Tobacco Flavors Target Youth

Additional restrictions on flavored tobacco products would reduce youth use

ONONDAGA COUNTY, APRIL 10, 2024 – Tobacco flavors including menthol have long been used to hook youth on tobacco products. In addition to youth, flavored tobacco products have been heavily marketed to groups including the LGBTQIA+ community, and African Americans. These flavors can be found in multiple different tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, hookahs, and chewing tobacco. Common flavors include fruit flavors such as strawberry, peach, mango or candy flavors like cotton candy, blue razz and sour green apple. Other flavors include mint, cola, dessert flavors and menthol.

Tobacco companies often use flavors along with colorful packaging to encourage youth to start smoking. In 2014 there was a total of 7765 flavors and 466 brands available, since then the number has grown to over 15,000. Packaging plays an important role in marketing towards youth and tobacco products are often packaged to look like sweets and candy. Tobacco companies pair the packaging with attention grabbing names such as “Strawberry-ice”, “Strawberry- Kiwi’, “Blue Razz”, “Papa Smurf”, and “Cereal Killa”. These products are often placed at eye level, or next to candy, to make them even more tempting to youth.

Flavored tobacco products can make it easier for youth to start using by covering the harshness of tobacco. Once the youth start, nicotine addiction keeps them smoking into adulthood. Young adults aged 18-24 years are also choosing flavored products at a higher rate when compared to older adults. Data from 2023 shows that an estimated 2.8 million students in the U.S currently use tobacco products. However more than 2.1 million youth in the U.S. report using e-cigarettes, with flavored products being the most popular. The data also showed that while tobacco use has decreased among high school students, it has increased among middle school students.

Bans on flavored tobacco started back in 2009 with the Family Smoking and Tobacco Prevention Act. Since then, more policies and bans have gone into place at the federal, state and local levels, including a ban on some flavored products in New York State. Regulating, removing and prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol, and restricting advertising and promotion of tobacco are key to eliminating the sale of these products to youth and reducing youth initiation.

For more information about flavors and current laws, visit www.tobaccofreecny.org and www.tobaccofreenys.org. For free help quitting smoking or vaping, contact the New York State Smoker’s Quitline at 1-866-NY_QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com. For anonymous and confidential support to quit vaping, text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709.

Remains Identified as 5-Year-Old Nefertiti Harris

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 27, 2024 – The Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office announced today that preliminary autopsy results confirm the identity of the human remains recovered on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in the City of Syracuse as those of 5-year-old Nefertiti Harris.

An autopsy performed on March 27, 2024 determined the immediate cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.

Any additional inquires about this case should be directed to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Begins at Age 45: Free Screening Tests Available

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 20, 2024 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and close to 52,000 people die every year. National and New York State data show that 9 out of 10 of new colorectal cancer cases happen in adults aged 45 and older. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. People at higher risk may need to begin screening before age 45.

All people 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit that looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Other testing methods are available; talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stage. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer regularly is important to detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be PREVENTED with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for people age 45 and older who do not have health insurance. Take-home fecal tests, such as FIT Kit are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, a follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no cost to the patient. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, CSP staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) application process. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.  Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website to register for your free screening test.

Remember, if you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY Host Smoke-Free Movie Event

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 11, 2024 – On March 2, 2024, the Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY initiatives in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties collaborated to host a smoke-free movie event at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse, NY. The Reality Check team, composed of dedicated seniors from ITC High School, delivered a compelling speech on the negative effects of tobacco scenes in media, earning a round of applause from the audience. The event was a success, drawing over 100 community members in attendance.

The purpose of the event was to educate the community about the influence of tobacco imagery on screen, especially among youth.  Research indicates that when children are exposed to smoking scenes in movies, it can increase the likelihood of them experimenting with tobacco or nicotine products. This is because tobacco scenes in entertainment and pop culture can make smoking and vaping seem normal, and even appear glamorous. A study conducted by Truth Initiative in 2020 revealed that watching streaming shows containing smoking scenes might triple the chances of youth starting to vape.

