Mount Sinai Hospital reiterates importance of continuing to raise awareness of dangers of smoking among young people

Survey conducted for Mount Sinai Hospital shows 34% of smokers aged 16 to 17 smoke to feel like they fit in

MONTREAL, Jan. 20, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of Tobacco-Free Week in Quebec (January 19 to 25), Mount Sinai Hospital of Montreal is reiterating the dangers of tobacco uses, as well as related products such as e-cigarettes. The Hospital is alarmed by the fact that many Quebec smokers, especially younger smokers, remain oblivious to numerous efforts to inform them of the damaging health effects of smoking.

According to a Léger survey from July 4 to 14, 2013, of 1,004 Quebec smokers aged 16 and over, the results of which were announced in September, more than one-third smokers aged 16 to 17 smoked for feelings of belonging. With the growing popularity of products that can contain hidden amounts of nicotine, including e-cigarettes, every effort should be made to raise awareness among young people of the dangers associated with smoking. The Web survey, conducted for Mount Sinai Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of respiratory diseases, found that 65% of Quebec smokers took up the habit at age 17 or under, and that 27% of smokers aged 16 and 17 believe smoking poses little or no health risk.

Smoking-related respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the most common of which are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are the third cause of death in Quebec and kill one Canadian every hour. Worldwide, smoking is responsible for 22% of cancer deaths and 71% of lung cancer deaths, according to the WHO. The Commission d'étude sur les services de santé et les services sociaux du Québec reports that the direct and indirect health costs of smoking have reached $5 billion annually. Quitting smoking is the first step in preventing and treating COPD.

About Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal

Since it was established in 1909, Mount Sinai has always been synonymous with excellence. Today, the hospital is a state-of-the-art institution, specializing in respiratory care, palliative care and long-term care, accredited by Accreditation Canada with the designation "Exemplary Standing." Mount Sinai is a 107-bed, McGill University-affiliated hospital where innovative research and out-patient services play an increasingly key role.

At Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal, it's not just about what we do, it's how we do it. We take a global approach to health care that considers the patients' needs and their environment. We do more than treat patients: we care for people.

For more information, please visit www.sinaimontreal.ca.

SOURCE: Mount Sinai Hospital

Amélie Cliche
NATIONAL Public Relations
514-843-2339
[email protected]