Latest news with #DavidMargolius
Axios
14-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Cleveland smoking rates drop 30% over 10 years
Cleveland's smoking rates are down nearly 30% over the past decade, per a recent survey of 1,500 city residents. Why it matters: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States, according to the CDC. State of play: Cleveland has some of the highest smoking rates in the country, and the city's Department of Public Health under director David Margolius has made smoking cessation a priority. Earlier this year, Margolius got a big win when City Council passed sweeping legislation to curtail illegal tobacco sales. What they're saying: "This is a sign that public health policy, when paired with community engagement and education, can create real impact," Margolius said in a statement. How it worked: CDPH and Case Western Reserve University mailed the survey to Clevelanders across the city's 34 neighborhoods last year. Findings are being released incrementally on a wide range of topics. What they found: Overall adult use of tobacco products has declined from 35% in 2015 to 25% in 2025. That's been driven by significant declines in cigarette use. Yes, but: Use of cigar products and vapes have increased over the same span. Between the lines: Increases in cigar use have disproportionately impacted Black residents — where the rate of cigar smoking is now equivalent with cigarette smoking (24%).
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Flu cases persisting across Northeast Ohio: ‘People are getting sicker'
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The seasonal flu is continuing to spread across the country and here in Northeast Ohio at levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, the CDC is reporting at least 13,000 deaths from the flu and at least 24 million infections. The Ohio Department of Health is also reporting 'very high' influenza activity with thousands of hospitalizations across the state. 'We've had pretty consistent levels in the hospital, if not slightly rising, where I feel like in the past we would've peaked by now,' said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, Cleveland Clinic pulmonary and critical care physician. 'I don't remember it being this persistent.' Carnegie Avenue businesses frustrated by construction slowdowns The volume of cases has led to longer wait times to be admitted of up to 12-hours and he says the severity of symptoms is notable. 'People are getting sicker. Even young healthy people are getting hit really hard and just in bed for a week or so feeling poorly,' he said. Often the flu will come in waves where it may start as Influenza A, but then it typically slows down before the B strain ramps up. This year, however, is different. 'I've seen headlines about another wave, but it hasn't really left. We're really in a plateau,' said Dr. David Margolius, Cleveland Director of Public Health. This has tragically led to deaths locally. He says in Cleveland alone through the end of January, 230 people have succumbed to the flu in the city. 'This strain is hitting a lot of people really hard from a symptom standpoint,' he said. 'The folks most prone to serious illness are absolutely the elderly.' LOOK: 'Eagle party' spotted in Erie County reserve — how many do you see? As it continues to surge, doctors are encouraging people to take precautions like frequent hand washing with soap, proper cough etiquette, getting the flu shot and not touching your face because flu is spread through droplets entering the eyes, nose or mouth. 'I think the most important thing for folks is if you're sick, stay home,' said Dr. Margolius. 'You're most contagious when you're at the beginning of your symptoms so please don't spread it to other people.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
