Missouri medicine
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Despite the widespread knowledge that tobacco use causes death and debilitating disease, tobacco control efforts in Missouri remain inadequate. No other health issue combines the prevalence, lethality, and neglect of tobacco addiction. ⋯ Successful tobacco control efforts change society by creating an environment in which nonsmoking is the norm and quitting smoking is supported. This paper concludes that it is time for medicine and public health professionals to communicate, collaborate, and assume leadership in reducing the health burden of tobacco use in Missouri.