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Tobacco Control Program Newsletter |
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During your 4th of July celebrations, did you notice cigarette butts on the beach? Did secondhand smoke irritate someone's asthma?
Cigarette butt litter is often found at beaches, parks, sidewalks, and parking lots. They are the highest form of plastic waste in the world. Cigarette butts are tiny but deadly. They can take up to 10 years to completely degrade, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
E-cigarette waste pollution is a growing problem. Read about a garbology study in California that collected electronic cigarette, combustible tobacco product, and cannabis product waste from 12 high schools.Ā
Contact your Regional Coordinator for free help to strengthen your tobacco free policy. Coordinators are here to provide resources to our community partners. Find our Share the Air partners that have gone smoke-free, vapor-free, and tobacco-free!
To the right is Natalie, the Regional Coordinator from the Northern Region, at the Men's Health Empowerment Expo held last month at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria, VA.Ā
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We want to know YOUR thoughts on our Tobacco Free Tuesdays Webinar Series and program Newsletter. Please take five minutes to complete our communications survey so we can continue to deliver content and resources that matter to YOU!Ā |
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Meet Our TCP Partners: Dr. Hong Xue
Dr. Hong Xue is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy at the College of Public Health, George Mason University, and the Chair of the Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia (TFAV).
With substantial funding from prestigious organizations such as NIH, NSF, Virginia Foundation for Health Youth, etc. Dr. Xue leads innovative interdisciplinary health research. His work integrates health economics, epidemiology, systems science, health informatics, and artificial intelligence to tackle non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs).
Dr. Xue's innovative research in tobacco use prevention and control spans from regulatory policy to novel behavioral interventions. He utilizes simulation modeling to assess the impact of tobacco policies, such as retail outlet licensing and product taxation, and leverages AI and mixed reality to personalize tobacco cessation interventions. His research has been widely published in top journals and featured in national media such as US News.
His expertise offers valuable insights into policy impacts and behavioral factors, significantly contributing to domestic and global tobacco control efforts. As Chair of TFAV, Dr. Xue plays an active role in promoting tobacco control and prevention initiatives across Virginia.
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Journey to Freedom: Overcoming Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction
Breaking free from tobacco and nicotine addiction is a journey that requires determination and support. For someone dependent on these substances, the struggle, and the hold they can have on oneās life are all too familiar. The first step is acknowledging the problem and setting a clear intention to quit. Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can provide the encouragement needed to stay on track.
Identifying triggers and finding healthy alternatives, like exercise or hobbies, can help manage cravings. Professional help, such as counseling or nicotine replacement therapy, both offered by Quit Now Virginia, can also be beneficial. Itās essential to stay patient and practice self-compassion, understanding that setbacks may happen, but they are part of the process. Celebrating small victories and staying focused on the goal of a healthier, nicotine-free life can make all the difference. Freedom from addiction is possible, and the journey is worth it.
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Data Highlight
These data are sourced from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey, 2022 Data Release. Visualization created by the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Population Health Data.
Virginia has a long history of tobacco farming and manufacturing of tobacco products. As a result, Virginia and its neighbor states face similar tobacco policy, use, and cessation challenges. How does Virginia compare to its neighbors related to the percent of adults who smoke? Virginia has the second lowest adult smoking rate compared to its neighbor states at 12.1% (see map above). Additionally, Virginia ranks 16th out of 50 states nationwide in 2022. Three of the states bordering Virginia have the highest adult smoking rates in the country - Kentucky (46th), Tennessee (48th), and West Virginia (50th).Ā
Continued efforts to reduce tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure are critical. We can all take positive steps toward Virginia becoming the healthiest state in the nation. These include promoting healthy-living policies and referring to Quit Now Virginia services.
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Free help to quit tobacco.
Quit Coaches available for support.
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Online education for adults.
A resource for youth & young adults.
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- Becoming a Tobacco Free Worksite,
- Referring your patients and clients proactively to Quit Now Virginia,
- Finding your local tobacco and nicotine coalition, or
- Scheduling a tobacco and nicotine related training for your staff or community.
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