It won't be a Thanksgiving turkey but a cold turkey that will remind smokers to give up tobacco.
The Muskogee County Health Department is planning to send a figure of a turkey around town to mark the 2010 Great American Smokeout, Nov. 18, the annual day smokers try to kick their addiction.
Jane Jones, program coordinator for the health department's Muskogee Against Tobacco, said they're trying to put a little humor into the event.
Fellow organizer Megan Shea, cessation systems coordinator, said their plans are a new way to raise awareness.
"We'll set up a way for smokers who see the turkey to call in and get prizes that will include resources to help them quit," Shea said. "We'll have 'quit kits' available that contain information about resources, and things like gum, toothpicks and straws that they can distract themselves with if they get a craving to smoke."
The Oklahoma State Department of Health says 6,000 Oklahomans die each year from tobacco related illness.
Jones and Shea said this year's smokeout efforts will be coordinated with the city of Muskogee, Care ATC, Muskogee Regional Medical Center, Muskogee Community Hospital, Green Country Behavioral Health and Muskogee Public Library.
Jones said giving smokers and other tobacco users a way to stop is the heart of what they're doing.
"The overall message is to find what works for you," she said.
Jones said there are clear signs more and more people are trying to quit.
"We know that we've had an increasing number of Muskogee County people using the state help line," she said.
Shea said the health department has also been working behind the scenes to provide help for people who smoke or use smokeless tobacco. One example was a training program for nurses and interns at Muskogee Regional Medical Center. It showed them ways they could help patients addicted to nicotine find resources.
Source from:The Muskogee Phoenix
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