Crossings TV Asian Television – Home to Asian Americans
For decades, smoking has been tied to images of masculinity, strength, and resilience. Yet the reality is that tobacco use can undermine many of the qualities men value most: physical performance, long-term health, energy, and the ability to show up for their families.
As we recognize Men’s Health Awareness Month this June, it’s an important time to spotlight a concerning trend within the Asian American community. National survey data show that Asian American men smoke at substantially higher rates than Asian American women, with current smoking prevalence at 13.5% among men compared to 5.0% among women.
Despite declining smoking rates, cultural factors and decades of marketing that tied cigarettes to masculinity continue to influence tobacco use among Asian American men. What often gets overlooked are the serious health impacts smoking can have on men, including:
- Reduced athletic performance and stamina
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Higher risk of lung and other cancers
- Erectile dysfunction and reduced fertility
- Faster skin aging and other long-term health consequences
For more information, check out Kick It California on insights into the health implications of smoking for men, along with information about free resources and programs available for smokers looking to quit.