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Health Department promotes tobacco-free holiday


JUNE 29, 2018 - In honor of Independence Day, the Jackson County Health Department and the Jackson Tobacco Reduction Coalition encourage tobacco users to seek help with quitting tobacco, and begin a tobacco-free life. 

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Michigan — killing more than 16,200 Michigan residents each year. In Michigan, 5,200 youth become new regular, daily smokers each year, and more than 1/3 of these children will die prematurely as a result, according to the Health Department. Tobacco use causes premature death and disease including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disease. However, it is never too late to quit using tobacco, and quitting results in immediate and long-term health benefits. 

Because tobacco products are highly addictive, most tobacco users make several quit attempts before they are successful. However, there are proven resources available to help tobacco users quit. Quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends. 

“Help is available and we encourage people to celebrate July 4th by declaring their freedom from tobacco use or encouraging the tobacco users in their life to quit. Talk to your health care provider or call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline today,” stated Richard Thoune, RS, MS,  MPH, Health Officer, Jackson County Health Department. 

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is an evidence-based service that continues to provide free telephone coaching for the uninsured, pregnant women, residents enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, veterans, cancer patients, and American Indians. The Quitline provides services including materials, text messaging, an online program, and referral to all Michigan residents.  Individuals can call the Quitline directly at 1-800-784-8669, or enroll online at https://michigan.quitlogix.org/.

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