Celebrate ‘Through With Chew Week’ by kicking the habit

MAT-SU — Join millions of Americans as they raise awareness on the dangers of smokeless tobacco during “Through With Chew Week,” Feb. 17 to 23.

Tobacco users are encouraged to quit with the support of their peers on Feb. 21, the official quit day.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Alaska and the United States. In Alaska, 5 percent of adults and 8 percent of high school youth use smokeless tobacco. Alaska Native adults use smokeless tobacco at higher rates averaging 15 percent for men and 9 percent for women.

“The use of smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, continues to be a problem in Alaska,” said Jenny Olendorff, Alaska Tobacco Control Alliance Smokeless Tobacco Workgroup chair. “Many people believe that smokeless tobacco is less harmful than cigarettes, which is just what the tobacco companies would like us to believe.

“The truth is, smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes and has serious health effects, including cancer, gum disease and heart disease.”

At least 28 chemicals in smokeless tobacco have been found to cause cancer, including oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancers.

Using smokeless tobacco may also cause heart disease, gum disease and oral lesions other than cancer, such as leukoplakia (precancerous white patches in the mouth).

For free resources to help quit, contact (800) quit-now, or visit Alaskaquitline.com or Facebook.com/Alaskaquitline.