New Teen Smoking Statistics: Should We Be Happy?

Teen Smoking Is Dropping but...

Yes, we are all happy that more and more teens are avoiding smoking. The fact is, however, too many are still engaging in this behavior. While we want to avoid being negative about hearing (even the smallest of) changes in teen smoking behavior, the facts still indicate...


...that out of approximately 700,000 teens in Minnesota, over 140,000 have smoked in the past 30 days!

Here's a copy of the new MDH report:

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced results of a new survey showing that tobacco use among Minnesota's teens continues to decline. The 2008 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey provides a wide range of data on tobacco use among teens over the past three years.

Among the findings:

• The percentage of middle school students who used any tobacco products in the past 30 days fell from 9.5 percent to 6.9 percent.

• The percentage of middle school students who smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days fell from 5.2 to 3.4 percent.

• The percentage of high school students using any tobacco products fell from 29.3 percent to 27.0 percent.

• The percentage of high school students who smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days fell from 22.4 to 19.1 percent.

Now Against Smoking: Former Winston Cigarette Star Become Anti-Smoking Activist

Former Smoking Ad star now promote anti-smoking campaigns

Dave Goerlitz was a model for Winston cigarettes longer than any other spokesperson.Then in November, 1988, Dave took an historic stand against the tobacco industries by condemning their targeting and selling their lethal products to kids around the world.

He testified before Congress that when he asked an RJR representative if he smoked he replied, "We don't smoke that stuff, we just sell it. We reserve the right to smoke for the young, poor, black, and stupid."

He's basically a legend. I had the opportunity to see him speak at the Wisconsin State Tobacco Control conference in Madison Wisconsin. He's totally crazy, but was a great story, and is a great activist. His story is second to none. You can check out his website and his book.

Top Reasons Why Young Children Think About Smoking

Why Do Children Smoke?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4000 youths (between the ages of 12-17 ) each day in the U.S. initiate cigarette smoking. The following are the top 5 reason why children think about trying tobacco:

1. Family use: They see other family members smoking.
2. Peer Use: They have friends who have tried smoking.
3. Media Advertisements: This includes children seeing smoking in movies etc.
4. Availability: Easy availability of tobacco products.
5. Self-esteem: Children who do not like who they are often trying smoking as a way to fit in.