According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Office of Vital records, in 2021 more Mississippians died of heart disease than cancer and diabetes combined. This trend has been holding steady for years. Mississippi also has some of the highest rates of smoking in the nation. Smoking cigarettes, in any amount contributes to heart disease. 

Amy Winter, the Director of the Office of Tobacco control at MSDH, reports that African American males are disproportionately affected by heart disease as well as tobacco use. The only tobacco flavor additive, allowed by the FDA, is menthol which masks the harsh effects of tobacco. Additionally, menthol interacts with chemicals in the brain making it more addictive. African Americans are among the highest menthol cigarette smokers in Mississippi. 

“Through the Ready. Set. Quit program the  Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health stands ready to serve Mississippians who want to quit,” said Sonya Sanderson, Director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Prentiss and Tishomingo Counties. “We can provide you with the tools and support you need to find success. We are here to help you quit, and to help you stay smoke free.”

The Office of Tobacco Control at MSDH encourages all Mississippians to engage in heart healthy behavior. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking will lower your risk of heart disease. 

For information about the dangers of cigarettes, visit www.healthyms.com/tobacco. For help with quitting visit www.quitlinems.com, or call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at  1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Sonya Sanderson is Project Director for Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Prentiss and Tishomingo Counties