Surgeon General Fact Sheet
The Surgeon General delivered a report in early March 2012 on the growing need to make the next generation tobacco free. The main points in the report include:
- Everyday more than 1,200 people in the U.S. die from smoking. These people are then replaced by at least two youth or young adults as regular smokers.
- Tobacco companies are targeting youth more now with their new forms or smokeless tobacco that look like candy products: Orbs, sticks, and strips
- Nearly 9 out of 10 smokers start smoking before they graduate high school.
- Within an hour, tobacco companies have spent more than $1 million to market their products.
- Among the youth that continue to smoke, 1/3 will die prematurely from smoking.
A video contest has been launched inviting youth ages 13-17 and young adults age 18-25 to submit videos featuring findings from the report. Grand prize winners will receive $1,000 and three runners up will receive $500 for each age group. Submission deadline is April 20, 2012. Visit challenge.gov for complete details.
--Free People from Tobacco, serving Fremont, Montgomery, Page, & Taylor Counties
Brandy Powers
Youth Coordinator
Phone: 712-246-2332
E-Mail: pcphbp@mediacombb.net