Christie Preston, Black Hawk. Gain Independence from Nicotine Addiction. Take back your freedom from nicotine addiction. The Gilpin County Tobacco prevention program joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in encouraging people who use tobacco to declare their independence and live fuller, healthier lives.

Tobacco products and their contents are designed to be addictive with nicotine serving as the primary chemical compound that causes dependence on tobacco products.  Most people initiate tobacco use before the age of 18, and studies have shown that youth become addicted to nicotine at much faster rates than adults.  Youth are also more sensitive to tobacco industry marketing tactics which can include the use of colorful packaging, candy flavors, and discounted prices.   It is important to not only prevent youth from accessing tobacco products but to reduce the influence of youth-appealing marketing tactics and encourage tobacco-free living by modeling healthy behaviors.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.  The CDC estimates that cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause 443,000 deaths each year in the United States – that’s 1 in 5 Americans.  Though it often takes more than one attempt to quit successfully, it is never too late to quit; and the body begins to heal as quickly as 20 minutes after your last cigarette.  Don’t let tobacco control your life - take back your freedom!

Colorado offers numerous resources to help you quit smoking or using other tobacco products.  Consider taking advantage of some of the following resources to help you in your quitting journey:

•    Visit www.TobaccoFreeCO.org or call the Colorado Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

•    Consider using a web-based cessation program such as www.coquitmobile.com, www.mylastdip.com, www.chewfree.com, or the Tobacco Quit and Save app.

•    You may also visit www.TobaccoFreeGilpin.com for a list of additional resources to help you quit.

•    Use this fact sheet to learn about products to help you become and stay tobacco-free.

Gilpin County Public Health continues to work toward reducing the toll of tobacco in our communities through sustainable solutions to the problem of tobacco use and exposure.  To learn more about current initiatives and how to get involved, please visit www.TobaccoFreeGilpin.com or contact Christie Preston at 303-275-7565 or cpreston@jeffco.us.