YKHC’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation department wants to share some important information from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) commonly known as the coronavirus (COVID-19) and striving to be the healthiest people during the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 is known to attack the lungs. Anything that weakens the lungs puts individuals at greater risk and could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco, cannabis and those who use e-cigarettes.

The harmful impact of smoking on the lungs is well documented. There is conclusive evidence that smoking increases the risk for respiratory infections, weakens the immune system and is a major cause of a number of chronic health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence that e-cigarettes can also harm lung health. These factors individuals that smoke tobacco, cannabis and who use e-cigarettes at greater risk when confronted with the coronavirus. 

Anyone with compromised lung function or lung disease related to smoking history, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), could be at risk for serious complications of COVID-19.

There has never been a better time for not only smokers to quit but for anyone using any form of tobacco, including e-cigarettes as well as chewing tobacco and iqmik. This will help protect the overall health and wellness of the individual

YKHC is working harder than ever to prevent and reduce the use of all tobacco products and create the first tobacco-free generation. Overcoming nicotine addiction is difficult to begin with and new stressors as well as anxiety may be a trigger, but we have resources to help. If you are interested in receiving support to stop using tobacco products, or looking for guidance on how to assist someone else stop, we are here to help. The Tobacco Prevention and Cessation department will continue to serve the YK-Delta, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. using FDA approved methods to assist anyone interested in gaining freedom from nicotine dependence. We can be reached at 907-543-6312 or 1-800-473-3321 extension 6312, as well as nicotinecontrol@ykhc.org.