Nov. 21, 2024. Reno/Sparks, NV – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is celebrating the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21, as a way for people who smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products such as nicotine pouches, to quit even if it’s just for one day.
Did you know that 17.6% of Washoe County adults continue to smoke on a regular basis? E-cigarette use among people aged 10-19 also remains high in Washoe County, with 8.4% of middle school students and 18.1% of high school students reporting e-cigarette use in the past 30 days of being surveyed.
Quitting tobacco is one of the most important things you can do for your health. The use of tobacco products, including vapes, and nicotine pouches like Zyn, is associated with acquiring chronic diseases including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Additionally, nicotine may also weaken the immune system increasing the chance of developing disease from bacteria and viruses. Quitting tobacco is not the easiest thing to do, but there is support.
NNPH encourages those who use tobacco products to take the one-day challenge that can lead to a long-term plan to quit tobacco for good.
“While everyone has a different reason for quitting tobacco – loved ones, health, or saving money – most people need some assistance in their journey,” District Health Officer Chad Kingsley, MD, said. “Help is available, free of charge. We encourage everyone to take advantage of free resources in our community that have been proven effective in helping individuals quit using tobacco.”
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline is a free resource for those that smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, use nicotine pouches, or use e-cigarettes. Anyone that calls 1-800-QUIT-NOW can speak with a professional, licensed counselor for confidential assistance in both English and Spanish. The Nevada Tobacco Quitline can also connect Native Americans and Asian Americans who smoke with culturally tailored resources. Veterans can call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838).
For Youth My Life, My Quit
My Life, My Quit provides free, non-judgmental support for Nevada teens to quit tobacco use, including vaping. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit https://nv.mylifemyquit.org/.
More information about quitting tobacco use can be found on the www.GetHealthyWashoe.com website under Be Tobacco Free.
Finally, if you have a smoking history, talk to your healthcare provider about lung cancer screening or visit SavedByTheScan.com to lean more and to see if you are eligible.
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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.
Northern Nevada Public Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.