Kick Butts Day, March 15 Annual campaign to stop tobacco use by young people

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 13, 2017

LAS VEGAS – Wednesday, March 15 is national Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to stop tobacco use by children and young adults. As conventional cigarette use by young people continues to decline in Clark County but use of e-cigarettes is gaining in popularity, the Southern Nevada Health District and its partners continue to educate and empower young people to be their own best advocates and lead the effort to stop youth tobacco use.

Currently, the youth conventional cigarette smoking prevalence in Clark County is at an all time low of 5.9 percent; however, e-cigarette use among teens is 24.8 percent. This youth prevalence can be attributed to unregulated advertising, celebrity endorsements, and false claims about the products. These products are not safe and have the same or similar health risks as cigarette smoking, according to recent research. More information on e-cigarettes and the public health challenges they pose are available in this video featuring Dr. Joe Iser, the Health District’s Chief Health Officer: https://youtu.be/yVr3OjXns4k.

Many teens believe that e-cigarettes are safer than conventional cigarettes due to unrestricted marketing and lack of regulation of these products. E-cigarettes emit aerosol that contains chemicals that are classified as cancer-causing toxins. E-cigarettes have not been proven to be effective in helping people quit smoking and are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration as smoking cessation devices.

The Health District’s Tobacco Control Program combats youth tobacco use by developing programs that go beyond traditional methods, such as extensive social marketing programs, teen-focused counter-advertising activities, and community outreach programs that reach into diverse communities. By using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Best Practices models, the Tobacco Control Program has developed activities and policy efforts that have contributed to a significant decrease in youth and adult smoking rates, expanded programs directed toward diverse communities, and increased knowledge of the dangers of secondhand smoke and emerging tobacco products.

Smokers (including youth ages 13 and up) can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW for free assistance to help quit smoking. They can speak with a professional, licensed counselor for confidential assistance. Smokers can also visit the Health District’s Get Healthy Clark County website, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org to find tips to help quit smoking and additional resources.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.