Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say

In a statement Friday, Dec. 30, the New York State Department of Health urged residents to stop using the “highly addictive and dangerous” products.

“According to research, both e-cigarette users and those who are exposed to secondhand emissions may experience long-term health issues,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said.

“I encourage New Yorkers who use e-cigarettes to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to quit using e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, which contain highly addictive nicotine, in order to prevent long-term harm to people’s health.”

The department went on to cite a new Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) report that found that among New York adults, the highest rate of e-cigarette use is among those between the ages of 18 and 24, at 10.6 percent. 

That’s more than triple the e-cigarette use rate for adults 25 and older, officials said.

According to the health department, tobacco use continues to be a serious public health issue, with more than 22,000 people in New York State dying from smoking- and secondhand-smoking-related diseases each year.

Those interested in quitting smoking were encouraged to visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline website. 

Click here to follow Daily Voice Monroe and receive free news updates.