Public Health Invites Jeffco Students to Get Involved in Health and Tobacco Prevention

Jefferson County, CO--As a new school year begins, youth in Jefferson County are ramping up for another year of activities to reduce the toll of tobacco in their schools and communities. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, and nearly nine out of 10 people who use tobacco start by the age of 18. If smoking continues at the current rate among U.S. youth, 5.6 million of today’s Americans younger than 18 years of age, or one in every 13, are expected to die prematurely from a smoking-related illness. Additionally, studies suggest that nicotine acts to prime or sensitize the adolescent brain for addiction, indicating that effective prevention programs and interventions not only prevent smoking but also decrease the risk of youth progressing to illicit drug use and dependence.  

Both youth and adults in Jefferson County have many opportunities to get involved in the effort to end the tobacco epidemic and help make the next generation tobacco-free.

Opportunities for Youth to Get Involved

Breathe Easy (BE) Teams are youth clubs working on sustainable solutions to the problem of tobacco. Supported by their high schools and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), BE Teams work towards healthy, tobacco-free environments and preventing youth from initiating tobacco use. Currently, BE Teams exist at five Jefferson County high schools including Golden, Jefferson, Lakewood, Pomona and Wheat Ridge. For questions about the BE Team or to get involved, contact Zach Dunlop, Youth Engagement Specialist at JCPH at zdunlop@jeffco.us or 303-239-7169.

Both youth and adults are invited to get involved with the Tobacco-Free Jeffco Alliance (TFJA), a group of individuals and organizations addressing tobacco use in Jefferson County. As part of the TFJA, youth are encouraged to participate in meaningful ways, such as taking on leadership roles within the Alliance. This year, two BE Team students, Morgan Lester and Brittany Willis, earned youth co-chair roles for the TFJA. Please join Morgan, Brittany and the TFJA at the next quarterly meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information about the meeting, visit www.TobaccoFreeJeffco.com.

Youth Leader Highlights

Lakewood High School senior, Morgan Lester, has been a dedicated BE Team member and tobacco prevention advocate for over two years. She has skillfully engaged her peers, the Lakewood High School Parent Teacher Association and elected officials in various communities to support the BE Team’s tobacco prevention movement. One of her many successes involved helping to organize a cigarette butt pick-up at a local park, followed by a presentation of the outcomes to community leaders that successfully inspired change. Morgan also advocated in favor of a smoke and vapor-free public places ordinance in the City of Wheat Ridge, which successfully passed in October 2015.

Brittany Willis, a junior at Golden High School, has been a leading member of the BE Team for more than two years and is passionate about tobacco prevention. As part of the BE Team, Brittany recruited a number of her peers to join in the efforts to reduce the toll of tobacco in Jefferson County. She has also presented to the Golden City Council about the importance of strong smoke and vapor-free policies that protect everyone. On a personal level, she has helped family and friends quit tobacco and has brought the community together over shared values of health and wellness. During her free time, Brittany volunteers as an intern for the JCPH Tobacco Prevention Initiative.

NEW Paid Opportunity for Youth

This fall, the Tobacco Prevention Initiative will be able to give a few motivated youth part time, paid positions as members of the new Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). These youth will work a few hours each month to help promote health in Jefferson County! Youth who have faced challenges because of income, race, language, or other circumstances and youth who are bilingual are encouraged to apply. We are seeking students who are interested in teen health issues, leadership and making a positive difference. Students can apply at www.surveymonkey.com/r/96BF5L8. We encourage applications from youth between the ages of 13 and 20 who have strong communication skills, dedication, an interest in tobacco prevention and a desire to learn. For questions, contact Zach Dunlop at zdunlop@jeffco.us or 303-239-7169. JCPH supports workplace diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or any other protected class.

Upcoming Youth Advocacy Workshop

As part of a kick-off to the school year, JCPH sponsors an annual, intensive half-day Youth Advocacy Workshop (YAW) that includes skill-building activities and leadership training to support BE Team students in their advocacy and outreach efforts throughout the school year. This year’s workshop will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016, from 9am to 1:30 p.m at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building in Golden and will include lessons on policy change, social justice, professionalism and public speaking. The workshop also allows for teambuilding and fun. For more information about the workshop, contact Zach Dunlop at zdunlop@jeffco.us or 303-239-7169.

Tobacco Education Program for Teens

Concerned about youth tobacco use? Consider Second Chance, a web-based tobacco education program for middle school and high school youth. It is a FREE online, interactive and self-directed program intended to be used as an alternative to suspension. Second Chance may also help teens that have experimented with tobacco to recognize the harms of tobacco use and find support to quit. Ask your school administration if they offer the program or contact Jen Bolcoa at jjbolcoa@jeffco.k12.co.us or 303-982-6505.

Jefferson County Public Health continues to work toward reducing the toll of tobacco in our
communities through sustainable solutions to the problem of tobacco use and exposure.
To learn more about current initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com,
email tobaccofree@jeffco.us, or call 303-275-7555.

Thinking About Quitting Tobacco in 2016?

A local success story encourages people who use tobacco to quit in the new year.

