Tobacco Prevention News
On May 31 of each year, the World Health Organization and its partners mark this day as World No Tobacco Day to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States with 480,000 deaths occurring each year. Worldwide, tobacco kills nearly six million people each year of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. Plus, there is no safe level of tobacco consumption or exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
Many people don’t realize that the benefits of quitting tobacco use are instant.
For example, within 20 minutes of quitting, a person’s heart rate drops to normal levels. Within 12 hours of quitting, the carbon monoxide levels in a person’s blood drop to normal. Within two to 12 weeks after quitting, circulation levels improve and lung function increases. Coughing and shortness of breath also decrease. These benefits continue to progress as time passes by after quitting.
This year, make the commitment to quit using tobacco products for good.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is available to help those interested in quitting whichever form of tobacco they are using from cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, to e-cigarettes or vapor products. It is a free telephone-based service where you will receive expert counseling from trained tobacco addiction specialists. Plus, Varenicline, the generic form of Chantix is available through the quit line. Additional nicotine replacement therapy options are also available as well. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line can be reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800784-8669) or by going online at www.quitnowmontana. com.
