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Oxford County Butts Out

Friday, 7 July 2017 07:35

In a recent survey by Public Health less than one fifth of Oxford County residents claim to be tobacco users.

A recent survey shows Oxford County residents are butting out when it comes to tobacco use.

Oxford County Public Health compiled a report as part of 'Oxford Health Matters,' a series drawing attention to health related issues in the county.

The survey revealed less than one fifth of respondents consider themselves daily or occasional smokers and 85% of homes reported being totally smoke free.

Of the people who do smoke, Melissa MacLeod with Public Health says most of them were not considered dependant on tobacco.

"Many of the daily smokers - so around 42% - may actually be good candidates for smoking cessation because they are low dependant so they are not smoking as many cigarettes daily and they're not smoking as soon after waking up."

Women and young adults were more likely to never try smoking. Tobacco Control Coordinator Gemma Urbani thinks the message about the health risks associated with tobacco has really reached youth.

"We do tend to see the age of initiation has changed over the years but a lot of it is role modeling. We know that smoking in movies has an effect on initiation in our youth and young adults but I think it might also be a generational thing."

Smoking tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death in Canada and has been linked to over 24 different diseases and conditions.

Oxford County Public Health does offer help to those who want to kick the habit.

The full report can be found online at oxfordcounty.ca

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