Health: Great American Smokeout gives smokers a chance to kick the habit

Could this be the first day of your life without tobacco or cigarettes? Are you thinking about becoming a nonsmoker, but don’t know when to start? The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th annual Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17 by encouraging smokers and all tobacco users to use Thursday as their quit day.
Even if you’re not ready to quit, plan to walk away from tobacco for the day, and then maybe stay away for good. By participating on Nov. 17, smokers and other tobacco users will be taking an important step toward a healthier life. Currently, more than 46 million Americans smoke, and tobacco use is still the largest preventable cause of premature death and disease in the U.S.
To participate in the Great American Smokeout, you need to quit smoking or using any tobacco products for 24 hours. You won’t be alone — there will be people all over Kentucky and the country putting down their cigarettes. Even if you don’t quit permanently, you will have learned that you can quit for a day.
The American Cancer Society’s website (www.cancer.org) offers a variety of information and resources to help people stop smoking. Becoming a nonsmoker is hard, but the Clark County Health Department offers help through smoking cessation classes. The Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking is an evidence-based class series using nicotine replacement therapy and group support.
Plan to join the majority of Kentuckians and Clark County residents in being a nonsmoker by coming to these successful classes. New classes will start on Jan. 3 and Jan. 5, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the lower level of the Health Department. No registration is required. For questions please call Beth Willett at 744-4482 or email at bethv.willett@ky.gov.
All counties in Kentucky offer the Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking classes, so if you live or work in a surrounding county, please call those health departments if Clark County’s class times are not convenient for you.
If you can’t make these classes, there are other options available for help in walking away from cigarettes and tobacco products. The state operates a toll-free number that provides Kentuckians with support, information and referrals. The number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW. To access online support, visit becomeanex.org and start a free three-step quit plan based on the latest scientific research from the experts at the Mayo Clinic and practical experience from ex-smokers.
Please consider joining millions of other smokers on Thursday, Nov. 17, and enjoy a day without tobacco products. There are many benefits to being tobacco free including having more control over your life, reducing your risk of heart attack, cancer and stroke, having more stamina for exercise and daily activities, and experiencing less coughing, colds or flu.