Preventing and Treating Tobacco Use among Canadian Youth

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has issued a new evidence-based guideline for combatting tobacco use by children and young adults aged 5 – 18, suggesting that physicians ought to have a more active role in the prevention and treatment.

A summary of the task force’s recommendations can be found below:

Physicians can play a more active role in treatment and prevention by asking the target age group or their parents about tobacco use by the child or young adult and offering brief information and advice during primary care visits. This applies to those who do not currently smoke, have never smoked, are former smokers, and do not have learning difficulties, mental or physical health issues, or a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

Click here to read more in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).