Experts from The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Available for Comment on Risk Factors and Quit Techniques Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J., March 12, 2012 – According to the American Lung Association, every day nearly 3,900 young people under the age of 18 smoke their first cigarette, and 950 of them go on to become regular smokers. It is estimated that half of that number will ultimately die from smoking. In an attempt to drastically cut these numbers, youth will speak up and take action against tobacco use in hundreds of events nationwide on March 21, for the 17th Annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Experts at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and the UMDNJ-School of Public Health are available for comment on cessation efforts, the development of lung cancer and other health effects of smoking. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Experts available for comment include:
Michael Steinberg, MD, MPH, FACP, is a member of CINJ and the director of the Tobacco Dependence Program at UMDNJ-School of Public Health, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and CINJ. This program provides help on quitting tobacco use through treatment, education, research and advocacy. Dr. Steinberg and colleagues are currently working on an education project that aims to inform South Asians of the dangers of smoking as well as smokeless tobacco products and what resources are available to help them stop using tobacco. As a general internist, he can also discuss how tobacco is a risk factor for lung cancer and other diseases. Steinberg is also an associate professor of general internal medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and an associate professor of health education and behavioral science at UMDNJ-School of Public Health.
Donna Richardson, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, CTTS, is a member of CINJ and the clinic coordinator for the Tobacco Dependence Program. As a tobacco treatment specialist, she has spent more than 30 years helping people examine ways to improve their health and lifestyle through behavioral changes in order to become tobacco-free. Ms. Richardson is also an instructor at the UMDNJ-School of Public Health.
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