BLOOMINGTON – World No Tobacco Day, recognized annually on May 31, was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco. IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry encourages local Hoosiers to join in this worldwide event and make a commitment to tobacco cessation.
“This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme is ‘Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,’ and it focuses on how the nicotine industry targets younger generations to get them addicted to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products,” said Terry. “Indiana’s youth nicotine rates have decreased over the last few years, but we still have work to do for this downward trend to continue, and to help people who are already addicted.”
She shared that flavors, “new” or “emerging” products, and eye-catching designs are just a few ways these companies try to get individuals to try their products, with the end goal of having new lifelong customers. Unfortunately, these methods have proven successful for many individuals. The good news is that IU Health’s tobacco cessation team is committed to helping turn around the tobacco and nicotine habits of Hoosiers year-round.
“Whether it’s your first attempt to quit nicotine or you’ve tried before, there are experts here to help you in this journey,” said Terry.
Call 1.800.Quit.Now for help from a trained quit coach and to get started on a quit plan if you don’t already have one. You can also call this number for free, evidence-based tobacco cessation support. Visit QuitNowIndiana.com to learn more.
For local tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit the Tobacco Free Coalition of Monroe
County on Facebook.