New Year’s Day represents the opportunity for a fresh start and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging people who use tobacco to consider giving their health a fresh start this new year by kicking the habit.

Last month, JCPH interviewed a former tobacco user willing to share about the personal  journey of quitting as a way to help inspire others to quit in 2016. In order to maintain this person’s anonymity, the initials “J.S.” have been used to identify responses to the questions that were asked. When reading this interview, keep in mind that quitting tobacco is a unique experience for everyone and part of the quitting journey is discovering what strategies work best for each individual. In an effort to provide additional information and encouragement, a quitting specialist from JCPH has added commentary after each question.

JCPH: Please share a little bit about your tobacco use history.

J.S.: Both my grandfather and grandmother smoked, and when I was a kid I would hide their cigarettes as an attempt to get them to quit. I hated the smell of cigarette smoke. As I got older, smoking became the cool thing to do among my peers. I started dabbling with smoking around the age of 12 and would steal cigarettes from my grandmother until I could buy my own. I began smoking more heavily around the age of 16 or 17 and eventually was up to almost two packs a day. I managed to keep my tobacco use a secret from everyone in my family, except from my grandmother and son, for the entire time I smoked, which was almost 20 years.

JCPH Quit Specialist: Per the Surgeon General, nearly 9 out of 10 people who use tobacco start before the age of 18. Studies show that because the teen brain is still developing, youth are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction.

JCPH: When and why did you quit?

 J.S.: I thought about quitting several times but hadn’t made any quit attempts until I was ready. I hated the smell of smoke and the control that smoking had over me, and I had a young son who was encouraging me to quit.  I planned my quit date to be an ex-wedding anniversary, since I wanted that day to mean something different for me. Now it does, and I haven’t smoked a cigarette since, which was about seven years ago.

JCPH Quit Specialist: Putting a plan together and setting a quit date are important first steps towards regaining your freedom from tobacco. People who have a plan for quitting in advance of their quit day can increase the odds of staying tobacco-free for life.

JCPH: What other strategies or tools did you find to be helpful and effective with quitting?

 J.S.: I used an approved cessation medication. I highly recommend using nicotine replacement therapy or a cessation medication to help with getting past the initial symptoms of withdrawal.

JCPH Quit Specialist: Using approved products and medications can increase the chances of quitting tobacco by minimizing cravings and limiting symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Even for those who are not ready to quit, these products can help people who use tobacco to withstand periods when tobacco use is prohibited. They can also reduce health risks by limiting tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.

JCPH: Have you had any setbacks (or do you have any specific triggers)?

 J.S.: Once my physical cravings were gone, I realized that my addiction to cigarettes was very much an emotional thing for me. My grandmother was everything to me. We were allies and would smoke together, which was part of the bond between us. It was difficult to lose an aspect of our relationship, but my son encouraged me to stay smoke-free. He says he will never smoke because I quit for him, and that encouragement kept me going.

JCPH Quit Specialist: Remember that for most people quitting is a process that typically requires more than one attempt and involves more than just getting through withdrawals. Think of it like building a muscle, developing new skills, or even retraining or "re-wiring" your brain when it comes to smoking patterns and dependence on nicotine. Consider every quit attempt a training opportunity and keep going. Make adjustments to address what you learn from each quit attempt, and bring all the encouragement and motivation that you can muster to "get back in the quitting game" if you slip or relapse.

JCPH: What have been the benefits of quitting?

J.S.: I got my sense of smell and taste back, and I like not smelling like smoke. I don’t have burn holes in my clothes anymore, and I’m a safer driver now that I am not distracted by cigarettes. I can breathe better and no longer cough up a thick mucus in the mornings.

JCPH Quit Specialist: It is never too late to quit – within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of healing changes that continue for years.

JCPH: How would you encourage others who are thinking of quitting tobacco?

J.S: I would tell my story and share the benefits I experienced from not smoking without being judgmental or putting them down. I don’t want to judge or shame anyone. I would also recommend experimenting with different resources and support to figure out what works for them. You have to cut yourself some slack during the quitting process, and know that if you do mess up, you just have to try again.

JCPH Quit Specialist: For more inspirational stories from people who have quit tobacco, watch The Journey of Quitting videos. Quitting is hard but, with the right tools, resources and support, you can do it! Consider using some of the following free resources to help with the journey to quit smoking or quit using other tobacco products:

• For telephone support, coaching and resources to help you or a loved one become tobacco-free; call the Colorado Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). The QuitLine also has a web-based support, www.coquitline.org. This free service provides information and tools to tailor your own personal plan for quitting.
• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers www.TobaccoFreeCO.org, an online web hub that connects visitors to a variety of resources and topics including cessation services and information on preventing secondhand smoke exposure and youth tobacco use.
• SmokeFreeTXT is a free text-based program that places you on the path to a life free from tobacco.
• Attend a free tobacco cessation group hosted by Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge on Tuesdays from 12pm-1pm or 5:30pm-6:30pm. This is a six week drop-in group that provides adults who want to quit smoking with tools and support to achieve their goals. You do not need to attend all six weeks in order to participate.
• You may also visit the Thinking of Quitting page on the Tobacco-Free Jeffco Website for a list of additional resources and videos that will encourage and help you to quit.

