(Monticello, NY) - Tobacco control can break the cycle of poverty, contribute to ending hunger, promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth, and combat climate change. Increasing taxes on tobacco products can also be used to finance universal health coverage and other development programs of the government.
But it’s not only governments who can step up tobacco control efforts: people can contribute on an individual level to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world. People can commit to never take up tobacco products. Those who do use tobacco can quit the habit, or seek help in doing so, which will in turn protect their health as well as people exposed to second-hand smoke, including children, other family members and friends. Money not spent on tobacco can be spent to include the purchase of healthy food, healthcare and education. ( http://www.who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco-day/2017/event/en/ )
Did you know? Tobacco growing requires large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, which can be toxic and pollute water supplies. Each year, tobacco growing results in 10.6 million acres in global deforestation between 2% and 4%. Tobacco manufacturing also produces over 2 million tons of solid waste.
Visit the Government Center lobby in Monticello on World No Tobacco Day,
May 31, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,
and talk to Sullivan County Public Health Services for free quit-smoking information and ask about
the free nicotine patch program, or call 845-513-2222