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Today is the Great American Smokeout
November 18, 2021
This year, November 18this the Great American Smokeout! Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers can use this nationwide event to make a plan to quit, or mark the date as their official quitting day. The American Cancer Society uses this date to challenge tobacco users to stop using the drug, and to support those who want to eliminate it. Many towns raise awareness of the need to quit during the annual observance.
How big a problem is this? About 42-million Americans still smoke cigarettes – and even though smoking is at an all time low, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. But all hope isn’t lost. Research shows smokers are more successful in kicking the habit when they have support.
The American Cancer Society provides a lot of help through such things as telephone hot lines and online support groups. They also draw attention to deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking. This day has fueled new smoking laws and bans throughout the country. More information is available at Cancer.org (OR CLICK HERE).
- ONE MORE THING! In case you missed it, research shows LGBT smokers are 200% more likely to be addicted to tobacco than their hetero counterparts. Research out of National Jewish Health in Denver also shows that 26% of Native Americans smoke as well as more than 36% of people with mental health issues.
Source: American Cancer Society