DID YOU KNOW?

One of the substances abused by students in Eaton County is tobacco.

In 2016, we completed our most recent Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth Survey from 7th, 9th and 11th grade students in Eaton County. From this survey, we learned that over 12% of 11th grade students and 7% of 9th graders confirmed they have used a tobacco product in the past 30 days. Preventing tobacco use among youth is critical to ending the tobacco epidemic in not only our county but also the United States.
Our goal is to provide our local community with tobacco prevention information and use comprehensive strategies to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related disease and death. Our primary goals are to help tobacco users quit, prevent youth from starting to use tobacco and protect the residents of our county from secondhand smoke. Our focus is to develop strategies and activities that will prevent the use of tobacco and at the same time implementing and supporting activities that will control or alleviate the negative health effects of direct use or the indirect exposure to tobacco.

You Can Quit! Help is Available!
Quitting tobacco is a process. The first step is the hardest. When you are ready to quit, The Michigan Tobacco Quitline can help you with each step in the quitting process.

The Michigan Tobacco QuitLine is a FREE online service available to Michigan residents. When you become a member, you get special tools, a support team of coaches, research-based information, and a community of others trying to become tobacco free. The QuitLine expert coaches can talk to you about overcoming common barriers, such as dealing with stress, fighting cravings, coping with irritability, and controlling weight gain.

The QuitLine also offer a free telephone service, so you can speak to a coach in person, if you would prefer. Through the telephone program you can receive a supply of gum, patches, or lozenges too. Call the QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-480-7848.

The QuitLine is open 7 days a week.
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. EST
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m. EST
If you call when the QuitLine is  closed, just leave a message and someone will call you back.

Michigan QuitLine Success Stories
People from all over the state have quit tobacco with help from 1-800-QUIT-NOW.   They did the smart thing and took advantage of a free service that gave them support, coaching, quit tips and nicotine patches, gum and lozenges.  Note that the names have been changed to protect people’s identity, but the stories are real.
Carmen’s Story
With the support of three daughters and a grandbaby on the way, Carmen is glad to be two months smoke-free.
Brian’s Story
Feeling drained and lacking in energy, Brian decided to give up smoking to regain some energy and feel better.
Geri’s Story
After 30 years of smoking, Geri is setting a new example for her family. She doesn't want them to struggle with COPD as she does.
Tony’s Story 
Tony was very addicted to Copenhagen chew for quite a large part of his life. He loved to chew and most of his friends did as well.
Debbie’s Story
Debbie is thrilled with how much money she is saving and has purchased a computer for herself.

Smoking Calculator
Have you ever wondered about how much you spend on smoking and/or tobacco use? Finding out about how much tobacco costs you both in dollars and life lost can be one way to motivate yourself to quit! Use this information to help you to make a life change!
michigan.quitlogix.org/thinking_about_quitting/calculator.aspx

​It's the Law: No Smoking in Public

Secondhand smoke is a killer. Every year, approximately 1,740 Michigan residents who don't smoke die from having been exposed to someone else’s tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 of which are known to be harmful, and 69 of which cause cancer. Current research also links thirdhand smoke to health risks.

Michigan has statewide smoke-free air laws that protect residents and visitors from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in public places. The most comprehensive one is Public Act 188 of 2009, Michigan's Smoke-Free Air Law, which protects residents and visitors in all the state's restaurants, bars and businesses, including hotels and motels.
Many landlords and rental housing management companies have adopted smoke-free policies for their residents. In fact, Michigan now leads the nation in the number of public housing commissions that have adopted smoke-free policies.
Work is ongoing to protect residents and visitors from exposure to secondhand smoke in other public areas, including parks and beaches.
Excerpted from MDDHS Tobacco Section Website: ​http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2955_2973---,00.html