In an effort to create positive change, members of Reality Check collected signatures both before and after screening the movie. Their goal was to urge the Motion Picture Association to assign an “R” rating to youth-oriented films featuring tobacco and e-cigarette imagery. Oro Hasan, a member of Reality Check, expressed pride in their initiative, stating “I thought the event was really impactful. A lot of the adults were very interested in giving their signatures when I explained what the cause was for. One lady even said she would sign a thousand if it meant that smoking wouldn’t be shown in children’s movies/TV shows.”

Before the movie, members of Reality Check hosted engaging activities in the lobby, offering games, educational materials, and valuable resources. The trivia game provided attendees with important statistics on the impact of tobacco, allowing them to learn key facts. Reality Check member Khoudia Cisse noted “Many people didn’t know about some significant facts regarding smoking, like 90% of adult smokers started before they were 18. Thanks to the smoke-free movie event, they got to learn this.” Reality Check member Miranda Azemi added “It’s vital to educate others on the impact that smoking on screen has on youth. Young consumers of film and online content are susceptible to believing what they see on screen is normal or even enjoyable. Education is the best prevention of young smoking because it teaches guardians to be wary of what they allow children to watch.”

Reality Check is a statewide, youth-led group that empowers members to speak out about the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry. For more information about Reality Check, visit realitycheckofny.org. Tobacco-Free CNY works to reduce illness, disability and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use.  For more information about Tobacco-Free CNY programs, visit tobaccofreecny.org.

For every $1 invested in tobacco control, New York State saves $11

Onondaga County tobacco control representatives meet with lawmakers to discuss NYS’s Tobacco Control Program

ONONDAGA COUNTY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 – On February 6th, Reality Check youth from the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, along with Onondaga County Health Department’s Tobacco-Free CNY staff and Tobacco Control Program partners from around the state traveled to the State Capitol for Legislative Education Day. Reality Check youth met with Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter and staffers from Senator Rachel May and Senator John Mannion’s offices. During each meeting, they discussed local tobacco control program successes and emphasized efforts to address high smoking rates among certain demographic groups.

ITC student Miranda Azemi believed it was a great experience. “My favorite part about our Albany trip was the connection we were able to make with the legislators; tobacco has had a direct or indirect impact in all of our lives through many generations. I specifically appreciated the feedback and advice Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter provided regarding the prevention of future tobacco-use in our communities.”

Since the Tobacco Control Program’s inception, the average adult smoking rate dropped by nearly half, from 23.2% in 2001 to 12% in 2021. The statewide average youth cigarette smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to 2.1% in 2020. However, there is more work to be done. One in five New York State high school students still use tobacco products due mostly to the use of e-cigarettes. And while the overall adult smoking rate is at an all-time low, certain demographic groups smoke at much higher rates. The fact is 30,000 New Yorkers still die every year from smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. And for every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite the Tobacco Control Program’s demonstrated success and identified unmet needs, the state’s funding for the Tobacco Control Program is just 2% of its annual tobacco revenue from tobacco product excise tax ($1.03B) and Master Settlement Agreement funds ($764M). Further, the CDC recommends New York State spend $203 million on tobacco control annually; the state spends $34.8 million, just 17% of CDC’s recommendation. According to a report on the New York State (NYS) Tobacco Control Program (TCP), for every $1 invested in tobacco control, New York saves $11.  Data shows for every $1 NYS spent on the TCP between 2001 and 2019, the state spent $11 less in healthcare expenditures attributed to smoking.

Members of Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check shared recent successes with state lawmakers.

  • E-cigarette use, or vaping rate, among NYS high school students declined from a peak of 27.4% in 2018 to 18.7% in 2022—a 32% decline.
  • The NYS average adult smoking rate dropped by 15% from 14.1% in 2017 to 12% in 2021.

Youth also highlighted areas of unmet needs.

  • 20.8% of NYS high school students still use tobacco products—primarily e-cigarettes at 18.7%.
  • Smoking rates among certain demographic groups in New York State hover around 65% higher than the statewide adult average. These include adults:
      • living with a disability at 17.4%,
      • enrolled in Medicaid at 19.1%,
      • with less than a high school education at 19.2%,
      • reporting frequent mental distress at 19.7%, and
      • with an annual household income under $25,000 at 20.0%.

The tobacco control representatives stressed the human cost of continued tobacco use.

Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and cigars, pose significant risk.
More than 80% of young people who ever used tobacco started with a flavored tobacco product.  In New York State, menthol cigarettes are used by over half of all adult smokers (52%), while 86% of Black and 72% of Hispanic smokers exclusively smoke menthol cigarettes.

Support is available for New Yorkers who want to quit smoking and vaping.
Talk to your health care provider today! Tobacco-free living increases the potential for better health outcomes and reduced health care costs. When health care professionals treat nicotine addiction with medication and counseling, it can double or even triple their patients’ chances of success.

The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a free and confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome use of commercial tobacco and/or vape products. Participants can receive individualized coaching and assistance with quit planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support, and a free starter supply of nicotine replacement therapy medications such as patches, gum and/or lozenges for those 18 and older. Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. Visit nysmokefree.com anytime or text QUITNOW to 333888 for more information, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year?

Planning ahead is the key to success!

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 – If you are looking to start the New Year smoke free, you are not alone.  A common resolution is to stop smoking. Most adults who smoke want to quit, and it is possible! Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person who smokes can make to improve their health and to protect the health of others. With a cessation plan in place, you can make 2024 the year you quit for good!

If you want to stop smoking, it can be hard to know where to start. Building a plan before you want to quit is the best way to be prepared for what’s ahead. Make a list of all your reasons you want to quit smoking. This will be a great tool to look back on when you get the urge to smoke.  Think about what triggers you to smoke and come up with a plan on how to avoid or deal with these triggers.  Choose a date to quit, and tell your friends and family about your decision for their support.  Before your quit date, make sure you throw out all tobacco products and remove all smoking materials such as ashtrays and lighters.

Quit attempts are more likely to be successful if smokers use a multi-layered approach (such as medication with counseling) and have lots of support. Talk to your health care provider before your quit date to determine if they suggest any quit-smoking medications. Some medications are by prescription only, and your provider can work with you to determine the best option.

Quitting is hard work, but there are many resources available to those who are ready to make the commitment. The New York State Smokers Quitline provides free, confidential coaching by phone that can increase your chances of quitting successfully and staying tobacco-free.  In addition, most people qualify for free nicotine replacement therapy. The Quitline can be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or online at nysmokefree.com.

Tobacco-Free CNY works in Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga Counties to support CNY residents who want healthy, tobacco-free lives by reducing the negative impact of tobacco marketing, increasing the number of local laws that prohibit tobacco use in outdoor areas, and decreasing secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. For more information, visit our website at tobaccofreecny.org.

Onondaga County Issues Warning: Increase in Overdoses Related to Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning—Increase in Overdoses Related to Cocaine and Crack Cocaine 

Extreme caution urged heading into the holiday week

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) issued a warning on Friday, December 15, 2023 over an increase in unintentional overdoses related to the use of cocaine and crack cocaine. Over the past week, at least eleven confirmed overdoses were reported.

Across the country, and most recently in neighboring Oneida County, similar instances of cocaine and crack cocaine containing fentanyl have been reported. Situations like these are particularly dangerous because it is likely that the individuals believed they were consuming only cocaine or crack cocaine. Individuals who do not usually use an opioid or are unaware of the presence of an opioid, such as fentanyl, are more likely to suffer an overdose. Locally, overdose symptoms indicated that fentanyl was present.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges residents to be vigilant. “The public needs to be aware that it is not possible to tell by looking if a product contains fentanyl. We encourage anyone who uses drugs or knows people who use drugs to learn about overdose reversal, obtain a naloxone kit, and test all​ substances if you plan on using.”

The OCHD urges those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with an FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use. Although the strips do not identify the exact amount of fentanyl present, testing can provide enough time, space, and information for a user to consider the options. You can learn how to use a fentanyl test strip here.

Naloxone and test strips can be obtained by contacting the OCHD’s Substance Use Initiatives confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Through this, naloxone and strips can be dropped off, picked up, or mailed to whoever requests them.

If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, please call 911 and administer naloxone as soon as possible.

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose:

  1. Loss of consciousness
  2. Slow or shallow breathing
  3. Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
  4. Inability to speak or be awakened
  5. Blue or gray lips and nails
  6. Pinpoint pupils
  7. Seizures

The Onondaga County Health Department remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our community and will continue to monitor and address this situation and other emerging public health threats.

