HU HOSTS TOBACCO AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Impact of tobacco use on African Americans is event’s focus

Date: July 7, 2004
Source: Hampton University Website
2004-2005 Press Releases

Hampton, VA - In an effort to encourage a tobacco-free lifestyle, Hampton University's Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation will host Summer Fest 2004 on Wednesday, July 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center.

"Black is Beautiful:...For Faces, Not Lungs! Save Your Beauty" is this year's theme, and organizers set to increase the awareness of the impact of tobacco use on African Americans.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include exhibits by the Coalition for a Smoke Free Peninsula, Cancer Prevention Coalition of the Virginia Peninsula, Child Safety Coalition of the Peninsula, Hampton University Nursing Center, Peninsula Healthcare – Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, and many more. Educational materials and a variety of promotional items will be available.

"Smoking rates are starting to increase among African-American high school students and college-age men and women," said Dr. Marilyn J. Wells, an HU assistant professor. "Many are not aware of the health, economic, and social effects of smoking and secondhand smoke on African Americans."

According to a recent Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups, the tobacco industry attempts to maintain a positive image and public support among African Americans by supporting cultural events and making contributions to minority higher education institutions, elected officials, civic and community organizations, and scholarship programs. Also, according to the Report and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, a one-year study found that three major African-American publications — Ebony, Jet, and Essence — received proportionately higher profits from cigarette advertisements than did other magazines.

"Many are not aware that lung cancer – not breast cancer – is the No. 1 cause of cancer death among African-American women. African-American men have the highest death rate for lung cancer, and smoking is a major cause of heart disease and stroke," Wells said.

Summer Fest 2004 will also include "Save Your Beauty" information for water safety, preventing injury, accessing health care, and responsible sexual behavior.

The event is co-sponsored by Healthy Hamptonians 2010 through grants from the Virginia Department of Health, Tobacco Use Control Program and American Cancer Society, Mid-Atlantic Region. The "Healthy Hamptonians 2010" initiative is in support of our national health agenda "Healthy People 2010." The goals at Hampton University include improving the quality of life through collaborative efforts that promote healthy behaviors and creating a healthy environment. The initiative also stresses the importance of reducing health disparities through multidisciplinary efforts that empower individuals to make informed health care decisions and promoting access to high-quality and culturally-competent health care.

For more information, contact Wells at 757-727-5207 or at marilyn.wells@hamptonu.edu