DALTON, Mass. — Smokers, on average, pay about $11 for a pack of cigarettes. So, if they stop, lower-income smokers should have more money. Right?
But the calculation isn't that simple when other stress factors are considered, such as food insecurity.
"You have to understand that when people are addicted to nicotine, nicotine may serve a couple of functions, smokers may feel, it helps them reduce stress," said Joyce Brewer, manager of Berkshire AHEC's Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Program. "Or if they are food insecure, it might staunch the feeling that they're hungry so that they have enough to feed their children."
The Berkshire Area Health Education Center is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., to educate the community on the correlation between food insecurity and smoking cessation with Jin Kim-Mozeleski, assistant professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Professor Kim-Mozeleski will discuss the link between food insecurity and tobacco use while analyzing recent research studies.
A common misconception that they are working to dispute is the idea that if someone stopped purchasing cigarettes then they would have money, but there are many factors that people do not consider that contradict this.
Brewer said they want to inform the community how social-economic status, tobacco use, and health are all interconnected. She has been working for three years on a case study that is funded through a grant from Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program.
"Food insecurity affects your health. It impacts children's development and impacts someone's ability to try to quit. In my travels and doing presentations, people will often say, 'Well, I know I smoke more when I'm stressed,'" Brewer said
"So, we can't ask people to try to quit if they're worried about food, feeding their families, housing, and employment which are all a part of making a healthier community for all.
Brewer noted that the issue of food insecurity has been exacerbated because of COVID-19. Communities of color have been impacted the greatest not only in the effects of the virus but in food insecurity.
"[This webinar is important] because we have learned long ago — but more exacerbated during the last few years — that the social determinants of health have a great impact on community health,” AHEC Executive Director Gena DiSimoni Johnson said.
"And if we're going to solve problems before they start, rather than address the symptoms when they exist, we need to educate more people about how everything is connected."
Brewer said that although the novel coronavirus has intensified this issue, the size of the Berkshires allows for good communication between organizations. She is also part of Northern Berkshire and South County Food Access collaboratives.
There are options for those trying to quit smoking. Those interested in quitting can reach out to the MA Smokers' Helpline at 1-800-Quit-Now for free coaching and support. Quit Now is also offering menthol smokers up to $50 in gift cards to Massachusetts residents who participate in the coaching services.
Berkshire AHEC is a local nonprofit that provides continuing education and community education on topics surrounding all aspects of health care.
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
One Injured in 4-Vehicle Crash on Dalton Avenue in Pittsfield
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
The second car in the crash, a Subaru sedan, was also taken away by a wrecker. Two other vehicles were able to be driven away.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One person was taken to Berkshire Medical Center following a multi-motor vehicle accident Saturday night at the Hubbard and Dalton avenues intersection.
The crashes happened at 9:04 p.m. when a westbound Honda Accord on Dalton Avenue crossed the double yellow line, striking a Subaru sedan traveling east, causing it to spin out.
An Audi sport utility vehicle collided with the Subaru, which was then rear-ended by a GMC Savana van.
The operator of the Audi was taken to BMC with unknown injuries. The incident is still under investigation.
The GMC Savana and Honda Accord were able to drive away from the scene and the Audi and the Subaru were towed away.
The crashes happened at 9:40 p.m. when a westbound Honda Accord on Dalton Avenue crossed the double yellow line, striking a Subaru sedan traveling east, causing it to spin out.
click for more
Whether it is planting flowers or growing fresh produce, the program is for "sowing seeds of hope" for those with developmental disabilities.
click for more
Around 100 local officials, business and community leaders and residents attended the session that will help fuel the state's five-year housing plan. click for more
Voters approved all 22 articles on the warrant unanimously at the annual Fire District meeting on Tuesday night at the Stationery Factory.
click for more
More than 800 residents cast their votes during Monday's town elections, resulting in Select Board incumbent Robert Bishop retaining his seat. click for more