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mailmanThis week (October 15-19) is National Health Education Week and a focus on improving the health and future of America’s youth is more important than ever. Establishing a healthy start in life improves a young person's likelihood of becoming a healthy adult, and reduces the risk for chronic disease caused by obesity and tobacco use.

The importance of raising a tobacco free generation has never been greater and we have the tools to make it happen. A marked reduction in youth tobacco use is indisputable and significant progress has been made however, there are still too many young people using tobacco.

According to the Surgeon General, youth are vulnerable to social and environmental influences to use tobacco; messages and images that make tobacco use appealing to them are everywhere. This week, in support of National Health Education Week and in support of our future, let’s do our part to reduce those influences.

Emily Cowan
Tobacco Education Coordinator
Tompkins County Health Department
Ithaca, NY
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