CONCORD — In New Hampshire, $729 million is spent annually on health care costs directly caused by using tobacco products. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is urging New Hampshire’s tobacco users to consider the stories of those experiencing tobacco related illness to encourage them to make an attempt to quit.
Tips from Former Smokers, a campaign by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), features the stories of people living with long-term health effects from tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Each story represents thousands of individuals living with similar illnesses caused by smoking.
“These stories are effective because they bring to life the devastating health effects of tobacco use, and encourage those who aren’t smoking to never start,” said DPHS Director Lisa Morris, in a press release from DHHS. “Many supports are available for those who have made the decision to quit tobacco use. Talk to your medical provider, call 1 (800) QUIT-NOW, or get 24/7 support at QuitNowNH.org.”
Nearly 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, according to the press release. The Tips campaign provides information and resources to do so. Since the campaign began in 2012, more than 30 Americans have lent their voices and stories to the campaign.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, with about 480,000 deaths annually nationwide. In New Hampshire, 1,900 residents die every year from tobacco-related diseases. For every person who dies from a tobacco-related disease, at least 30 others live with at least one serious illness as the result of tobacco use, according to DHHS.
The Division of Public Health Services encourages New Hampshire residents to call for cost-free telephone coaching and nicotine replacement therapy products, and visit the website for support. For more information on the campaign, including profiles of the former smokers and free help, visit www.cdc.gov/tips.
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