Through with the Chew

Through with the Chew is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. This day aims to inform the public about the severe health risks associated with chewing tobacco, such as cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas.

It also highlights the dangers of gum disease and heart problems. Many people mistakenly believe that smokeless tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking, but it can be even more harmful because it often contains higher levels of nicotine, making it highly addictive​​.

The Importance of Through with the Chew

The celebration of Through with the Chew is essential because it encourages people to quit using smokeless tobacco and seek healthier alternatives.

Quitting can prevent various serious health issues and improve overall well-being. By focusing on education, this day helps spread crucial information about the negative effects of tobacco use.

This awareness is vital for reducing the number of new users, especially among young people who might be tempted by flavored tobacco products.

Through with the Chew also emphasizes the importance of support and resources for those trying to quit. Many initiatives during this day include providing access to quitting aids, counseling services, and community support groups.

These resources are crucial for helping users overcome addiction. Celebrating this day highlights the collective effort needed to combat the tobacco epidemic and promote a healthier society​.

History of Through with the Chew

Through with the Chew began in 1989, initiated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc.

This campaign was created to educate the public about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. The primary aim was to provide a public education campaign about spit tobacco, involving dentists, healthcare providers, and sports coaches to spread the message widely​​.

In 1994, the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) of Oral Health America joined forces with the campaign.

Their partnership aimed to sever the link between smokeless tobacco and baseball, a sport where chewing tobacco was prevalent.

This collaboration helped broaden the campaign’s reach and impact, bringing more attention to the health risks associated with smokeless tobacco​.

The campaign’s focus remains on raising awareness about the severe health consequences of using smokeless tobacco, including oral cancers and gum disease.

Through with the Chew continues to promote quitting smokeless tobacco by providing support and resources.

Events like the Great American Spit Out are part of this effort, encouraging users to quit and educating the public on the harmful effects of chew​.

How to Celebrate Through with the Chew

Get Crafty with Posters

Channel your inner artist and create eye-catching posters. Display them in community centers, schools, or local shops.

Use bright colors and bold messages to catch people’s attention. Include fun facts about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. Get your friends or family involved to make it a group activity.

Host a Quirky Contest

Organize a quirky contest to encourage quitting. Offer prizes for the most creative “quit chewing” slogan or best poster.

Engage local businesses to donate prizes. Make it a fun event with music and snacks. Celebrate everyone’s efforts to raise awareness in a playful way.

Share Stories

Encourage former users to share their success stories. Host a storytelling event at a local venue. Invite speakers to talk about their journey to quitting.

Share these stories on social media to reach a wider audience. Personal stories can inspire others to take the first step toward quitting.

Organize a Fun Run

Plan a fun run or walk to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. Choose a colorful theme and encourage participants to dress up.

Offer prizes for the best costumes and the fastest runners. Use the event to distribute information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco. Exercise and awareness are all rolled into one fun event!

Set Up Information Booths

Set up informative booths in busy areas like parks or shopping malls. Hand out brochures and flyers with facts about smokeless tobacco.

Provide resources for those looking to quit. Make the booth visually appealing with banners and props. Engage passersby with quick, informative talks and fun quizzes.

Create an Educational Video

Get creative and produce a short, educational video. Highlight the health risks associated with smokeless tobacco.

Share tips and resources for quitting. Post the video on social media platforms and encourage sharing. Use humor and quirky visuals to keep viewers engaged and informed.

Organize a Community Clean-Up

Organize a clean-up event to combine awareness with community service. Gather volunteers to clean parks or streets while spreading the message about the dangers of chewing tobacco.

Provide participants with T-shirts sporting anti-tobacco slogans. Use the opportunity to educate the community and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.