>According to a new report published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), smoking levels in the US over the last 5 years have reached a standstill among all ages, sex, and accounting for education and income disparities, respectively.
“The slowing in the decline observed for youth cigarette smoking indicates that cigarette smoking among adults and the associated morbidity and mortality will continue to be important public health issues for the foreseeable future” -Dr. Shanta R. Dube, National Center for Chronic Prevention and Health Promotion
Biochemista 
>I'm surprised more because of the economy than because of public health interventions. We looked at a case study that showed in the 80s-90s that during economic downturns people were less likely to smoke and more likely to engage in physical activity. Apparently smoking was recession proof.
>sadly, no. i worked in tobacco cessation and prevention for a few years and in that short time, funding for it was taking a heavy hit. the money from the master settlement agreement that was allocated for prevention has been extended to alternate causes (in virginia, it's gone from focusing on tobacco only to tobacco and childhood obesity). idealistically, that's not a bad thing, but the reality is that tobacco isn't "solved" so by spreading it thinner, it's likely going to result in the numbers staying stagnant. i wouldn't be surprised if the prevalence among certain groups started to decline, affecting overall rates, because as we all well know tobacco kills about half of those who use it. so as current smokers start to die, the rates will change. i believe that the incidence of youth smoking is around 15% (15% too high — about 90% of smokers have used tobacco before they turn 18) which is about 5% lower than the adult average.anywho, i think that if funding stays the same, we're going to continue to see tobacco related morbidity and mortality stay hovering around those rates, especially because big tobacco is so damn *good* at coming up with new products and new and sneaky campaigns.
>also, did i make up a word? idealistically? i think that i meant that on the surface it seems like a good idea. 😛
>I am now a junior in college, but when I started as a freshman I was shocked to see how many students were smoking every day. It really is a huge portion of the population (at least where I live). Very sad!
>This is really interesting to me. We had a guy over the other night who is working with my husband on a project and he used to work for Phillip Morris on the farming end. He knows everything there is to know about tobacco and said a similar thing: while tabacco sales are declining slightly–there is still a strong market in the US and especially in California AND although there is a decline in cigarette sales, smokeless tabacco product sales are increasing. Crazy stuff.I am still amazed by how many people still smoke.
>I am kind of surprised, but I shouldn't be. People just don't realize how bad it is for you, or what it could do to you! I was a smoker for a long time, and haven't touched them in over 3 years (since I started working out). I saw my father die of lung cancer and it was AWFUL and PAINFUL. I can't even stress enough how bad it is! 😦
>@Andi Thanks for your insight!
>@Samantha Same here! I especially HATE when I see young smokers!
>It does and doesn't surprise me… I thought we were better informed!
>It's disappointing! I think most people are well-informed. I mean, people at least know smoking is really bad for you and could kill you. I just don't get it. Why pay a lot of money for something that destroys your body?Thanks for sharing the MMWRs!