As the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continues to spread awareness of
cardiovascular health during American Heart Month, our Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) is stressing
the connection between heart health and tobacco because smoking, in any amount, contributes to
heart disease. African Americans are not only more likely than other groups to develop heart
disease, but they're also most likely to die from it.
Though the overall number of people who smoke has decreased in recent years, the percentage who
smoke menthol cigarettes has increased because menthol interacts with chemicals in the brain,
making them more addictive. An estimated 70% of African American smokers ages 18-34 used menthol
cigarettes, compared to 39% of White adults in that same age group, in 2018- 2019, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 1980 and 2018, 1.5 million African Americans
began smoking menthol cigarettes, and 157,000 died early as a result.
African Americans who smoke menthol cigarettes may also be less successful in quitting than others
because they are more likely to face barriers when trying to find quit smoking services.
"We know that smoking is not good for your health, "said Tiffany Johnson, Interim OTC Director. "We
want to arm you with facts and provide you with the free support you deserve. Come to the county
health department and get your blood pressure checked. At the same time, we can help you stop
smoking by connecting you to our Quitline."
The OTC encourages all Mississippians to engage in heart healthy behavior. Eating a balanced diet,
exercising regularly, controlling your blood pressure, and quitting smoking will lower your risk of
heart disease.
"Our agency offers many ways to support you in your health journey, Andre Nathaniel-Project
Director for The Mississippi Tobacco free Coalition of Hinds County. We understand the importance of
meeting folks where they are. Look for us in your community. We're here for
you."
For information about the dangers of cigarettes, visit www.healthyms.com/tobacco. For help
with quitting visit www.quitlinems.com, or call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at
l-800-QUIT-NOW.
