Men’s Health Month: Focusing On Tobacco-Related Health Risks In Men
June is Men’s Health Month, and Tobacco Free Nebraska (TFN) is encouraging all men and their families to take control of their health by quitting tobacco. Free tools and coaches are available through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) so dads who use tobacco can celebrate Father’s Day on June 18, 2023, by quitting – for themselves and their families.
“This month is a time for men to remember the role they have in influencing their children and other members of their families regarding tobacco use,” said Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Tesmer. “Unfortunately, 1,400 Nebraska men die due to smoking complications every year leaving 140 children under the age of 18 fatherless. I encourage all of you to protect yourselves and your families by quitting tobacco.”
Know the Facts
Over 14% of Nebraska men smoke.
Tobacco use can cause health complications such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking increases the risk of men developing lung cancer by 25 times and can reduce fertility in men, increasing the risks of birth defects and miscarriage.
Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals and poisonous gasses. E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless water vapor; secondhand aerosol contains harmful substances such as nicotine, heavy metals, flavorings, and other cancer-causing chemicals. In the United States, two out of every five children ages 3-11 are exposed to secondhand smoke, which can increase the chance the child will suffer from wheezing, coughing, respiratory infections, ear problems, and asthma.
Children whose families smoke are twice as likely to use tobacco. Talk with them about the risks of using tobacco and how you are trying to quit.
Protect You and Your Family’s Health
“If you use tobacco, quit,” said Dr. Tesmer. “It may take more than one attempt, but quitting can lower the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, and poor reproductive health outcomes, and reduce your family’s exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol. Talk to a healthcare provider about the resources and quit medications available to help you quit.”
The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available for free to help quit or stay tobacco-free. Connect with the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), visiting https://QuitNow.ne.gov or texting QUITNOW to 333888. Quitline services are available in over 200 languages and Spanish-speaking residents can call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (335-3569) or text DÉJELOYA to 333888. Participants may be eligible to receive free quit medication, such as nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges after completing one counseling session with the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline.
The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is a free service offered by Tobacco Free Nebraska, a program through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health.