·         The JCPH Tobacco Prevention Initiative offers a 2016 New Year’s Resolution infographic to help tobacco users navigate the journey of quitting. This educational handout provides reasons to quit, steps to design a quit plan, a tracking tool and tips on staying tobacco-free.

·         JCPH also offers an online nine day quit guide to help you stay on track.

Jefferson County Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Initiative is working 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 tobaccofree@jeffco.us,
or call Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555.

Quitting Tobacco and Avoiding Tobacco Smoke Saves Lives

An interest in improving health, the environment and safety has communities and businesses across the country working to protect everyone from the dangers of tobacco smoke. In Jefferson County, the JCPH Tobacco Prevention Program has implemented two new messaging campaigns designed to get people thinking about the harms of tobacco and tobacco smoke and to begin taking steps to live tobacco free and provide tobacco free environments for everyone.

“My Greatest Enemy” is being used by Jefferson County Public Health to highlight the harms and addiction of cigarette smoking and tobacco and the stories of those who fight back and win life’s battles. Many fight and survive depression, cancer, drug abuse and much more only to find themselves facing what may be an even greater enemy - tobacco addiction. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that more deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from illegal drug use, alcohol use, HIV, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined in the United States.

Look for “My Greatest Enemy” ads throughout the summer in local print publications, inside buses and on bus shelters. If you would like a “My Greatest Enemy” poster for your organization or business, please visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com or contact Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555.

“We Share the Air!” is the title of the new health message campaign intended to inform Jefferson County residents about the harms of exposure to any amount of tobacco smoke in any environment, indoors and outdoors. The 2010 US Surgeon General report clearly states that even occasional, low levels of exposure to secondhand smoke is dangerous. “We Share the Air” emphasizes that secondhand smoke outside…is still secondhand smoke and is still dangerous.

Whether in your home or vehicle, at work, or while visiting outdoor public recreation areas, there is no risk-free level of exposure to tobacco smoke for anyone. By taking steps to protect yourself and others, you can reduce the risk of exposure and help to make the air we share healthier for all.

• My Greatest Enemy” and “We Share the Air” ads can be viewed at tobaccofreejeffco.com
• If you need help quitting cigarettes or any type of tobacco, please visit http://www.tobaccofreejeffco.com/how-to-quit.html or call 1-800-QUIT NOW. 
• For more information about the dangers of SHS and to get involved in tobacco prevention efforts, visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com or contact Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555 or dviveret@jeffco.us
• View My Greatest Enemy news release
• View We Share the Air news release

Why's Your Trash Up In My Grill?

Monday mornings usually hit quicker than many of us would like.  I often spend my commute thinking about what the day will bring, trying to remember what I left on my desk Friday afternoon as I dashed out the door to enjoy the weekend.  This morning, however, my thoughts were interrupted by the driver in front of me.  The motorist, in a new powder blue Jeep Cherokee, was using the highways as a trash bin.  At first, there was a cigarette butt, sparks flying as it bounced across the pavement.  A mile down the road, came the left overs and containers of McDonald’s breakfast items. Paper, cardboard and yellow arches flying into the grill of my car. 

I’m not sure why it bothered me so much, it was not the first time I’ve experienced littering drivers, but this time, I wanted to let the driver know the action had not gone unnoticed.  The signal on the Cherokee indicated that the driver was about to get over to my right.  I just HAD to see who this person was. This person who felt like the world was a trash can.  Was it a man? Woman?  Old? Young?  Did they not know about littering?

As I inched up to get a look, I saw the culprit. The driver was a woman in her late 40’s with pulled back hair and modest makeup.   As I steadied my car, even with hers, she looked at me with a shocked look.  She probably had no idea why I was shaking my head at her and giving her that same look of disapproval that I give to my little pug dog when he’s been naughty.

As she exited the highway, I continued on and gathered my composure. This had made me angry and we all know getting angry while driving is dangerous. No need for road rage.  Still, wasn’t protecting our environment all of our jobs? What was going on with this woman that made her comfortable with throwing her trash out of her car window, on the highway and the top of my car? (By the way, throwing any object on a highway is punishable by law and usually involves a large fine and possible jail time.) 

In my office at the Jefferson County Public Health Department, we try very hard to get information and resources to the public that will help keep them safe and healthy.  However, keeping the public healthy is not something any agency or single organization can do on its own.   This collaborative effort involves every individual in our community.  The littering driver this morning wasn’t single handedly putting the health of the public at risk.  However, her single action when multiplied by potentially thousands of others who decided not to be conscious of the environment and their community are. 

Public health has its roots in sanitation and cleaner environments.  Hundreds of years ago, people recognized that polluted water and improper disposal of waste were causing disease and death and came together to do something about it. Obviously we still have lots of work to do, but let’s begin by going back to some basics. Trash belongs in trash cans and not on the highways, cigarette butts go in an ashtray and should be completely extinguished, and common courtesy, even on a Monday morning, goes a long way.

For more information on Public Health and how you can make a difference in creating a healthier Jefferson County visit www.jeffco.us/health.

by Tina Thorpe

Jefferson County Public Health