Southeastern Utah District Health Press Release
Carbon and Emery county dentists, a Price otolaryngologist (physician who specializes in ears, nose and throat) and the Southeastern Utah District Health Department have proclaimed the week of Feb. 16–22 as Through With Chew Week. The campaign will draw attention to the use of smokeless tobacco.
In 2011, 7.3% of high school students in the United States used smokeless tobacco. Utah is the third highest in the nation for smokeless tobacco, which includes many women. The public awareness campaign is designed to reduce smokeless tobacco use among young people.
District health educators and community health specialists will address youth about risks commonly associated with this type of tobacco.
“Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, as some young people believe,” stated Debbie Marvidikis. “It is even more habit forming because it contains a higher concentration of nicotine than cigarettes.”
Smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums and throat. In addition, it is addicting.
“The use of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral problems, such as mouth sores, gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent discoloration of teeth,” Marvidikis explained.
Education classes will be conducted at the health department located at 28 South 100 East, in Price.
Quit kits will be handed out at Utah State University Eastern Campus on Wednesday, Feb, 19. These kits will also be available at the following locations during Through With Chew Week:
Blane Jackson DDS 690 Price River Drive, Price.
Paul Feller DDS 250 North Fairgrounds Road, Price.
Paul Martinez DDS 95 South 100 East, Price.
Kent Mckell DDS, Jay Stilson DMD 365 North Center, Castle Dale.
Dr. Erik Lyman MD 945 West Hospital Drive, Ste. 1, Price.
Through With Chew Week is sponsored by the Southeastern Utah District Health Department and Utah State University Eastern. For more information or for materials, call (435) 637-3671.