Calling All Little Leaguers!
Oral Health America's National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) and Little League International are pleased to announce the 2009 NSTEP Slogan Contest on the health consequences of using spit tobacco.
In 10 words or less, Little Leaguers are asked to create an original slogan that effectively describes the hazards of spit tobacco use. All current Little League Baseball and Softball players age 14 and under are eligible. All entries must be received by July 3, 2009.
For the official 2009 Slogan Contest rules and entry Form click here.
Oral Health America’s National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) was founded in 1994 as an effort to educate the baseball family and the American public about the dangers of smokeless or spit tobacco, and break the long-standing link between this potentially deadly drug and Americas pastime. Each year, 10 to 16 million Americans put their health at risk by using smokeless tobacco products. A report from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that between 2002 and 2007, smokeless tobacco use among adolescent boys increased 30 percent.
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SLOGAN CONTEST EDUCATES YOUNG BASEBALL PLAYERS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO USE
 August 18, 2008—The National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) announced the winner of its annual slogan contest today, and encouraged young baseball players to talk to their coaches and parents about tobacco addiction and the health risks of using tobacco products, including spit and smokeless tobacco. This year's slogan contest winner is Joe Reck (pictured left), a nine-year-old Little League Baseball player with the Walnut Creek Little League from Windsor Heights, IA, whose submission, “Take tobacco out of your lineup!” sends a clear message that tobacco has no place in the ballpark.
Read more!
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Tobacco Taxes: Saving Mouths, Saving
Lives, Saving Money
Studies show that raising the price of tobacco products through tax increases prompts reductions in use. Oral Health America heard from one former user in Ohio, whose story underscores the importance of ensuring that all tobacco products are taxed at comparable rates. While recent increases are important, smokeless tobacco is still grossly under-taxed at the state and federal levels in comparison to cigarettes.
Here is John’s story: Click here to read the entire article.
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Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Click here to read articles listed on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's website that speak about the NSTEP program and it's work to break baseball's association with spit tobacco.
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NSTEP is in the News!
July 29, 2008—NSTEP is cited in an MLB.com article, "Tobacco use in baseball on the decline: users remain, but rules, more awarness have made impact ."
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SAVE THE DATE!
The 5th National Summit on Smokeless and Spit Tobacco, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Office of Continuing Education, is schedule for September, 21-23, 2009 at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin.
Contact Chris DeIuliis, deiuliis@uwosh.edu, for more information.
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