This year, Child Health Month will concentrate on preventing children from the dangers of smoking. The AAP calls for stricter government regulation of tobacco and recommends measures aimed at creating smoke-free environments for our children. Encourage school boards to ban smoking in schools and on school property, including in teachers' lounges. Eliminate cigarette sales from vending machines. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
That's why it's important that we reach children now and prevent them from smoking. Established five years ago, Child Health Month is a major public awareness effort held every October to focus national attention on the importance of preventive health care for all children. This year, Child Health Month will concentrate on preventing children from the dangers of smoking. Children who are media literate are more likely to withstand potentially harmful effects. Discussion and guidance about smoking should begin well before children enter junior high school, with particular emphasis on the importance of resisting the influence of advertising and peers.