Oral Health America's National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) is teaming with Little League International again this year for its annual antitobacco slogan contest.
To enter, Little Leaguers ages 8-14 should create and submit a 10-word phrase that describes why spit tobacco is dangerous and deadly. The participant with the most creative slogan will win an all-expenses paid trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, plus a $500 cash prize.
Oral Health America will also make a $500 donation to the player's Little League organization. To enter the contest, visit the Oral Health America website.
NSTEP works with Little League International to educate families about the risks of spit tobacco use, including oral cancer, periodontal disease, caries, and nicotine addiction. NSTEP is also part of a coalition of organizations that influenced the limit on use of smokeless tobacco in Major League ballparks. For the first time, players are prohibited from using smokeless tobacco products on field and in front of fans and cameras.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since 2003 there has been a 36% increase in the rate of smokeless tobacco use among high school boys.
