BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is calling attention to the health risks and dangers associated with smokeless tobacco use during “Through with Chew Week” February 17-21, with February 20, designated as the “Great American Spit Out.” Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health will be providing smokeless tobacco users with tools to quit tobacco, educating our community about the ways smokeless tobacco can cause harm, and encouraging young people never to start using these products.
Local assistance to quit smokeless tobacco, any other tobacco product or vaping product is available at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. Sue Kahler is a National Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (NCTTS) who can help those who want to quit by developing a quit plan. The quit plan includes preparing for cravings, coping with withdrawal symptoms, and using FDA-approved medications, which improve the chances of success.
“No form of tobacco is safe and using any tobacco product poses a health risk,” said Sue Kahler, NCTTS with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. Our goal during “Through with Chew Week” is to educate North Dakotans on the dangers of smokeless tobacco which includes cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas, as well as many other health problems like heart disease.”
In 2018, 12.0% of adult males report using smokeless tobacco every day. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health recognizes the most effective way to quit tobacco is to make a quit plan. Our office assists those wanting to quit tobacco by providing educational materials and tobacco cessation resources. In addition, the statewide tobacco cessation program, NDQuits, offers free support and coaching.
Reducing the rate of smokeless tobacco use is a priority for Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health because it reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, birth defects, and even death. Events like “Through with Chew Week” and the “Great American Spit Out” give us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and take action against tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disease in North Dakota.
For help with quitting smokeless tobacco, visit https://ndquits.health.nd.gov/. If you would prefer to talk with someone in person about quitting tobacco, call Sue Kahler at 701-355-1597 or email skahler@bismarcknd.gov.