Study shows that teen smoking has increased in Western New York

A recent study by Univera Healthcare, based out of Western, New York, shows that smoking among area teens is increasing, the Niagara Gazette reports.

Researchers found that an estimated 15 percent of high school students smoked cigarettes at least once during the 30 days prior to the study in 2009. Comparatively, 14 percent of teens reportedly used tobacco in 2007.

The study also revealed that 13.3 percent of teens smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day during their survey period, which is an increase from 12.4 percent in 2007.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking at an early age may increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer.

Programs for troubled teens may help adolescents who smoke cigarettes on a daily basis by providing a environment conducive to making healthy lifestyle choices.

The CDC reports that the adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths in the U.S each year. The number translates to nearly one in every five people.