Smoking More Popular In Rural Areas Than Cities

Anti-smoking laws passed around the U-S seem to be having the desired effect of getting people to give up tobacco…

The effect is more pronounced in cities than in rural areas, according to a nationwide study of smoking rates since the 1990’s. La Crosse County health educator Judi Zabel says a lack of funding for tobacco education may be preventing young people in rural counties from going tobacco-free. She’s looking at ways to increase health education to small town kids.

The University of Washington study shows that the number of smokers in La Crosse County dropped at least 25 per cent over a 16-year period. Close behind in their declines were Jackson, Monroe, and Vernon Counties.