Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death in Alaska. Each year, tobacco use alone is linked to an estimated 700 deaths and $575 million in health care costs in Alaska.
Nicotine is one of the strongest addictions an individual can have and about two out of three tobacco users want to stop but struggle to break the addiction. Originally, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, “Great American Smoke-Out”, encouraged tobacco users to quit cold turkey on a single day. However, we now know that quitting is a process. It starts with a plan, takes time and requires a lot of support. Let the Great American Smoke-Out event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a tobacco-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of other tobacco users in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your risk for cancer and other tobacco related illnesses.
We also want to encourage all tobacco users to quit, not just smokers. It doesn’t matter what nicotine delivery method is used, e-cigarettes (vapes), pouches, blackbull, etc. every type hurts a tobacco user’s physical, mental, and financial health. Additionally, using nicotine products, like vaping, can increase anxiety symptoms and stress levels. However, many tobacco users falsely believe tobacco products can relive stress or anxiety. Read the article on Nicotine Use and Stress to learn more.
To have the best chance of stopping and remaining tobacco-free, you need to know what you’re up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. As leaders in promoting health and wellness, YKHC encourages staff, community partners, villagers and patients to commit, or recommit to healthy, tobacco-free lives by participating in the Great American Smoke-Out on Thursday November 16th
Tobacco Cessation Resources:
- YKHC Tobacco Cessation Program. A local team of certified tobacco treatment specialists are available to answer questions and assist with a personalized quit plan through counseling services as well as FDA approved medications to treat nicotine dependence. Call 1-907-543-6312 for more information on how to enroll.
- Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is also available to Alaskans, regardless of income or insurance coverage. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669),or visit Alaskaquitline.com. It’s free. It’s confidential. And it works!
- American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide tobacco cessation support and resources. To find out more, visit cancer.org/smokeout or call 1-800-227-2345.
Stopping tobacco use is not easy, but you can do it. YKHC Tobacco Cessation program is here for you.
Victoria Galanopoulos, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator