Make Today the Day to Quit
The Great American
Smokeout is an annual event that is geared towards encouraging citizens to quit
smoking tobacco products. The Smokeout
challenges people to not smoke for a solid 24 hours, in the hopes that this
decision will lead to a permanent end to their habit. The inaugural Smokeout was held on November
16, 1977 within San Francisco’s Union Square.
This was an
evolution that began in Randolph, Massachusetts in 1970 with Arthur P.
Mullaney. Mullaney suggested that
cigarettes be given up for a day and a donation be made to a local high school. From there, Lynn R. Smith promoted “D-Day” or
“Don’t Smoke Day” in 1974 in Monticello, Minnesota. The National Cancer Society then
[successfully] promoted close to 1 million smokers to quit for 24 hours on
November 18, 1974.
Even with the
backing and success of the events and their evolution, there remain an
estimated 42 million cigarette smokers within the United States to date. The use of tobacco products remains the
largest preventable cause of premature death and disease within the
nation. According to 2013 statistics,
there are approximately 2.3 million tobacco pipe smokers and 12.4 million cigar
smokers in addition to a multitude of other tobacco products that are addictive
and dangerous.
With that being
said, even quitting for a single day, smokers are able to take a highly
imperative step towards a happier and healthier life. This is a step that can lead to the reduction
of cancer risks. Moreover…..TODAY marks
the day that quitters NATIONWIDE WIN.
Information About Quitting
Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of
success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you
can take to quit
smoking and provide quit-smoking
programs, resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting
successfully. To learn about the available tools, call them at 1-800-227-2345.