Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Great American Smoke-Out

The Great American Smoke Out takes place on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Help celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Great American Smoke Out, first held in 1977, by the American Cancer Society. During the Great American Smoke Out, smokers are encouraged to put down their cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco for 24 hours. Businesses are encouraged to go smoke free for the day. Smokers have used this annual event as their designated quit date to stop smoking and using other forms of tobacco for good.

According to the Prevention Research Center’s “Speak to Your Health!” Community Survey conducted in 2007, 25% of Genesee County residents smoke. The current smoking rate for Genesee County is higher than state and national levels. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If you currently smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you will ever make. Planning ahead is the most important step. Think ahead to the times and situations you will want to smoke and determine how you will deal with them. Make a list of things you will do to resist the urge to smoke, such as taking a walk, breathing deeply, drinking water, taking a bath, knitting or other activities to keep your hands busy. Anticipating problems ahead of time will help you deal with sudden cravings. If you would like more information on stop smoking resources contact the Genesee County Health Department at 341-5898 or visit us on the web at www.gchd.us.