For the City Times

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) are negative life events or experiences which occur during childhood and have the potential to obstruct healthy child development.

Examples of ACEs include loss of a parent/caregiver due to death, incarceration or divorce, substance abuse or exposure to violence. In Wisconsin more than half of the population has at least one ACE. According to the 2011-13 Behavioral Factor Risk Survey people who have ACEs are more likely to participate in risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.

Date shows a direct correlation between adverse childhood experiences and underage tobacco use. Currently, 10.7% of Wisconsin high school students use tobacco products and 8% use electronic cigarettes. Youth tobacco/nicotine use increases chances of health problems later in life. If young people never get their hands on tobacco, they are less likely to use.

The Wisconsin Wins program runs year round to help educate retailers on the importance of checking ID’s to verify age and eliminate the sale of tobacco to minors. This is an effective way to reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors and prevent future health consequences.

The ‘Wisconsin Wins’ program was launched in the spring of 2002 as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent youth access to tobacco. Tobacco compliance checks are performed annually at retailers that hold a current tobacco license, or sell a tobacco/nicotine product.

For more information, please contact Megan Larson at 715-421-8949.