World No Tobacco Day focuses on tobacco marketing, women

Mayor Sue Murray signs a proclamation declaring May 31 as World No Tobacco Day in Putnam County. Present for the signing are members of Putnam County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition organization Patti Harmless, left, Eileen Johnson, Jackie Baughman, Meredith Williams, director, and Jennifer Bedwell.

GREENCASTLE -- About one out of every five women in America smokes. Cigarette smoking kills an estimated 178,000 women in the United States annually.

On May 31, the women of Putnam County were encouraged to join the rest of the world and quit smoking.

Women are a major target of opportunity for the tobacco industry, which needs to recruit new users to replace the nearly half of current users who will die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases.

World No Tobacco Day 2010 gives overdue recognition to the importance of controlling the epidemic of tobacco among women.

"There has never been a better time to quit," said Meredith Williams, director of Putnam County Tobacco Prevention Coalition. "Women smoke for different reasons. Some women smoke to deal with stress or control weight.

"Younger women may start smoking to rebel, show independence or be accepted by their peers.

"But, there is never a good reason to smoke," said Williams.

Women who smoke can greatly benefit from calling the Indiana Tobacco Quitline 800-QUIT-NOW. This is a free and confidential counseling and support service line. Anyone who calls will receive four sessions with a certified quit coach and pregnant women will receive 10 session.

"This resource could not have come at a better," said Williams. "The quitline is free and confidential. I encourage anyone in Putnam County to pick up the phone and call 800-QUIT-NOW."