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Tobacco Free Florida Encourages Communities to Quit Chew Tobacco During "Through With Chew Week"
February 28, 2021

Okeechobee, Fla. – This Through With Chew Week, Feb. 21 - 27, Tobacco Free Florida and QuitDoc Foundation are encouraging smokeless tobacco users to set a quit date. Each year, Through With Chew Week raises awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use (chew, dip and snus) and the effective tools available to quit.


Courtney Moyett with the Tobacco Free Partnership of Okeechobee accepts Resolution from Commissioner Bradley Goodbread

 

Smokeless tobacco is not harmless and can lead to nicotine addiction. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth, esophagus and pancreas, as well as increased risk of death from heart disease or stroke. Smokeless tobacco can cause white or gray patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia) that can lead to cancer. It can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

This year Okeechobee County will be spreading the message of Through With Chew Week at the Board of County Commission meeting on February 25, 2021 at 9am.

    

Those looking to quit tobacco can create a personalized quit plan using Tobacco Free Florida’s free Quit Your Way tools and services. The Quit Your Way program offers free tools and services like Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit, in addition to individual tools like text support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails. Free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – are available to tobacco users who are 18 or older, if medically appropriate.

For more information on quitting tobacco, you can call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) or visit tobaccofreeflorida.com.