Health Department Observes World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Each year, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center and other health organizations nationwide observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31. The purpose of this day is to advocate for policies that prevent tobacco consumption, reduce secondhand exposure, and increase tobacco cessation.

“For at least the past decade, the Health Department has worked to decrease smoking rates in Lake County,” said Tony Beltran, the Health Department's Executive Director. “Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and affecting the health of smokers in general.”

For residents interested in quitting, a certified tobacco treatment specialist is available through the Health Department's “Tobacco Free Lake County” program at no cost. Once every two weeks for 16 weeks, clients see this specialist for guidance in quitting. Through these visits, clients learn different strategies to resist the temptation to use tobacco. Discounted nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are also available through the program.

The state of Illinois also supports a telephone Quitline. Residents can call 1-866-QUIT-YES to receive free telephonic support in quitting.

Anyone interested in information regarding quitting or tobacco use prevention is welcome to stop by the Health Department on Friday, May 31. Tobacco Free Lake County program staff will manage a booth from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the Health Department's 3010 Grand Avenue building in Waukegan. Staff will be handing out information on tobacco cessation and prevention.

For more information on the Tobacco Free Lake County program or for help in quitting, contact TFLC: 847-377-8090, TFLC@lakecountyil.gov or visit: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Tobacco-Free-Home-Page.aspx