REGION- The Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) is proud to promote the Great American Smokeout, an annual event organized by the American Cancer Society, encouraging tobacco users to quit and providing resources to help them move toward a tobacco-free life.
This year, the Smokeout will take place on Thurs., Nov. 21.
An estimated 49.2 million adults, roughly 1 in 5, in the United States currently smoke cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it’s not just adults who are using tobacco.
Roughly 1 in 19 middle school students and 1 in 10 high school students reported current use of a tobacco product, according to the CDC. It is important to encourage schools to offer evidence-based prevention programs to reduce youth tobacco use, as tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death within the United States, and it can cause harm to every organ within the body.
If you’re thinking about quitting, the Great American Smokeout is an ideal day to start. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Michigan Tobacco Quit link offers online coaching for those who qualify: https://michigan.quitlogix.org/. You may also call the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) for assistance.
Healthcare providers also have local resources that may help. There are pharmaceutical and nicotine replacement treatment options available that can help with quitting; check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment.
For information about the Great American Smokeout, visit https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-awayfrom-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html. For resources on quitting tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes, visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking.html.
