Preventing youth violence begins with understanding that no single cause leads a young person to commit or experience violence. Instead, it’s a mix of individual, relationship, community, and societal influences. Risk factors—such as exposure to violence at home, poor academic performance, or associating with delinquent peers—can increase the chances of violent behavior. On the other […]
Risk and Protective Factors Read More »
Cigars—once seen as a niche luxury—are now aggressively marketed to youth, women, and communities of color through flavored products, low prices, and targeted advertising. The tobacco industry has designed and promoted cigars using flavors like cherry and vanilla to mask harsh tobacco, making them appealing to first-time users. From 2009 to 2020, cigar sales rose
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Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These substances can damage lung tissue, scar small blood vessels, and increase the risk
Cannabis and Lung Health Read More »
As marijuana becomes legal in more places, new research raises concerns about its impact on heart health—even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Two recent studies presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 2025 Annual Scientific Session found that cannabis users under 50 were significantly more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and cardiovascular-related
Cannabis Users Face Substantially Higher Risk of Heart Attack Read More »
Menthol is a compound found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, but it can also be made synthetically. In tobacco products like cigarettes, menthol produces a cooling sensation in the throat and lungs, which reduces the harshness of the smoke and makes it easier to inhale—an effect that can increase the likelihood of addiction. Menthol
Menthol Tobacco Products Read More »
Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it
About Youth Violence Read More »
Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. For decades, tobacco companies have strategically targeted youth, low-income communities, and racial and ethnic minorities, increasing access to and appeal of tobacco products. Social factors like poverty, discrimination, and adverse childhood experiences further contribute to
Public Health Strategies for Tobacco Prevention and Control Read More »
Minnesota is a diverse state, home to many. It is a place that should foster basic needs, inclusivity, safety, and respect for all regardless of individuals born outside of the United States. Current anti-immigrant trend: Fear and uncertainty for the Immigrant community across the United States have escalated due to an increase in anti-immigrant policies,
The Launch of the Immigration Defense Network Read More »
School violence is a serious issue that disrupts learning, affects student well-being, and impacts entire communities. It includes acts such as bullying, fighting, weapon use, gang violence, and sexual violence, all of which contribute to an unsafe environment for students. According to the CDC, nearly one in five high school students reported being bullied at
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Marijuana, known for its mind-altering effects due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is one of the most widely used substances in the United States. In 2021, 11.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana, while 30.7% of 12th graders admitted to using it within the past year. With the legalization of marijuana in many
The Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage and Young Adult Brain Read More »