First District Health Unit is calling attention to the health risks and dangers associated with smokeless tobacco use during Through with Chew Week Feb. 17-21. Feb. 20 is designated as the Great American Spit Out.

First District Health Unit will be providing smokeless tobacco users with tools to quit tobacco, educating our community about the ways smokeless tobacco can cause harm and encouraging young people never to start using these products.

Local assistance to quit smokeless tobacco, any other tobacco product or vaping product is available at First District Health Unit.

The Kick Start cessation class will be held on Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class is free and samples of gum and lozenges will be given to adults. Entrance to the health unit is through Door B.

Registration is available at fdhu.gov or by contacting Bonnie Riely at 837-5171,

Riely, a certified tobacco treatment specialist, can help those who want to quit by developing a quit plan. The quit plan includes preparing for cravings, coping with withdrawal symptoms and using Food and Drug Administration-approved medications, which improve the chances of success.

“No form of tobacco is safe and using any tobacco product poses a health risk,” Riely said. “Our goal during Through With Chew Week is to educate North Dakotans on the dangers of smokeless tobacco, which includes cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas as well as many other health problems like heart disease.”

First District assists those wanting to quit tobacco by providing educational materials and tobacco cessation resources. In addition, the statewide tobacco cessation program, NDQuits, offers free support and coaching.

Reducing the rate of smokeless tobacco use is a top priority for First District because it reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, birth defects and death. In 2018, 12% of adult males reported using smokeless tobacco every day.