Originally Posted by GRB5111

The reality of cancer and emphysema resulted in dramatic decreased usage. While tax was levied, it didn't come close to the influence of the grim reality that many experienced with their smoking loved ones. Taxes have a very weird impact on the demand of an addictive substance, as addicts will simply pay the price increase. That the government took a stand to get an accurate message out on tobacco and health helped immensely. Still suffering consequences of smoking today with so many baby boomers suffering from COPD.

Edited to add: It's hard to compare tobacco with the prospect of identifying and supporting a healthy diet. We know one size does not fit all, and we have the various diet "camps" that swear their way of eating is the most healthy to the point of attempting to discredit the other camps who don't support their "correct" way of eating. There are so many underlying issues resulting in the allegiance to one camp or the other, that it's very confusing to the public. The contrary messages coming from acolytes for a particular way of eating coupled with current dietary guidelines serve to confuse and conflate. I wonder whether the topic of what constitutes healthy food can ever be settled. For many, it's become a religion. The message for tobacco was far easier, because the very negative outcomes became clear and obvious incentives for avoiding or quitting.

Originally Posted by DaisyDawn

We pulled our kids from the brick and mortar public school setting 4 years ago and they now do an online charter school option at home. Not having to deal with all the school parties and the lunch room situation has been nice. Now my kids just make their own lunch and know how to use the stove/oven etc. That's not why we changed schools but it's been a nice bonus

Originally Posted by Ms Arielle

Well done!!! I always encourage home schooling when ever feasible. I was NOT in a position to home school due to circumstances beyond my control.

NOW both boys are at a Tech school. One studying IT--other HVAC and HVAC is quick to help fix equipment for the in house "Restaurant" as they get great snacks from the kitchen as a reward. lol Like I said before, better not perfect.

Originally Posted by Ms Arielle

Well done!!! I always encourage home schooling when ever feasible. I was NOT in a position to home school due to circumstances beyond my control.

NOW both boys are at a Tech school. One studying IT--other HVAC and HVAC is quick to help fix equipment for the in house "Restaurant" as they get great snacks from the kitchen as a reward. lol Like I said before, better not perfect.

Originally Posted by DaisyDawn

My husband is in industrial HVAC He started out at tech center in HS studying commercial electricity and after high school he went on to become a journeyman electrician. From there his career went in a different direction and now he has a very specialized job programming new HVAC equipment in industrial settings. He's had all sorts of specialty classes/training at this point-all paid for by his employer

I've already told my kids they're doing tech center in HS lol.

Originally Posted by jschwab

It's smart! I told my kids to learn a trade but they don't listen. One is majoring in pure math, jeez.

Originally Posted by DaisyDawn

Math could lead to engineering or teaching? My husband's cousin is brilliant with math and she majored in it, ended up becoming a math professor and teaches advanced college classes that I can't even pronounce

Originally Posted by Ms Arielle

Vaping has become a BIG problem here, especially among the teens. Traded cigarettes for vaping.

Originally Posted by GRB5111

Yes, I'm seeing it more and more. I can't believe it's healthy, but it's relatively new to have any significant health history. BTW, "here" is where I am as well. And if you mean Massachusetts, that's where I was born and raised and still have family. I just came back from the South Shore on Monday. I'm up there frequently. Small world.