Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Substance Abuse Prevention

Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States

Cigarette smoking among adults has decreased over recent decades. Most adult tobacco users continue to use combustible products, with cigarettes remaining the most widely used type. E-cigarettes are the second most commonly used tobacco product, and their use among adults rose between 2019 and 2022. Certain population groups favor specific types of tobacco products more than others. For instance, adults aged 18–24 years have the highest rates of e-cigarette use,

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Game Changers: How Sports Teams Can Lead the Fight Against Tobacco

Sports teams have a broad, dedicated fan base that spans diverse demographics, making them ideal advocates for tobacco control, as their messages can quickly gain widespread attention. Athletes, admired and emulated especially by young people, can influence public attitudes toward tobacco use. Advocating for tobacco control aligns with the health-centric image of sports, enhancing the teams’ reputations as socially responsible and committed to community health. With established media platforms, event

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Marijuana linked to heart disease; supplement may mitigate risk, study reports

A large study led by Stanford Medicine researchers reveals that marijuana users face an elevated risk of heart disease and heart attacks. The study found that THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, promotes inflammation in endothelial cells lining blood vessels and causes atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. However, the inflammation and atherosclerosis can be countered by genistein, a small molecule naturally found in soy and fava beans. Notably, genistein has limited

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How Sports Teams Can Champion Tobacco Control: A Winning Strategy for Health and Community Impact

Involving sports teams in tobacco control policies, like Minnesota’s proposed flavor ban, can have a powerful impact by leveraging their broad reach and community influence. With a vast fan base and respected athletes, teams can effectively amplify health messages, reaching diverse audiences and inspiring young fans who see athletes as role models. Aligning with public health efforts allows teams to promote healthy living, showcase their commitment to community welfare, and

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