For Immediate Release

Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  November 03, 2011

Title:  Live Without Tobacco

Four Corners Health Department joins The American Cancer Society in marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17, by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit. Tobacco users also can use the date to plan in advance and then quit using tobacco on that day. By doing so, smokers and all tobacco users will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and early death in the US, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have tried to quit for at least one day in the past year.

Four Corners Director, Vicki Duey, stated “I understand how difficult quitting smoking can be, and that it may take more than one attempt.  This just might be the right time for you to kick the habit forever.  What a wonderful addition this would be to those things you will celebrate on Thanksgiving. 

Each person needs to figure out what will give them the best chance to make this time successful.  There are several sources of help; here are some suggestions.  If you are not sure which option is right for you, please call or email us for more information.  Our information is listed below.” 

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking (or using other forms of tobacco), and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. Perhaps a 4 session supportive class where you work will be an answer for you.  To learn about this and other available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.  Or you can get information from their website at www.cancer.org.

Nebraska offers many options to those who want to quit using tobacco. One such option is the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline:

• The phone number for the quitline is 1-800-784-8669.  The quitline, which is answered by trained quit coaches, is a free and confidential service to all Nebraskans. During the first call, a person will be given a choice of services, including telephone coaching, self-help materials, referrals to community programs, or a combination of the services. All calls are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The quit coaches are available for coaching Monday through Sunday, 6 am to 2 am.
• The website for the quitline is www.QuitNow.ne.gov. On the site, a person will find a number of resources and links to information, support, and encouragement.  Look for a free Web Coach application, which is available to any tobacco user who enrolls in the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline. 
• The quitline also offers text message and Facebook support. To sign-up for supportive text messages (2-3 /month), text IMREADY to 39649. To access the Facebook resource, go to www.facebook.com/SmokeFreeNe.

Four Corners Health Department has resources for helping individuals quit using tobacco, including a program for worksites.  To learn more about available resources, call 1-800-337-3573 or send an email to questions@fourcorners.ne.gov. Live healthier and live longer without tobacco.