Stamp Out Smoking Sponsors Through With Chew Week - February 18th, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 16, 2009) – In an effort to curb spit tobacco use, the Arkansas Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation campaign, Stamp Out Smoking, announces Feb. 15-21, as “Through With Chew Week.”
Through With Chew Week is a national cessation movement devoted to educating Americans about the dangers of smokeless tobacco and encouraging users to quit. This year’s theme, “First Warning Sign of Cancer,” identifies the impression left on back pockets by a smokeless tobacco can as the first warning sign of cancer. Thursday, Feb. 19, has been set aside as the “Great American Spit Out.” Tobacco-free coalitions across the state will host cessation events on this day to encourage spit tobacco users to put into action the education they received during Through With Chew Week.
Smokeless tobacco, also known as “spit,” “dip” or “chew,” contains over 3,000 chemicals including 28 known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, cyanide, nicotine and lead. Use of smokeless tobacco can lead to health problems including tooth decay, gum recession and oral cancer. The surgeon general, doctors and the Arkansas Department of Health agree that smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking.
“Smokeless tobacco, as we have it in the United States today, is still a very dangerous product,” said Carolyn Dresler, M.D., Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Branch Chief. “The Great American Spit Out is the perfect time for Arkansas users to get educated and to give up this dangerous habit.”
Despite its known dangers, approximately 13 percent of Arkansas adult males in 2006, and an estimated 18 percent of Arkansas male high school students in 2007, reported using smokeless tobacco. Programs such as Through With Chew Week are an important part of preventing Arkansas youth from starting to use tobacco.
For more information about Through With Chew Week, the Great American Spit Out or help quitting, visit www.stampoutsmoking.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
