NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Date:
Phone:
Through With Chew Week Gets Boost From Local Health Officials
(Name of town or city) dentists, otolaryngologists—physicians concerned
with the ears, nose, and throat—and the (name of health department) have proclaimed
the week of February 15–21, 2009, as "Through With Chew Week" in an effort to
call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco.
In 2006, 11% of male high school students and 1.5% of female high school students used smokeless tobacco.
The public awareness campaign is designed to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.
(List any local activities here.)
Heath educators and medical
professionals from the (name of institution) will be addressing youth about
health risks commonly associated with this type of tobacco.
"Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, as some young
people believe, and it is even more habit forming because it contains a higher
concentration of nicotine than cigarettes," (name of health educator or physician/dentist).
Smokeless tobacco can cause oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums,
and throat. In addition, smokeless tobacco is addicting.(Name of health educator
or physician/dentist) stated, "The use
of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral problems, such as mouth sores,
gum recession, tooth decay, bad breath, and permanent discoloration of teeth."
Through With Chew Week is sponsored by the (name of health department) and
the (name of coalition or institution). For more information
or for materials, please call (local phone number).