In observance of Father's Day and to focus attention on encouraging men to quit tobacco, free nicotine replacement products are being offered to all qualified Oklahomans who call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. The products will be available to both men and women while supplies last. The free "starter kit" contains a two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, depending on each caller's needs, to help callers kick-start their quit attempt in combination with the free "quit coaching" available through the Helpline. "This is a wonderful opportunity for families in Cleveland County to celebrate Father's Day in a healthy way," said Stacey Martin, chairperson of Cleveland County Turning Point and APRC director at NAIC-Center for Oklahoma Alcohol and Drug Services, a United Way agency.?"When a parent quits using tobacco, it also reduces the chances of their children using tobacco." The Father's Day program focuses on encouraging men to quit tobacco because: Men who smoke increase their risk of death from lung cancer by more than 22 times, and from bronchitis and emphysema by nearly 10 times. In Oklahoma, two-thirds of all tobacco-caused cancer deaths are among men. In Oklahoma, 60 percent of all tobacco-caused cardiovascular disease deaths are among men. Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents and smokeless tobacco use in Oklahoma is 20 times higher among men than among women. In Oklahoma, more than 3,500 men die each year from tobacco-caused diseases. According to the Surgeon General, smoking cessation may reduce prostate cancer deaths. The Helpline's hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and staff will return messages left after hours. Services are also available in Spanish by calling (800) 793-1552. For more information on the Helpline, visit the Web site www.tset.ok.gov/programs/helpline.html. Norman Regional Hospital offers the American Lung Association's seven-week Freedom From Smoking Clinic. The next clinic will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Call 440-8802 to enroll. The clinic costs $75, and scholarships are available.

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