Join Great American Smokeout
By Karin Buck
Created: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 9:28 a.m. CST
Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 443,000 deaths each year. An estimated 49,000 of these tobacco-related deaths are the result of secondhand smoke exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates for every person who dies from a smoking-related disease, 20 more people suffer with at least one serious illness from smoking. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung diseases.
For 36 years, the American Cancer Society has sponsored the Great American Smokeout, which will be Nov. 17 this year.
On this day, people are asked to avoid tobacco use. In doing so, more smokers have kicked the habit on this day than any other day of the year
This day has been celebrated in many ways through the years, from rallies and parades, to “cold turkey” sandwiches at workplaces and legislative halls.
If you use tobacco, the McHenry County Department of Health would like to encourage you to join the thousands of smokers who are expected to quit during the Great American Smokeout. Take a look at the following helpful hints:
• Talk to your physician about available medications and/or nicotine replacement products that can help you.
• Ask your family, friends and coworkers for support and encouragement.
• Change your routine and plan to keep yourself busy.
• Have a positive attitude. Quitting is hard, but you can do it.
Consider joining a quit smoking class. McHenry County Department of Health, in partnership with Centegra Health System, offers classes throughout the year. The next class will begin Jan. 12, 2012, at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley. Call 877-CENTEGRA for information and to register.
If you just need to talk, or would like more information on nicotine replacement therapy, call a counselor toll free at the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 866-QUIT-YES.
The benefits of quitting are many, not only for yourself, but for those you live with.
Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, your blood pressure and pulse rate decrease, and your blood oxygen level returns to normal, thus decreasing your risk of a heart attack.
In addition to the many health benefits, the financial savings when you quit tobacco are an added bonus. An average smoker who smokes a pack a day, at $5 a pack, will save $1,825 a year when they quit.
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