The Overton County Health Department launching a new Nicotine-Free Communities Initiative, providing information and resources to those struggling to quit using tobacco products.
Upper Cumberland Regional Tobacco Coordinator Lindsay Bice-Shirley said the initiative hopes to raise awareness around tobacco and encouraging the use of cessation programs in the region. Bice-Shirley said organizations that pledge to be nicotine-free will receive a tool kit covering a wide range of nicotine use and topics, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
“Most of us know someone who uses tobacco and having this education in our pockets impacts us to start having these meaningful conversations with them,” Bice-Shirley said. “Essentially it helps plant the seed for change and be a strong source of support for those who are ready to take their first step in quitting.”
Bice-Shirley said people often associate tobacco use with lung disease, as tobacco use is linked to 90 percent of cases of lung cancer. Bice-Shirley said tobacco use is associated with cardiovascular issues, such as heart attack, stroke and Chronic Obstrictive Pulminary Disease.
Bice-Shirley said the program provides information across all age groups. Bice-Shirley said smoking is more popular in adults 50 and older, while vaping is more common in youths and young adults.
“One of the most concerning issues that we’re seeing now is the impact of nicotine on the developing brains of youth,” Bice-Shirley said. “Nicotine, which is found in all tobacco products, is highly addictive and can cause changes in the brain.”
Bice-Shirley said consuming tobacco products can lead to disturbances in sleep, cognitive challenges like memory and attention problems and mimic or worsen mental health symptoms, like anxiety and depression.
Bice said in a study by the Truth Initiative, about 80 percent of youth report starting tobacco as a way to cope with mental health challenges.
“Basically nicotine rewires the brain’s reward system, making it harder to experience pleasure from everyday activities and increases that vulnerability to addiction,” Bice-Shirley said.
Bice-Shirley said when the department speaks to people about vaping, health professionals describe the health effects that can come from it. Bice-Shirley said the kit comes with programs for youth looking to quit.