To the editor:
“No Menthol Sunday” is an annual observance to help people escape the devastating impact of tobacco use, particularly menthol cigarettes. In 2020, it takes place this Sunday, May 17th.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law in June 2009, gave the Federal Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products. This law made the sale of most flavored additives including fruit and candy flavoring illegal, but exempted menthol-flavored cigarettes. Menthol-flavored cigarettes have been shown to be preferred by most youth and young adult tobacco users because they are perceived as less harsh and easier to smoke.
Many faith communities across America have aligned themselves with this movement as an expression of their belief in the good stewardship of the human body and to call for just laws and regulations to protect those who are at risk of becoming addicted to a substance that will reduce both the quality and quantity of their lives.
Personally, several members of my extended family have died prematurely or currently experience significant health deficits due to tobacco use. Professionally, as a health-care chaplain, I have seen firsthand the damaging and chronic effects of tobacco use. The costs in lives and dollars to our society is enormous. Most would agree that tobacco, when used as intended, is deadly.
I urge our community’s congregational pastors to declare the value of a tobacco-free life during their programming this Sunday. I encourage our faith communities to address tobacco use just as strongly as they address other self-destructive lifestyle choices. They should educate their young people about the danger of these products (including vaping) and urge them to never start using them. Adults can inspire the next generation by rejecting all tobacco products for themselves, including flavored products such as menthol cigarettes.
Taking one Sunday a year is a good first step. A more immediate step leading to freedom and better health is to call the Indiana Tobacco Quitline toll-free at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
If not now, then when?
Russel Jarvis
Greenfield
Russel Jarvis is chaplain at Hancock Regional Hospital
