‘Through with Chew Week’ being held
“Through with Chew Week” is be promoted throughout Fayette County
Sponsored by the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, the program is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of spitting tobacco, prevent people from starting to use and encourage users to quit.
According to the commission, smokeless tobacco use can cause oral cancers, dental disease, high blood pressure, nicotine addiction and a variety of other health problems. Included in this week is the Great American Spit Out, set for Thursday, a day users can target as a quit date.
The commission noted that spit tobacco users should check monthly for damage to the teeth, gums, tongue and surrounding tissue which may indicate early warning signs of cancer. On a monthly basis, the commission advised conduct an oral screening using a mirror and good lighting.
The said local residents should consider the following steps:
n Face and neck: look in the mirror. Do both sides of your face and neck look the same? Gently press your jawbone to feel for lumps.
n Check lips and gums: Pull down your lower lip. Are there white or red patches or sores that easily bleed? Are there signs of irritation? Do you see color changes or rough areas?
n Squeeze your lip and check between your fingers. Are there bumps or soreness?
n Roof of the mouth: Put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. With one finger, press the floor of your mouth. Do you feel sores, bumps or swelling? Tongue: Stick out your tongue.
n Move your tongue side to side, do you see any color changes or bumps?
According to the commission, if residents answer yes to any of the questions, they should see a doctor or dentist immediately. This may be an early warning sign of cancer, the commission noted.
For more information, contact the commission at 724-438-3576; extension 162 or extension 163 or log on to www.fcdaa.org. Local residents can also access Pennsylvania’s free quitline service by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).