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Great American Smokeout promotes clean air for all |
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Wednesday, 14 November 2007 |
Nov. 15, marks the 31st Anniversary of the Great American Smokeout – an annual day of action promoted by the American Cancer Society that challenges people to stop using tobacco, if only for one day.
The day raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good. Montanans who smoke will join others nationwide to give up cigarettes and other tobacco products for 24 hours.
This one-day effort could mark the first day of a life free from tobacco addiction for Montana smokers and spit tobacco users, and the start of a tobacco-free Montana.
Tobacco addiction is the single most preventable cause of death nationwide, annually killing nearly a half a million Americans, causing substantially more deaths than those caused by illegal drug use, alcohol consumption, car accidents, fires, homicides, suicides and HIV/AIDS combined. The effects of breathing secondhand smoke cause a substantial number of those deaths – 50,000 nationwide each year.
In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General found recently that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
The vast majority of people who use tobacco want to quit. The Great American Smokeout is one day to help bring that goal to reality.
If you smoke or use spit tobacco, take a “breather” from tobacco for the day and visit a smokefree restaurant or bar to support their investment in your community’s health. Plan in advance to fight the urge to smoke or dip by varying your daily routine, carrying nuts, lozenges and gum, and by getting support from a family member, friend or coworker.
For expert, free assistance, call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line toll-free at 1-800-QUIT NOW. You will receive a four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy, guidance from quit coaches who help each caller develop a quit plan, five calls with a coach, and a self-help cessation guide.
If you don’t use tobacco, “adopt” someone who does for just one day. Offer support and encouragement to help someone make good on a 24-hour tobacco-free pledge.
You can get supplies and advice from your local tobacco use prevention specialist. Call Christy Nelson, RN, at the Pondera County Health Department, 271-3247.
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