MDQuit News Archive - March 2010

The Addictive Effects of Smokeless Tobacco - March 22, 2010
A recent study conducted in Sweden found that smokeless tobacco is just as addicting as cigarettes. In fact, those who used smokeless tobacco exclusively showed more symptoms of addiction compared to those who smoked cigarettes exclusively, including feeling addicted to tobacco, using tobacco on the day of the survey, and trying to quit a fewer amount of times. Read more here.

New Parents Are More Accepting of Cessation Efforts - March 8, 2010
A recent study found that expecting parents who are informed of the harmful effects of smoking just prior to delivery and during the postpartum hospital stay were almost three times more likely to attempt cessation than those receiving no information. In the study, one group received no extra contact, while the other was visited during the postpartum hospital stay and invited to enroll in a  telephone counseling program. The birth of a child can be both a joyous occasion as well as a "teachable moment." Read more here. 

Smoking Increases the Chances of Esophageal and Stomach Cancer - March 8, 2010
A longitudinal study conducted by Dutch researchers found that smoking increased a person's risk of contracting certain stomach cancers by a range of 60% to 263%. They also found that regular alcohol consumption only increased the risk for one form of esophageal cancer, while smoking increased the risk for four different cancers both in the esophagus and stomach. Read more here.

The Risks Associated With Third-Hand Smoke - March 8, 2010
Third-hand smoke is the chemical residue left on surfaces from smoke. It can be found on clothes, skin, upholstery, and much more. It can than react with other pollutants in the environment to form toxic chemicals, which can be absorbed through the skin, creating a potential risk for cancer. Read more here.

The Benefits of Raising Tobacco Taxes $1 - March 8, 2010
If every state raised their cigarette taxes by $1, it would generate an extra $9.1 billion in national revenue a year. An approximate 2,337,300 children would be deterred from smoking, and there potentially could be a great reduction in the health care expenses associated with smoking. For more estimates like this from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids,  click here.

Spanish Ads Increase Quitline Cessation Rates - March 1, 2010
A study involving the Colorado Quitline found a significant increase in Latino callers after running a Spanish-language media campaign, with a doubling of six-month abstinence rates for Latinos. Read more here.  

Maryland a Magnet for Tobacco Smugglers - March 1, 2010
With recent increases in Maryland's tobacco taxes have come an increase in tobacco smuggling. Surrounding states, primarily Virginia, have significantly cheaper taxes, making access to cheaper tobacco products almost effortless. While total numbers are difficult to accurately estimate, the  Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a pro-markets think tank suspects that about half of the cigarettes smoked in Maryland are contraband. Read more here. 

Lack of Funds for Cancer Research - March 1, 2010
Due to the decline in smokers, Maryland is receiving less Cigarette Restitution Fund money. As a result of this and recent budget cuts, cancer research and substance abuse programs are being forced to find alternative funding options. Read more here.