Norman Dascher, president of Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, wrote an op-ed that appeared in The Record in support of new legislation to raise the minimum legal sale age of tobacco products to 21.
From the op-ed:
Norman E. Dascher, Jr.
Sadly, the use of tobacco products remains the nation’s number one cause of preventable death, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for many forms of cancer, heart disease and stroke; and can also damage nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones. This is troubling, yet tobacco use is one of the risk factors that is modifiable. This is also an area where leadership by our local lawmakers and smart evidence-based public policies can make a difference.
Increasing the age of sale for tobacco products is a common-sense measure. The facts are clear: Smokers start as children. Approximately 95 percent of adults who smoke started smoking before the age of 21. This period is when the brain is developing, including the parts responsible for decision making, impulse control, sensation seeking, and susceptibility to peer pressure. Adolescents and young adults are therefore a critical population to target with evidenced-based, tobacco control strategies.
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In NYS, ten counties and the city of New York have passed Tobacco 21. Numerous major public health organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have endorsed Tobacco 21 policies.
It’s time for Rensselaer County legislators to heed the advice of the public health community and pass Tobacco 21.
On February 20, St. Peter’s Health Partners and its grant-funded program, Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities (CDTFC), will host a family-friendly, smoke-free movie night to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and the impact of the tobacco imagery shown in films.
On May 22, St. Peter’s Health Partners held a celebration to recognize members of the “50+ Year Club” – longtime employees who have been with the organization for more than 50 years. Congratulations to these 11 colleagues, and thank you for your incredible service!
E-cigarettes and vaping are rising in use and popularity among youth and young adults. It is important to know these tobacco products contain nicotine and are detrimental to a user’s health.
