For the month of August, the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative focused on preventing and treating tobacco use. This includes smoking, vaping, using dip, and other tobacco products. Use of these products has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and strokes.
Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Dr. Steven Stack, said cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in the nation.
“In 2022 more than 17% of Kentucky adults reported being current users of cigarettes. Additionally, more than 20% of Kentucky high school students reported using e-cigarettes at least once in the 30 days preceding the survey,” said Stack.
As part of the initiative, Team Kentucky offers free resources to help current nicotine users quit. Quit Now Kentucky provides 24/7 coaching over the phone and online. For users under 18, My Life My Quit offers confidential texting services.
Stack said incorporating small changes in daily routines can help people stop smoking.
“When cravings happen, it’s important to distract yourself since nicotine cravings typically pass within five minutes. Snaking on raw carrots or other crunchy snacks such as pickles, apples, or celery helps keep your mouth busy and provides a distraction. Drinking a large glass of water when you want to smoke or vape can also help,” said Stack.
Additionally, officials said people who use nicotine replacement therapies, like gum or patches, are twice as likely to successfully quit.
More about preventing and treating tobacco use, or about other health habits, can be found at ourhealthykyhome.ky.gov.