Results for: Tobacco control

The American Lung Association marks its 120th anniversary, highlighting its contributions to public health and the lives it has improved. Founded in 1904, the organization has advocated for lung health awareness, research, and education. Over the decades, the Lung Association has made significant strides in fighting tuberculosis, promoting tobacco control, advocating for clean air, and improving the lives of those with lung diseases. Today, it focuses on defeating lung cancer, creating a tobacco-free future, championing clean air, and enhancing the quality of life for those with lung ailments.

In a unanimous decision, the Minneapolis City Council has imposed a landmark minimum retail price of $15 per pack for cigarettes. This sweeping ordinance aims to promote public health by deterring smoking and preventing retailers from circumventing the price floor through discounts and coupons. Additionally, the distribution of free samples has been prohibited. The move positions Minneapolis as the city with the highest cigarette prices in the United States, surpassing New York City’s $13 minimum. The ordinance, authored by Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, is supported by Council President Andrea Jenkins, who credits increased cigarette prices as a catalyst for her own smoking cessation. Penalties for violating the ordinance range from fines to license suspensions and revocations.

In a groundbreaking move, England has voted to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death globally, with devastating consequences for individuals, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. This bold step is a critical measure to safeguard the health and well-being of future generations.

The number of children admitted to hospitals in England with vaping-related disorders has surged in recent years, with a significant increase in teenagers admitted. In 2023, 50 children were admitted, including 11 preschoolers aged four or under. The rise in child vaping is attributed partly to child-friendly flavors, and experts warn that young vapers are more likely to transition to smoking. Health advocacy groups urge the government to take action to prevent the vaping industry from targeting children.