Letters to the Editor

Spit tobacco

is just as bad

To the Editor:

Spit tobacco is incorrectly thought to be a safe alternative to cigarettes, in large part because there is no secondhand smoke. The big tobacco companies want to perpetuate this misinformation. The reality is that spit and dip tobacco contains more nicotine than cigarettes.

An average size dip, held in the mouth for 30 minutes, gives the user as much nicotine as smoking three cigarettes. People who use spit or dip tobacco are 50 times more likely to get cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips than those who don't.

If you use tobacco and drink alcohol, you may have an even higher risk. Spit users are encouraged to do regular oral self-examinations to check for cancer.

Oral cancer signs include:

* A sore on the inside of the mouth that bleeds and does not go away.

* Lumps or rough spots on lips, gums or the inside of the mouth.

* White or red patches in the mouth.

* Chronic sore throat.

* Difficulty swallowing or moving your jaw or tongue.

Feb. 20 -- 26 is National "Through with Chew Week." Become familiar with your mouth. If you've never done an oral self-examination before, choose this week to begin. If you see anything suspicious, make a date with your dentist for follow-up.

Most importantly, make the decision to quit.

For help with quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a free, confidential, professional Quitline. After all, there's never been a better time to quit!

Nancy Cummings

Greene County Tobacco Prevention Coalition Coordinator

Bloomfield

Vest family says

thanks for support

To the Editor:

The family of Vera Vest would like to thank everyone for all the cards, calls, flowers, and acts of kindness shown to the family since her passing.

A special thank you to the staff at Glenburn Nursing Home and Greene County General Hospital for taking such great care of her, Jenkins & Sons Funeral Home, the Rev. Arlen Pope and the Rev. John Moffatt for a beautiful and heartfelt service, the First Christian and Mount Zion churches for the wonderful food after the service, and Vest Quik Mart/Subway employees for all the extra help during this sad time.

God bless all of you.

Charles "Eddie" Vest

Bloomfield

Charles "Sonny" Vest

Bloomfield

Mike and Kim Vest

Bloomfield

Spinks family

appreciates help

To the Editor:

We would like to thank our friends, neighbors and family for your prayers, kind words and deeds during Mary Spinks' sickness and passing. We are grateful for your prayers and cherish your gifts of food, visits, flowers, cards and notes.

Our family would like to offer a very special thank you to the following community members: The ambulance crew, Mary's numerous hospital doctors, nurses, therapists and staff of Jenkins & Sons funeral home, Lyons Health & Living Center, the congregation of Faith Christian Church for providing the lunch and the pall bearers, the Rev. Henry Mann and the Rev. Arlen Pope for their comforting words and Mrs. Roach for the music, God bless you!

Thank you for the wonderful service.

The Spinks Family

Mrs. Ralph Combs

Bloomington

Linton business

says thanks for dinner

To the Editor:

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Assembly of God Church for the dinner they hosted for Linton Nursing Center.

They prepared food for all three shifts to thank us for the good care we give to their parishioners. It was very much enjoyed and appreciated.

Charlotte Wagoner

Linton Nursing & Rehab

Linton

Dayhoff family says thanks for kindness

To the Editor:

The family of Norman Dayhoff thanks you for your kind expression of sympathy.

The cards, food, visits and phone calls were appreciated.

Elizabeth Dayhoff

Linton

Birthday cards

were appreciated

To the Editor:

I want to thank each and every one of you for your presence, cards and gifts for my 90th birthday.

I thank God for my friends and family and will always remember your acts of kindness.

Christine Hubbert

Linton