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Study urges programs to prevent youth smoking

A new study recommends physicians play a more active role in the prevention and treatment of cigarette smoking in youth.

By Amy Wallace
New research from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care urges primary care physicians to play a more active role in the prevention and treatment of smoking in children and teens. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI
New research from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care urges primary care physicians to play a more active role in the prevention and treatment of smoking in children and teens. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Research from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care calls for action by primary care physicians in preventing smoking in children and teens.

The task force is an independent group

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The study is the first guideline from the task force on tobacco use by children and youth ages 5 to 18.

"Advice from primary care physicians and allied health care professionals is just one tool in the tool kit that society can use in the prevention and treatment of smoking, but it is a crucial tool for helping to reduce and prevent cigarette use among youth," Dr. Brett Thombs, chair-elect of the task force, chair of the guideline working group and author of the study, said in a press release.

"We have no doubt that doctors can work effectively alongside governments, parents and schools to educate children and youth on the harmful effects of smoking. However, we still need more research to identify the most effective ways for them to do this."

Studies show 18 percent of Canadian youth between grades 6 and 12 have tried cigarettes, with 3 percent in grade 6 and nearly 36 percent in grade 12. Almost 90 percent of adult smokers reported having tried cigarettes by the age of 18.

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Researchers recommend physicians talk to children and youth ages 5 to 18 and their parents about tobacco use and provide information and advice on how to prevent and treat smoking.

The report was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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