By Bridge to Health (August 28th, 2025)

---

A prevalent issue when it comes to health in underserved communities is tobacco and it can increase risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. It can also lead to other issues such as Type 2 diabetes, weakened immunity, and problems in the other parts of your body.

Current data show that about 1 in 5 teenagers in South Carolina currently use e-cigarettes and
vapes, which are highly addictive and this in turn develops many health conditions like
diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure it  increases anxiety, mood swings, and interferes
with concentration and focus

Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control (DTPC) stated a mission to reduce the use of commercial tobacco use in South Carolina, by providing resources, implementing programs to educate and demonstrate the side effects of commercial tobacco and vaping.

The DTPC was developed and is implementing structured program evaluations and conducts
tobacco-specific statewide surveillance in accordance with the CDC Office on Smoking and
Health Best Practices for Tobacco Prevention and Control guidance.

If anyone is trying to quit smoking, get free help from: SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW).  Visit quitnowsc.org for more information.