In a world where "cool" typically means frosty vibes or a chill attitude, there's one type of cool that's been giving us the cold shoulder for far too long: menthol cigarettes, vapes and hookah. But fear not, fellow breathers, because a breath of fresh air is blowing through with the NO-Menthol Sunday movement!
Now, you might be wondering, what's the big deal with menthol anyway? Well, besides the fact that it's basically the “bad boy” of the cigarette world, menthol has been accused of all sorts of uncool things. From masking the harshness of tobacco (in all forms) by using fruity and minty flavorings, the tobacco company’s efforts to hook young people with targeted predatory marketing in Black and Latinx communities, can be compared to the sexy, smooth-talking charmer you know you should avoid but just can't resist.
In order to empower a new generation to fight against tobacco addiction, organizations like Save A Girl, Save A World and Center For Black Health Equity have joined forces to educate young people at historically Black colleges and universities across the nation about the dangers of vaping, hookah and tobacco usage overall.
“What many are not talking about is how smoking has become a go-to for those in the Black community who are experiencing trauma, stress and mental health issues and we need to approach the solution holistically," says Glenda Gill, Founder of Save A Girl, Save A World. “This dependency started with tobacco companies giving out menthol cigarettes free in our communities and to this day menthol cigarettes and flavored vaping devices are priced lower than other tobacco and nicotine products in Black neighborhoods making them more accessible and leading to more health issues”, says Gill.
So where does that leave us with NO-Menthol Sunday? Well, like all movements, you must start somewhere. Many smokers and soon-to-be ex-menthol enthusiasts have embraced the day to break free or to gently encourage someone to stop and find another way to cope with stress. The goal of NO-Menthol Sunday is here to banish menthol from our lives and reclaim the day for fresh air and good vibes only.
Listen, if you're still not convinced, just think about all the perks of a menthol-free Sunday. At least for one day, you won’t have to dodge secondhand smoke like it's a game of hopscotch. No more awkward coughing fits mid-conversation because someone decided to light up nearby. And best of all, no more feeling like you're missing out on the “cool” crowd just because you prefer your air without a side of menthol.
So, how can you join the ranks of the NO-Menthol Sunday movement, you ask? It's simple, really. Just spread the word like wildfire (minus the smoke, of course). Share this article with your friends, your family, and your neighbors, or sign the petition to ban menthol altogether (nomentholsunday.org). Together, we can make menthol-free Sundays the new cool thing to do.
And remember, NO-Menthol Sunday isn't just about kicking a bad habit to the curb, it's about reclaiming our right to breathe easy and enjoy our life without the lingering dependency of menthol hanging in the air like a bad joke. So, let's band together, take a deep breath, and say goodbye to menthol for good. After all, who needs a “Kool” when you've got fresh air?
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