We can still do better ! It is amazing how American's quality of life improves when the right administration heads up the state governments. Figure 8.1 proves the victory.
From the survey:
The prevalence of current smoking among U.S. adults declined from 24.7% in 1997 to 18.6% in early 2007.
In early 2007, 18.6% (95% confidence interval = 17.24–19.96%) of adults aged 18 years and over were current smokers, which was lower than the 2006 estimate of 20.8%. The prevalence of current smoking among U.S. adults declined from 24.7% in 1997 to 18.6% in early 2007.
Figure 8.2 proves shows the Non-Smoking populous of the USA. It's impressive. The former status of 'smoker' is wonderful and the current smoker status shows more male smokers than female.
The most troubling of the 'smoker' statistics is the high level of young smokers. There are proportionally the same number in the age groups 18 to 44 as there are 45 - 64. There remains more men smoking in these age groups than females, but, the 'idea' that even with the reduction in advertising there 'maintains' a significant population in young adults is troubling. We should be seeing a movement away from these statistics, but, in recent years there has been permission through movie venues and old movies on television that still encourage a 'social status' to young Americans.
Figure 8.4 is even more interesting. There are more White Smokers than any other ethnic group. Here again the cost of a 'habit' is unaffordable to minorities. Also, when considering the social isolation of segregation, it would seem to me it is still an issue. If all these ethnicities were living comparable lifestyles we would be seeing a level demographic. That is not the reailty however.
Affordability of this nasty habit would seem to be a barrier to protecting the health of some minority Americans.
