Among the many irons Healthier Lyon County has in the fire is ongoing work to reduce tobacco use.
Part of that effort includes study into what’s called thirdhand smoke, especially when it pertains to childcare, as Healthier Lyon County member Teresa Briggs detailed on KVOE’s Morning Show this week. She says this comes as part of a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Grant.
Thirdhand smoke can be responsible for ear infections, asthma and other respiratory issues. Briggs says Healthier Lyon County’s role is in working with childcare providers to get them resources and information about thirdhand smoke, and also to encourage providers to talk with parents about the related health concerns.
Separately but related to a degree, Healthier Lyon County is getting information out about No Menthol Sunday, which is May 21 and is part of a faith-based initiative through The Center for Black Health & Equity. Briggs says the day is designed to counteract messaging and ads targeted towards minorities, mainly African Americans, for decades before the Food and Drug Administration announced a rule-making process banning the sale of tobacco products with any “characterizing” flavors like menthol two years ago.
