The city’s Department of Public Health is ready to kick some butts during next week’s National Kick Butts Day (March 20th) by offering virtual classes to help residents stay nicotine free and help them kick the smoking and/or vaping habit.
Public health educators said its important for El Pasoans to work to keep those numbers low especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand that the new normal has created stressful times for just about everyone in our community and this can lead to dependence on substances like nicotine. It can also trigger relapses for those who have quit in the past who are looking for artificial relief,” said City Health Educator Rosalyn Negron.
Public Health educators are offering free online virtual classes that focus on the dangers of tobacco/smoking and the prevention of nicotine addiction. Tobacco products produce an increased risk of:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Cancers
- High cholesterol
- Gum Disease
According to the FDA and CDC released findings from the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey:
- Between 2019 and 2020 approximately 1.7 million fewer youth reported using tobacco products
- 9 out of 10 adult smokers tried their first cigarette before the age of 18
- In 2020, 1 of 5 high school students used electronic cigarettes
- Each day 1,600 youth will try their first cigarette
- In 2020, 3 out of every 100 middle school students and 8 out of every high school students reported using two or more tobacco products
“National Kick Butts Day” is organized by The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids created in 1996. One of the goals is to encourage parents to talk to their children about the negative effects and danger of smoking.
For more information or if interested in the virtual classes visit EPHealth.com under the Health Education and Promotion services tab or call (915) 212-6602.
