Non-Smoking Week Message #2 - Smokeless tobacco also a concern

The Dangers of Smoking at Home is the focus of the kick off message for National Non-Smoking Week recognized nationally from January 18 to 24.
The Cypress Health Region is providing a tip per day during National Non-Smoking Week to highlight helpful tips and facts to Southwest residents.
There are two kinds of smokeless tobacco:
Chewing tobacco comes in two forms: Densely packed plugs and loosely packed pouches of tobacco in leaf form.
Snuff is finely ground or powdered tobacco. A pinch or dip of snuff is packed into the space between the lower lip and the teeth. Snuff is held in the mouth, and the individual sucks the juice out of the tobacco. Pouches hold fine cut tobacco in a tiny, teabag-like pouch for convenience.
With all forms, a large wad is placed in the cheek pouch. The individual chews and sucks the juice out of the tobacco.
With chewing tobacco and snuff, the tobacco juice is sometimes swallowed but
spitting is frequent.
Does Spit Tobacco Contain Nicotine?
Yes, smokeless tobacco contains nicotine. One tin of snuff has the same amount of
nicotine as smoking 60 cigarettes. The skin in the mouth and the bloodstream quickly
absorbs nicotine. Frequent users get hooked and need the nicotine effect every 20 to
30 minutes. Snuff dipping can cause nicotine poisoning. This can lead to nerve damage, severe muscle weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
Does Spit Tobacco Affect Your Health?
Yes, smokeless tobacco affects your health by:
- Reducing your sense of taste and smell;
- Giving you bad breath;
- Staining your teeth;
- Causing tooth decay as sugar is added to the tobacco;
- Causing gums to pull away from the teeth;
- Increasing your chances of developing mouth cancer by 50 per cent;
- Causing cancer of the throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach and bladder;
- Increasing blood pressure and heart rate, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke;
- Illness is spread when spit dries and the germs become air-bourne, (tuberculosis for example).
For more information on tobacco cessation and National Non-Smoking Week, visit the Cypress Health Region website at www.cypresshealth.ca or contact Jeff Bohnert, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator, at 778-9564.