Turkey Bowling held in Malta on November 21

Are you ready to “kick the tobacco use habit” and add years to your life?

Then you just need to pick a day. How about Thursday, November 21st, 2019? That’s the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. You can join millions of Americans and start living tobacco-free!

The American Cancer Society reports, “About 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.” 1,600 of tobacco-related deaths occur each year in the State of Montana.

When trying to quit using tobacco, support can make all the difference! The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP), a statewide program of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, offers free cessation services, dedicated coaching, and nicotine replacement therapy through the Montana Tobacco Quit Line. To join the Great American Smokeout challenge, contact http://www.QuitNowMontana.com or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

According to Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Sonia Young, “There are some exciting new the Quit Line programs being offered this year including one for youth ages 12-17 called, My Life, My Quit, where youth can call or text “Start My Quit” to 1-855-891-9989. Another program is for veterans who receive health care through the VA, they can call the VA National Quit Line at 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838).

In honor of the Great American Smoke Out, Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices is celebrating on Tuesday, November 19th, with their annual Turkey Bowling Family Fun night. The whole community is invited to bring their favorite dish to pass at the potluck beginning at 6 p.m. in the Malta High School Cafeteria, with Turkey Bowling to follow. Donated turkeys will be awarded to lucky bowlers in each of the five age categories, pre-school to 1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-12th grade, and adults.

Enjoy a great time with friends and family, try to win a Thanksgiving turkey and begin your first day of quitting. Call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.