Get Support for Quitting During the Great American Smokeout

Jefferson County Public Health encourages all tobacco users, whether you smoke or use other tobacco products, to Quit for A Day or Quit for Life during the Great American Smokeout, November 21, 2013.

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke causes 443,000—or 1 in 5 deaths each year in the United States.

If you want to take the tobacco-free challenge, there are steps to take now that will help you prepare and significantly increase your chances for success.

Resources

• Colorado offers numerous resources to help you quit smoking or quit using other tobacco products. Visit www.tobaccofreeco.org to learn more or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
  
• COQuitMobile is a free text-based program that places you on the path to a life free from tobacco.
  
• You may also visit the Ready to Quit page on the Tobacco-Free Jeffco website for a list of additional resources to help you quit.
  
• Tips From Former Smokers is a powerful CDC national campaign that encourages people to quit smoking by highlighting the toll that smoking-related illnesses take on smokers and their loved ones.
  
• View this American Lung Association fact sheet about what resources are covered under the new guidelines of the Affordable Care Act. 

Jefferson County Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Initiative is working with students, parents and community members to educate about the harms of tobacco in our communities and to promote tobacco-free living. For more information or to get involved, please visit: www.tobaccofreejeffco.com, email us at tobaccofree@jeffco.us or call Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555.

National Public Health Week 2013

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is proud to be a part of National Public Health Week (NPHW), celebrated each year during the first full week of April. April 1-7, 2013.

We all have a role in supporting a strong public health system and in putting prevention to work in our lives. This year’s theme as declared by the American Public Health Association is Public Health is ROI, Saves Lives, Saves Money. The return on investment on the preventive services, programs and policy initiatives provided by public health departments across the nation is cause for celebration. View the APHA website for more information and daily themes. Jefferson County Public Health celebrates public health week with the announcement and celebration of the 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year. Check our web page for the announcement and other important news items. We will also include the Champions in our April newsletter.

SMOKELESS . . . NOT Harmless Great American Spit Out

The Great American Spit out is February 21st. On this day, chew tobacco users are asked to skip the dip and go just one day without tobacco. The thought of quitting for good may be a lot to think about. But, what about quitting just for one day? Jefferson County Public Health encourages you to try. Spread the word and take the pledge to join the Great American Spit Out! This day is just one component of Through With Chew Week, which begins on February 17th.

 For more information about chewing tobacco and its effects on your health, visit us online at www.jefco.us/health. Watch a 5 minute video from the CDC showing the many tactics used by the tobacco industry to entice young and old to this deadly product.

Get Your Heart into It

February is recognized as national heart month. Cardiovascular disease (heart disease & stroke) is the leading cause of death in Jefferson County and the nation. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented. Tackling known risk factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inactive lifestyle can greatly reduce risks for illness and death from heart disease. It’s important that individuals talk to a medical provider about risk factors, screening tests, lifestyle changes, and treatment services to prevent heart disease.

For more information on heart disease and prevention, please visit the American Heart Association www.americanheart.org

• Act in Time! Learn the warning signs and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of symptoms. 

• The health department also has handouts and other educational materials on heart health and reducing your risk factors: www.jeffco.us/health

• Get Involved in Healthy People Healthy Places Jeffco (a community collaboration working on a health improvement plan for Jefferson County.