E-cigarettes: No smoke, but fiery debate over safety
A recent USA Today article provides an overview of conflicting study findings about the health effects of e-cigarettes, while also noting the products’ increased popularity and sales as well as the need for further investigation. E-cigarettes are quickly becoming the cheaper alternative to cigarettes. Sales in the U.S. are expected to reach up to $5 million this year. Studies have reported that e-cigarettes affect the lungs, but not the heart. It is also a public health concern that the various flavors offered in e-cigarettes are attractive to teens, and may lead them to nicotine addiction. The health effects of secondhand inhalation of vapors emitted from e-cigarettes are also unknown, and another issue discussed in the article is the conflicting opinions about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority to regulate the products. Click here to read more about the e-cigarette debate.

Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of national findings
A new summary report of the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been released. NSDUH is an annual population survey of non-institutionalized civilians over 12 years old in the United States. The report contains information about the prevalence of use and other measures related to illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. Data regarding underage tobacco use including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, and pipe tobacco shows that use of these products among respondents 12-17 years old has declined from 15.2% in 2002 to 10% in 2011. Click here to access the full report. To access a summary of the findings and corresponding tables, click here.

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps has announced the release of What Works for Health
What Works for Health is an “online searchable menu of policies and programs focusing on factors that make communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play.” It was developed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and it allows local leaders to choose a health factor of interest and browse through the evidence ratings for particular programs, policies, or system changes that address the specific health factor. Click here to read more about this resource.

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