Mineral County Health Department Tobacco Prevention Specialist

Barb Jasper, RN reminds the public that “Through with Chew Week” is February 18-24.

“Studies for over fifty years have shown that tobacco is killing us,” said Jasper, “millions of people have quit using and there are more ex-users in America than there are tobacco addicts. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff and cigars are all part of an expensive and unhealthy habit”.

People who are addicted to tobacco can break out of the habit by calling the Montana QuitLine (1-800-QUIT-NOW) for information about counselors, nicotine replacement therapy and discounted medication to help people regain control of their lives.

“Tobacco addiction doesn’t have to be dealt with alone,” she said. “This week, Montanans can take part in a campaign to fight back. “Through With Chew and The Great American Spit Out,” February 18-24, is designed to raise awareness about spit tobacco and the variety of other dangerous nicotine-containing products on the market. Take this first step to protect yourself or someone you know from the health risks of dipping.”

Cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, pancreas and esophagus are all linked to the use of smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth, causes bad breath, can destroy gum tissue, lead to cavities and even cause bone loss around the teeth. Other harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco include heart disease including, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

“I encourage you to join this statewide campaign, sponsored by the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) and the Mineral County Health Department. Stop in at the Mineral County Health Department during Through with Chew Week, let us know you want to QUIT and we will give you a FREE can of Smokey Mountain Snuff, an herbal smokeless alternative that is 100% tobacco-free and 100% nicotine-free along with information about resources that can help you quit tobacco” Jasper said.