BKP

I know there is a split on this forum about regulating cigarettes. With that in mind, I'll leave it up to each individual to decide if this is overdue or over-reach. The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it will seek a ban on the sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes. The announcement came as the agency officially released a detailed plan to also restrict the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes. It also wants to ban flavored cigars. In a statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb says the moves are aimed at fighting smoking among young people. Flavored e-cigarettes, menthol-flavored tobacco cigarettes and flavored cigars are all popular among teenagers. "Today, I'm pursuing actions aimed at addressing the disturbing trend of youth nicotine use and continuing to advance the historic declines we've achieved in recent years in the rates of combustible cigarette use among kids," Gottlieb says. While cigarette smoking has hit a record low in the United States, vaping has been skyrocketing. That trend has raised concerns that a new generation of young people will become addicted to nicotine. Gottlieb says the moves were prompted by new data showing a 78 percent increase in e-cigarette use among high school students and a 48 percent increase among middle school students, from 2017 to 2018. "These data shock my conscience," Gottlieb says. The ban on menthol, in particular, has been long sought by public health authorities and antismoking advocates. The concern is that the flavoring masks the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for people to start smoking. "I believe these menthol-flavored products represent one of the most common and pernicious routes by which kids initiate on combustible cigarettes," Gottlieb says. Menthol cigarettes are especially popular among African-Americans, leading some to charge that tobacco companies have been using the flavoring to target minorities. To read this story in its entirety, please go to this link https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/15/668192356/fda-seeks-ban-on-menthol-cigarettes-to-fight-teen-smoking

nope

Good job johnny. Very appropriate that you should bring home the trophy on your 4th anniversary. Now go spank them chicks!

Aside from "Jolene", those are the best words that ever came out of Dolly Parton's mouth. You're doing great Lilly. Just focus on day 5 for now. It's all that matters.

Lucky so far. Remember, the casino always wins in the long run. The next one you light could be the one that tips the scale. Quit now. Quit forever.

Congratulations Kelly. A great achievement!

Johnny - you are one of the people I respect most on this forum. You are wise, compassionate and supportive. I couldn’t be happier for your big day. Enjoy.

Awesome gon! Congratulations.

I think we all agree that smoking sucks. -and I think we all agree the chicks can't count.

Congrats! 10 is great.

I just gotta get out of this prison cell Someday I'm gonna be free

It's your day Rose. Celebrate this victory.

^^^^^ I was censored and locked out the last time I spoke honestly about this constantly changing character. Strange and demoralizing. Guess I’ll just stay away. Hope you succeed in remaining smoke free and eventually nicotine free Mr Hamilton.

How exciting! Congratulations Weegie.

Sorry for the pain you're going through Joe. Sounds like Bayleigh couldn't have picked a better family if she tried.

Great pics Shane. You should post them in the QT Gallery.....see tabs at the top of the page

Up here

Killer cigarettes vs. awesome natural wonders. I know which one I'd choose. Who is Elaine Paige?

Congratulations Octain

Congrats Martian. 10 months is stellar.

This is not just any cruise....it's your cruise. Congrats ela! Welcome to the Lido Deck.

Must I teach these humans everything?

nope

Years down the road you'll look back on this day and be so thankful you didn't give in and light up. Keep the quit Tammy! You're worth it.