This Thursday, November 17, is the American Cancer Society’s 36th annual Great American Smokeout. This is a day to make a change, to finally take the first step to finally quit smoking.
According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. And yet, more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.
Quitting is hard. Former smokers often say it is the most difficult thing they have ever done in their lives. Mark Twain was quoted as saying: “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”
You can increase your chances of success with help from friends, family, and experts. The website of the American Cancer Society is a wonderful source of help—it tells you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provides the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully.
Here are some of the available tools from the American Cancer Society (click on the bold title to open a new information page):
Guide to quitting smoking: Tools and tips to help you quit smoking for good
Benefits of quitting smoking: Health benefits over time, beginning 12 hours after quitting (yes, there are benefits even the first day!) through 15 years.
Join an email quit-smoking program: The American Cancer Society is conducting a study to see whether a new email program can help with quitting smoking. Click the link to see if you are eligible.
Desktop Helpers: Two downloadable resources—a Smokeout Countdown Clock, to help you pick a day to quit smoking…with daily tips to help you prepare for the big day; Craving Stopper, to help you ride out the next nicotine craving.
Cigarette Cost Calculator: How much do you spend on cigarettes? Have you figured it out? This link can tell you in an instant.
CHOOSE YOU: Join the CHOOSE YOU movement and make a commitment to put your health first and quit for good.
To learn more about the Great American Smokeout and the American Cancer Society, click here: Stay Healthy
If you plan to take the next step and quit smoking this Thursday, we send you all our best wishes for a successful Smokeout. Good luck!