Those battling chronic disease at your state health
department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention struggle
every day with some alarming problems. Every day, 6,000 youth try cigarettes
for the first time–and one out of three smokers will die from the addiction.
Preteens who report they regularly eat meals, follow a family calendar, and
discuss free-time activities with their parents are less likely to smoke. And
more likely to live longer, healthier lives.
Most parents don't expect their child to smoke.
But youth are exposed to millions of misleading images glamorizing tobacco.
That's one reason one out of eight middle school students use tobacco.
Only you know how to parent your child. We can
only offer some potential ideas. But if you find a way to stay better connected
with your child, you can help us with our mission… and protect a future generation
against the ravages of tobacco-related disease.