Access to quality healthcare for children is forwarded by the availability of good healthcare information. With this year\u2019s release of a new surgeon general\u2019s report on secondhand smoke, the following information should be shared with patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Surgeon General released new evidence this year-July 2006-supporting the fact that secondhand smoke, smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker, represents a dangerous health hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new report states that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Although secondhand smoke is dangerous to everyone, fetuses, infants, and children are at most risk. Even brief exposures can be harmful to children. This is because secondhand smoke can damage developing organs, such as the lungs and brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talk to your children about smoking; they\u2019ll be less likely to smoke than if you ignore the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Support tobacco education in the schools and ban all smoking on school grounds, on school buses, and at school-sponsored events for students, school personnel, and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask that schools enforce the policy and consistently administer penalties for violations and that this is communicated in written and oral form to students, staff, and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vote for public smoking restrictions as an important component of the social environment that supports healthy behavior, reducing the number of opportunities to smoke, and making smoking less socially acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Support tax increases on tobacco products so young people cannot afford them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your friends smoke, ask them in a caring way to quit or at least not to smoke around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peers, siblings, and friends are powerful influences on you and others. Understand that the most common situation for first trying a cigarette is with a friend who already smokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Work together to uphold restrictions on tobacco advertising<\/p>\n\n\n\n
and promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: Children are Hurt by Secondhand Smoke. A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006; Available at: www.surgeongeneral.gov\/library\/secondhandsmoke\/factsheets\/factsheet2.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CDC. Tobacco Use, Access & Exposure to Tobacco Among Middle & High School Students, US 2004 MMWR. Vol. 54(12) April 2005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n American Legacy Foundation. 2004 National Youth Tobacco Survey. 2005<\/p>\n\n\n\n CDC. Cigarette Use Among High School Students \u2013 United States, 1991-2003. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2004; 53(23): 499-502.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King C, Siegel M. The Master Settlement Agreement with the Tobacco Industry and Cigarette Advertising in Magazines. New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345: 504-511.<\/p>\n\n\n\n