Posted by: thepinetree on 11/18/2014 11:39 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 11/18/2014 11:39 AM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Great American Smokeout Coming November 20, 2014
San Andreas, CA...In recognition of National Rural Health Day and the Great American Smoke out on Thursday, November 20th, Calaveras County Public Health Services encourages smokers to put their health first and commit to quitting tobacco for good. Rural areas in California have high rates of tobacco use. The adult smoking rate for Calaveras County was recently estimated at 18.2%, compared to the state rate of 13.8%. In 2012, the smoking rate for youth in grades 9-12 in Calaveras County was 10%. Nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers start smoking by age 18...
Recent products such as electronic cigarettes pose new challenges in helping people quit tobacco. All major tobacco companies now make e-cigarettes, which are not approved by the U.S. FDA to help people quit tobacco use. “You may know someone who has stopped using tobacco and made the switch to e-cigarettes, but switching isn’t quitting,” according to Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer.
Electronic cigarettes have already hit store shelves in Calaveras County. A 2013 survey showed more than 43% of local stores sell e-cigarettes.
“E-cigarettes promote nicotine to a new generation, which for many can turn into a deadly addiction,” Dr. Kelaita added. Nicotine, one of the main ingredients in e-cigarettes and tobacco products, is a poison and a highly addictive drug.
“It’s never too late to quit tobacco - but the sooner the better,” Dr. Kelaita advised. “People often make several attempts at quitting before they are able to quit for good. The good news is, once you quit, your body starts to recover quickly,” stated Dr. Kelaita.
There are resources to help smokers quit. The California Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-NO BUTTS is a free, effective resource available to all Californians wanting to quit any and all tobacco products. For a limited time, Medi-Cal members can receive free nicotine patches and a gift card bonus by calling the state helpline.
Locally, a new teen tobacco “quit kit” has been designed to encourage young tobacco users to quit. The quit kit is the first of its kind in the county for teens, developed by students from Calaveras River Academy in partnership with the Calaveras County Office of Education and Calaveras County Public Health Services. Kits are available at local high schools and the County Office of Education. No-cost quit kits for both teens and adults are also available from the Calaveras Tobacco Prevention Program by calling 754-6460.
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