Smokeless Tobacco Myths Put Oklahomans At Risk During Through With Chew Week
Smokeless tobacco does not burn, but it can still cause serious harm. Products like chew and dip can deliver more nicotine than cigarettes and raise the risk of cancer. Through With Chew Week, Feb. 15–21, focuses on sharing these facts and connecting Oklahomans to free quit help through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).
Smokeless tobacco can be very addictive. Some products contain up to four times more nicotine than cigarettes. They also expose users to chemicals that cause cancer. Using smokeless tobacco raises the risk of mouth, throat and pancreatic cancer. It can also damage gums and teeth.
“People deserve clear, honest information and support they can trust,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “By providing proven quit help through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, TSET works to protect the health of Oklahomans and reduce the toll of cancer and premature death in our state.”
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free, statewide resource that helps people quit all forms of tobacco. It offers one-on-one coaching and tools made for people who use smokeless tobacco. Services are confidential and available to all Oklahomans, including those in rural areas.
For a limited time, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is offering at least eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gum or lozenges, to eligible participants who enroll through Feb. 28. Using medication along with coaching can make quitting easier and improve the chance of success.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to learn more about the free services and resources available. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Instagram.
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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Since 2003, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations and is consistently ranked among the top quitlines by the North American Quitline Consortium. Visit OKHelpline.com to learn more.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health