Great American Smokeout

by Mobile County Health Dept.

Published: Tue, November 18, 2008 - 2:25 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, November 18, 2008 - 2:27 pm CST

Mobile County Health Department encourages smokers to take part in 33rd annual Great American Smokeout

The Mobile County Health Department is encouraging all smokers to take part in the American Cancer Society’s 33rd annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 20, by giving up smoking for 24 hours.

Why? Because in Alabama this year,
 Tobacco-related illnesses will kill more people than alcohol, car crashes, illegal drugs, and murders, and suicides combined.
 More than 7,400 people will die as a result of tobacco use.
 Nearly 1,000 people will die from exposure to secondhand smoke.
 Tobacco-related illnesses will cost the state $1.38 billion dollars in health care.

Smokers, as well as smokeless tobacco users, who want to take the Great American Smokeout challenge can call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free counseling services to assist them in kicking the tobacco habit. The Quitline also offers four weeks of free nicotine patches to those who are medically eligible.

According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of quitting smoking are numerous. It says the risk of heart attack decreases within 24 hours of not smoking and the risk of cancer, stroke, and lung disease are greatly reduced. The American Cancer Society also lists the following tips for people participating in the Great American Smokeout:
 Stay positive by picturing yourself successfully not smoking that day.
 Perform relaxation exercises when you feel the urge to smoke.
 Nibble on low-calorie snacks or chew gum during the day.
 After dinner, try a cup of tea instead of a cigarette.

For more information, call the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Mobile at 690-8824.

Great American Smokeout

If you are a smoker, join thousands of people as they take part in the American Cancer Society’s 33rd annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 20. The smokeout challenges smokers to give up smoking for just one day in hopes that they will consider giving it up for a lifetime.

If you are a smoker or a smokeless tobacco user who needs help kicking your tobacco habit, call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, that’s 1-800-784-8669, to receive free counseling services and to ask about a free four-week supply of nicotine patches.

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