyone you're quitting. Exercise to relieve stress. Stay away from situations in which you'll be tempted. If you mess up, be courageous. . .Try again! Check out these cool websites:
Youth Focused Websites
For Adult Relatives Be a good role model. Stay smoke-free and avoid giving commercial tobacco products to young people. If you smoke or dip--Quit! Talk to young family members about why you're quitting. Ask for their support. If you relapse, don't give up. Show strength and courage-- Try again. Tell youth that you don't approve of smoking or dipping and why. Keep your house smoke-free. If guests or household members must smoke, ask them to take it outside. Get informed about the harmful effects of smoking,dipping, and secondhand smoke so you can educate the If your tribe has a history of using traditional tobacco, teach the young people how it has been used in a good way and encourage them to respect tobacco by avoiding its non-sacred use. Support young people who want to quit. Go cold turkey as a family or participate in a cessation program For Advocates Work with tribes and communities to pass policies to restrict youth access by banning single-stick purchases, limiting point-of-sale advertising, removing self-service tobacco displays,and banning cigarette vending
machines. Advocate for the enforcement of tobacco sales and possession laws and for retailer education and
compliance checks. Educate youth about commercial and traditional tobacco. Facilitate youth-led counter
marketing and media campaigns. Provide culturally appropriate cessation programs and materials to Downloadable PDF Printable Versions
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