Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Tobacco Prevention

African American Communities Experience a Health Burden From Commercial Tobacco

Commercial tobacco continues to stand as one of the greatest barriers to health equity for African American communities. While overall smoking rates have declined across the country, African American people continue to face disproportionate harm from tobacco use, not because they smoke more, but because of long-standing inequities, targeted marketing, and systemic barriers to care. The reality is stark: even though African American adults often smoke fewer cigarettes per day

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Cancer and Tobacco

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., responsible for nearly 1 in 5 cancer diagnoses. All forms of tobacco—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff—contain dangerous toxins and highly addictive nicotine. Understanding the risks can help you make informed choices about your health. Key Facts About Tobacco Use Tobacco in all forms carries devastating health risks—not just for users but for everyone exposed.

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Respiratory Care Settings and Smoking Cessation

Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease, impacting lung health at every stage of life. It is responsible for about 8 in 10 COPD-related deaths in the United States, worsens asthma in both adults and adolescents, and increases the risk for tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. Additional consequences include reduced lung function, impaired lung growth in youth, and heightened risk of respiratory cancers. Secondhand smoke is equally

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How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health

Cigarettes, cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco all negatively impact oral health, often in ways that are both painful and dangerous. Tobacco use is strongly linked to oral cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, lips, and gums. Cigarettes can cause gum disease, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. Cigars, even without inhaling, can cause mouth and throat cancers, while hookah (waterpipe tobacco) use is associated with lip and oral

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