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning—Reports of Fentanyl in Synthetic Marijuana Products Sold Locally

Extreme caution urged heading into the holiday season

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) issued a warning on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 that fentanyl has been reported to be present in synthetic marijuana (Spike) sold in Onondaga County.

Synthetic marijuana is a chemical mixture used to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in naturally grown marijuana. The products are sold in many locations, including convenience stores and gas stations. However, they are illegal and have unpredictable and harmful effects.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges residents to be vigilant. “Synthetic marijuana products often contain harmful substances. Now that we have received reports of fentanyl in some of these products being sold locally, residents must exercise extreme caution as the substances could cause overdose or even death. If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, please call 911 and administer naloxone as soon as possible.”

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose: 

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
  • Inability to speak or be awakened
  • Blue or gray lips and nails
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Seizures

Synthetic marijuana products are sold under a variety of names and packaging, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with their use. The products are also reportedly being marketed as naturally grown marijuana.

OCHD urges those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with an FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use by potentially choosing to use a different batch, using less of the current batch, using in the presence of others, and making sure naloxone is on hand. Although the strips do not identify the exact amount of fentanyl present, testing can provide enough time, space, and information for a user to consider the options.

The holidays can be a time of great joy or the hardest time of the year for some people. People often turn to substance use in celebration or to cope with difficult emotions and situations such as family conflict, financial strain, loneliness, grief, and seasonal affective disorder.

With the noted presence of fentanyl in synthetic marijuana and other substances like cocaine and counterfeit prescription pills made to look like Xanax, Adderall, Oxycodone, etc., it is incredibly important that the public exercises caution when using substances. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, they are available at no cost by calling or texting OCHD’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention here.

The Onondaga County Health Department remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our community and will continue to monitor and address this situation and other emerging public health threats.

Elevated Blood Lead Level Linked to Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is aware that at least one local child has an elevated blood lead level associated with the consumption of recalled products as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 

  • WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches 
  • Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
  • Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches 

The affected pouches were distributed nationwide and sold at various retailers. Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the company’s recall announcement. 

The Health Department urges parents and caregivers to check their homes, and if they have any recalled products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates they should stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

Lead exposure in children can have serious health implications, including developmental delays and behavioral problems. Parents and caregivers whose children have consumed the recalled product should consult with their healthcare providers and request a blood lead level test. Children who do not have a usual source of medical care can contact the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 315.435.3271 or email LeadFreeKids@ongov.net for information about testing. 

The Onondaga County Health Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We will continue to provide necessary information and support to the public. 

For more information about protecting children from lead poisoning, visit the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website at https://www.ongov.net/health/lead/. 

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning About Potentially Rabid Fox

Those Who Were Bitten Must Seek Medical Attention Immediately
UPDATE: Laboratory testing confirmed that the fox had rabies.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 17, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing a public warning about a potentially rabid fox in the Burnet Avenue area of the city of Syracuse. Reports indicated that the fox was displaying abnormal behavior and had attacked multiple people. The fox is now dead and is being submitted for laboratory confirmation for rabies. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites and scratches.

If you or your pet have been bitten, scratched, or had any direct physical contact with a fox in the Burnet Avenue area of the city, it is crucial to take immediate action. Call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-3236 and visit an Emergency Room or bring your pet to a veterinarian for evaluation. All residents in need of post-exposure rabies shots will receive them at no cost.

What to Do if Bitten or Scratched

  1. Clean the Wound: Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of rabies infection.
  2. Call the Health Department at 315-435-3236.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: If you or your pet have been bitten or scratched, or had any direct physical contact with a fox, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately. Prompt and appropriate medical treatment is the best way to prevent the onset of rabies.

Preventive Measures
Residents are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies year-round.

  1. Avoid Wildlife: Do not approach or attempt to feed any wild animals, including foxes. Keep a safe distance and ensure that children and pets are also kept away from wildlife.
  2. Vaccinate Your Pets: Ensure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is not only essential for the health of your pet but also required by law.
  3. Secure Garbage: Properly secure garbage cans and eliminate potential food sources to discourage wildlife from coming near your property.
  4. Educate Your Community: Share this information with your neighbors, friends, and community members to raise awareness about the presence of a potentially rabid animal.

The Onondaga County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. For more information about rabies please visit our website: https://www.ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html