State Health Department Marks World No Tobacco Day

cigarettes-19
cigarettes-19

Tuesday was World No Tobacco Day as health officials urged everyone who smokes to kick the habit. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says World No Tobacco Day is an initiative created by the World Health Organization to draw the world’s attention to the tobacco epidemic, along with the preventable deaths and diseases it causes. This year’s campaign focused on the negative effect the tobacco industry has on the environment and called attention to the environmental effects the tobacco industry has on the planet, which further harms human health. The state health department says the tobacco industry generates 84 megatons of greenhouse gases every year and contributes to deforestation. Smokers looking for a little help getting on the right track can call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW. It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From now through September 30, all new enrollees at the Michigan Tobacco Quitline will receive two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy along with a coaching session. You can find out more at Michigan.gov/Tobacco.