Great American Smokeout is today
Today is the Great American Smokeout. That’s the day when smokers are supposed to quit for at least one day.
State officials believe there will be a flood of calls to its free Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which is manned from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week by professionals who can help smokers with their addiction.
Last year, more than 12,000 Marylanders called – a number that officials say helped the state achieve the 6th lowest prevalence of cigarette smoking in the nation, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s despite cuts to the state’s smoking cessation funding, which comes from the Cigarette Restitution Fund created by a legal settlement with tobacco companies.
The day is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Tips for quitting can be found on the group’s website. So can benefits, which include lower blood pressure, better lung function and circulation, and lower chance of heart disease and stroke. That annoying cough will also diminish.
Think you can quit, even for a day?
Comments
Okay, clearly lots of people don't know this as I just passed about 30 people smoking in front of my building!!!
Posted by: LORIANN | November 22, 2010 1:37 PM