Tobacco cessation pays off
In New York State, 25,000 adults die each year as a result of smoking, each losing 14 years of life on average. An additional half-million New Yorkers suffer from serious smoking-caused diseases, costing our citizens $22.4 million in medical expenses per day.
Happily, the number of smoking adults in New York State has dropped 28 percent since 2001. One important cause of this decrease has been the New York State Tobacco Control Program. Begun in 2000, its approach has proved to be effective, and it has a special focus on keeping kids from smoking. Bucking the national trend, here in the Empire State, adult smoking rates are the lowest on record.
Research shows that the amount states spend on comprehensive tobacco control programs is directly related to the number of smokers who quit.
Our Legislature is wielding the budget ax, as it should do, but it must be done thoughtfully. Preventing and reducing tobacco use are the most important public health actions that can be taken to improve the health of New Yorkers.
We must sustain this program. To do less is blowing more than smoke.
Anthony J. Cooper
President/CEO, Arnot Health
