Thursday, November 19, 2015

The Great American Smokeout 2015

 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.