by Alberta Becenti, MPH, Public Health Advisor for the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program, Indian Health Service
November 21, 2019
For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has designated the
third Thursday of November as an opportunity for people who smoke to quit
or make a plan to quit. In observance of the Great American Smokeout, the Indian Health Service is providing
prevention activities to encourage commercial tobacco users to make plans
to quit, to learn about the harms of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand
smoke, and to participate in alternative wellness activities.
Why is it hard for tobacco users to quit?
The nicotine in tobacco is an addictive substance that makes it very
difficult for people who want to quit smoking. Using any tobacco products
that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes,
and hookahs, can lead to nicotine addiction. When a person inhales
cigarette smoke, the nicotine in the smoke is rapidly absorbed into the
blood and starts affecting the brain within 8 seconds. Smokers may
experience feelings of pleasure and an increased concentration that only
lasts for a few minutes. When tobacco users attempt to quit, they may
experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation,
fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and an inability to concentrate. These
unpleasant sensations make it difficult for smokers to quit.
How can we help smokers?
Many tobacco users would like to quit and may have tried several times to
quit. Studies indicate that using Nicotine Replacement Therapy cessation
aids such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine
inhalers, and nicotine lozenges can increase a person’s smoking cessation
success, especially with counseling support. It is important to promote and
provide cessation services to smokers who are ready to quit. If local
cessation services are not available, refer to 1-800-QUIT-NOW or the Smokefree.gov text messaging
program.
Why should we be concerned about tobacco use?
We respect the sacred and traditional use of tobacco among tribal
communities. For centuries, some tribes have used traditional tobacco for
ceremonies, prayers, and medical purposes. In our efforts, we are
addressing commercial tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. The use
of tobacco increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Cigarette smoking continues to remain high among American Indian and Alaska
Native adults, at 33.9% compared to 14.0% among U.S. adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
, 26% of American Indian and Alaska Native women reported smoking during
their last three months of pregnancy, compared to 14.3% of whites, 0.9% of
African Americans, 3.4% of Hispanics, and 2.1% of Asians and Pacific
Islanders.
**What resources and strategies are available to address tobacco use and
exposure to secondhand smoke?**
Access
tobacco prevention posters
Access the Basic Tobacco Intervention Skills certification training from
the IHS
Access archived
tobacco prevention webinars
Contact
IHS Area Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinators
to learn how you can support tobacco prevention efforts
Access additional tobacco prevention campaigns, infographics, fact
sheets, and digital stories of former tobacco users at the HP/DP website,
available early next year
Additional resources on e-cigarettes:
View the CDC archived webinar on
“Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-cigarette Product Use or Vaping: Information for Clinicians.
”
Patients who currently use e-cigarettes and vape products should be
advised to refrain from use. More information is available at CDC’s
What You Need to Know
Access and share the CDC information sheet on
“E-cigarettes and Youth: What Parents Need to Know.”
Share a free online
tobacco prevention toolkit
aimed to prevent junior high and high school students from using
commercial tobacco products
Please check the
CDC Smoking & Tobacco Use
site for the most up to date public information.
Check with your IHS HP/DP Coordinators about Great American Smokeout events
at your sites.
Related content:
Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
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