OTTAWA-With the support of Sport Medicine & Science Council of Manitoba and the Canadian Dental Association, Baseball Canada is providing education to participants at this summer’s National Championship tournaments about the dangers of using smokeless tobacco.
All participants, along with coaches and parents will receive an information card explaining the risks involved with using smokeless tobacco, facts about usage in baseball among other sports and where users can get help to quit.
Statistics show that usage can start in athletes as young as 12 years old and up to 75% of baseball players try smokeless tobacco at some point in their careers.
Statistics also show that in teams 16 years-old and above, as many as 50% of players are using smokeless tobacco.
“The statistics are alarming and it’s time that we start providing information to our players regarding the dangers of smokeless tobacco use,” said Baseball Canada’s Manager of Baseball Operations, André Lachance. “We are very fortunate to have received the support and expertise from Sport Medicine and Council of Manitoba along with the Canadian Dental Association in producing the information card.”
“Once you start using chew or dip (two forms of smokeless tobacco), it is very difficult to stop since the nicotine levels are so high” explained Dean Kriellaars, Ph.D. from Sport Medicine and Council of Manitoba. “Prevention is key, we need to inform the parents and children as young as 12 of the risks of this product.”
“The use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Canada,” said Dr. Peter Doig, President of the Canadian Dental Association. “Dentists see firsthand the initial signs of problems that arise when individuals use these products. The Canadian Dental Association supports Baseball Canada’s efforts to bring awareness of the negative health effects of tobacco products, especially among the youth.”
Please note that Baseball Canada bans the use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, by on-field participants at all Baseball Canada sanctioned competitions. Anyone caught using tobacco products will be ejected from the game.
