|
 Jan 2, 2024
|
|
 As 2024 begins, you may be reflecting on bad habits you would like to break or changes you want to make. Many people enter the new year wanting to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping but few succeed. The reason is not because it is impossible to quit, but because tobacco products are addictive and require the right support to quit successfully.
We are available to connect you or your loved ones with quit resources and support, including Freedom From Smoking® classes from the American Lung Association. Tobacco Free Colorado released several videos about Coloradans who quit including Weld County resident, Thom, a participant of the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program's (WCTEPP) Freedom From Smoking® program. In the video, Thom shares how he was able to finally quit at 67. His biggest piece of advice: “Don’t quit trying to quit.”
 Whether it's your first, tenth, or thirtieth time trying to quit, you can succeed, and it is never too late. Here are some tips from us to help you quit this year:
- Know your reasons for quitting, write them down, and read them when it gets hard.
- Find support from friends, family, or other people trying to quit.
- Manage stress to reduce potential triggers.
- Focus on successes, not slips.
- Avoid things that trigger you to smoke as much as possible.
- Change your normal routine to break the habitual aspect of smoking.
- Replace smoking with activities that make you feel good.
Contact us for more information on quitting. Prioritize your health this new year!
|
|
The Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program is launching a Tobacco-Free Schools designation in 2024! If your school is dedicated to keeping students safe and healthy, then this program is for you. All you have to do is participate in our program offerings to be recognized and receive a Tobacco Free Schools seal! This seal can be added to district websites, displayed on a wall in the office, listed in handbooks, and more. It is meant to be shown off because being a Certified Tobacco-Free School is a major success and takes a lot of hard work! Since schools vary in capacity, we have three different levels depending on participation—bronze, silver, and gold.
Some program offerings include:
- School resource guide
- Student vaping 101 presentations
- Parent and teacher vaping 101 presentations
- Trusted adult trainings
- Tobacco-free signage
- Alternatives to suspension
- And more!
Contact ematlock@weld.gov or visit weld.gov/go/tobaccocontrol for more information.
|
|
|
The Colorado Quitline is now offering cash incentives for mentholated tobacco users looking to quit. Menthol cigarettes are easier to smoke and harder to quit than standard cigarettes because of their cooling effect and impact on how nicotine metabolizes in the body. More youth and young adults smoke menthol cigarettes, and more minority populations smoke menthols due to the tobacco industry’s history of predatory marketing tactics.
If you smoke menthols and wish to quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit the Colorado Quitline to enroll.
|
|
|
My Life, My Quit
Free, confidential, and self-guided service for teens (12-17) trying to quit smoking or vaping. To get started, text "Start My Quit" to 36072, or call 1-855-891-9989 for individualized support, encouragement, and helpful tips. No parental consent required.
|
|
Colorado Quitline
Free and online quit service for Colorado residents aged 18 or older. Contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance and see if you are eligible for a free supply of patches, gum, or lozenges.
|
|
Baby & Me- Tobacco Free
The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program™ is an evidence based, smoking cessation program created to reduce the burden of tobacco on the pregnant and postpartum population. Contact the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program or your physician for more information!
|
|
Our Team
|
|
Melanie Cyphers RN, BSN Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor mcyphers@weld.gov
(970) 400-2423 |
Jill Matlock, M.Ed, MPH
Youth Tobacco Education Specialist
ematlock@weld.gov
(970) 400-2383 |
|
Brooklyn Larimore, BS Youth Policy and Communications Specialist Blarimore@weld.gov (970) 400-2371
|
|
|
|
|
|
