Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Current Date:  November 17, 2009 

Release Date:  Immediate Release                  Kill Date:  November 20, 2009 

Contact Person:  Ann Goldon                           Phone:  (810) 341-5898 

RE:  Genesee County Celebrates the Great American Smokeout November 19, 2009

     The Great American Smokeout is held annually by the American Cancer Society (ACS) on the third Thursday of November.  The day is set aside to help people quit using tobacco products for at least one day in the hope that they will continue and be successful in quitting for good. 

According to Dr. Gary Johnson, Medical Director at the Genesee County Health Department, “the physical benefits of quitting tobacco use are immediate.  Within twenty-four hours blood pressure decreases and within one week the risk of heart attack is greatly reduced.  It’s never too late to quit smoking.”

Research shows that quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Tobacco Quitline, 1-(800) QUIT-NOW, provides free telephone counseling and referral to Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, Genesee Health Plan and uninsured residents.  For a free Smoker’s Quit Kit and a list of local resources, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 257-3612.

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