TULSA, OK – [May 30, 2013] – Kids who regularly see tobacco marketing in stores are more likely to become smokers. In honor of this year’s World No Tobacco Day on May 31, it’s important for the Tobacco Free Coalition of Tulsa County to point out the facts about tobacco marketing.
Youths who shop at stores with tobacco marketing at least twice a week are more than 60 percent more likely to start smoking than peers with less exposure to such displays, according to a study published in “Pediatrics,” the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It’s one of many studies that link tobacco advertising and marketing to increased tobacco use among children and teens. Each year, about 5,000 young Oklahomans under age 18 become daily smokers while approximately 6,200 Oklahoma adults die prematurely from their own smoking.
“Tobacco use kills thousands of Oklahoma friends, family and neighbors each year, and the tobacco industry replaces them by marketing its products to adolescents, teens and young adults,” said Paula Warlick, coalition chair. “Curbing our young ones’ exposure to tobacco marketing in stores, in glamorized media depictions and elsewhere, can help break this pattern.”
World No Tobacco Day is organized each year by the World Health Organization, which says tobacco use currently is responsible for one in 10 adult deaths worldwide.
Locally, the Tobacco Free Coalition is active in educating residents about the health dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke, encouraging policies that promote clean air, supporting 24/7 tobacco-free schools and prohibiting youth access to tobacco.
To learn more about the effect of tobacco marketing on youths and what is being done locally and statewide to counteract the industry’s influence, visit please visit www.stopswithme.com.
Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County
The Tobacco Free Coalition is a CX grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust serving Tulsa County and promoting smoke free environments, tobacco cessation and tobacco prevention. For more information about the Tobacco Free Coalition visit www.tulsa-health.org.
Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working toward shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health. For more information visit www.tset.ok.gov.
