It’s a great day to quit smoking.
On the third Thursday of every November, the American Cancer Society sponsors “The Great American Smokeout.” The idea began in the 1970s and has raised awareness about the dangers of smoking, while encouraging tobacco users to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle by quitting.
According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 36.5 million Americans are cigarettes smokers. Tobacco use is unfortunately the largest cause of disease and premature death, but its preventable. Cigarette use is down, but other forms of tobacco use are increasing. Kristina Wieneke, The American Lung Association’s Public Policy Director for New York, is an advocate for living “smoke free” and bringing awareness to this cause.
“More than 480,000 Americans die each year as a result of smoking and second hand smoke, making it the number one preventable cause of death and disease,” Wieneke said. “The reality is that Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women – quitting smoking, no matter what age, has huge health benefits. While rates of traditional tobacco use are down, the use of tobacco products like ecigarettes and other flavored tobacco products are on the rise.
“The great American Smoke Out is a national day of action organized by our colleagues at the American Cancer Society to highlight the importance of quitting smoking, and providing people with the support and resources they need to help them quit,” she added.
If you have participated in the “Great American Smoke Out” let us know! If you are interested in quitting or helping a family member quit, you can go to www.lung.org for guidance and support on how to take that critical first step.
