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Sanders County Tobacco Prevention Specialist Sandra Gubel is recognizing "World No Tobacco Day." The global event theme is "Tobacco Breaks Hearts," highlighting the link between heart disease and tobacco use.

On Thursday, May 31, Gubel has organized "Walk Around the Sanders County Courthouse Block" to combat the ill effects tobacco has on many lives. Gubel hopes to encourage people to "walk more for exercise, as well as to quit tobacco, if they use it."

"Come walk around the block," said Gubel. "While many people know that breathing secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, it is not widely known that it causes cardiovascular disease. Our outdoor education event will reveal some perhaps surprising information."

Between noon and 2 p.m. attendants can have their blood pressure taken and stroll around the courthouse while reading several educational props about the link between coronary heart disease and tobacco use.

"We will have door prizes," stated Gubel, "and if we have crummy weather, we've plans to hold it indoors in the Justice Courtroom, lower level."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the largest global health problems, killing up to half of its users, or more than 7 million people each year. Of these deaths, more than 6 million are caused by direct use, while 890,000 are from exposure to second-hand smoke.

"Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit," WHO reported. They claim the key to quitting lies in educating users about the increased risks of illness from tobacco use and providing support throughout the process of quitting.

Sanders County Tobacco Prevention invites everyone to attend "Walk Around the Sanders County Courthouse Block." This is an opportunity to inspire and encourage a life without tobacco.

For more information on the event contact Sanders County Tobacco Prevention at 827-6901, or email [email protected].