Panama to Host 'A Todo Pulmón' Walk-a-thon Against Tobacco and Vaping

Panama is gearing up for the fourth edition of the 'A Todo Pulmón' walk-a-thon on August 9th, an event organized by the Ministry of Health to highlight the detrimental effects of tobacco and vaping. The initiative, starting at 6:30 a.m. on Cinta Costera 3, seeks to foster healthy living and specifically warn children, adolescents, and their families about the dangers associated with tobacco-derived products. Registration for the event costs $10.

Recent data from the 2023 Global Youth Tobacco Survey in Panama reveals a concerning trend: 8.5% of students aged 13 to 15 reported using tobacco products, with electronic cigarettes and vapes being the most common. Alex González, an advisor at the Ministry of Health, pointed out that these devices are often marketed with appealing colors and flavors to attract younger demographics. He noted that peer influence and family habits can lead some adolescents to start experimenting with tobacco products as early as age 10.

Norma Astudillo of the Ministry of Health's Tobacco Control Commission emphasized the crucial role of parents and guardians in preventing and monitoring such behaviors. "Parents are responsible for the health of their children under 18," she stated, acknowledging that while parents work, caregivers must remain vigilant. Despite these concerns among youth, Panama maintains a favorable adult smoking rate, with approximately 95% of the population not smoking, according to González. The 'A Todo Pulmón' event is expected to reinforce prevention messages, addressing both the decline in traditional cigarette use and the emerging challenge posed by vaping among minors.