September 28, 2010 - The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has developed a program that will send text messages to teens to remind them to stop smoking or not to start smoking at all.  ButtOut, which began last Tuesday, works by texting KY to 30644. Teenagers then will receive three text messages daily reminding them not to pick up a cigarette or cigar. Participants also can sign up by visiting www.buttoutlouisville.com or calling 574-STOP (7867).  Health Department director Dr. Adewale Troutman explained in a press conference that the program is a useful alternative to other quitting methods for teens because some options such as nicotine patches are not available to minors.  Troutman says the texts are aimed at adolescents who are trying to quit smoking and experience withdrawal as well as those who are thinking of picking up the habit.

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