U.S. Task Force Urges Docs to Counsel Kids Against Smoking
MONDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Primary-care doctors should
offer children and teens counseling and educational programs to
prevent them from smoking, according to new recommendations
issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This type of
intervention is effective in preventing young people from
lighting their first cigarette, found the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF), which is comprised of national
experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. Although the
task force cannot mandate that doctors offer these anti-smoking
interventions, the guidelines it issues tend to shape clinical
practice and, in many cases, affect insurance coverage. "As a
pediatrician, I believe preventing tobacco use is critical in
helping young people to live long, healthy lives," USPSTF member
Dr. David Grossman said in a task force news release. "The good
news is that primary-care clinicians can play an important role
in preventing tobacco use am