Wednesday, 14 November 2007 01:40

Thursday is the Great American Smokeout

Thursday is the annual Great American Smokeout. Smoking cigarettes is the number one preventable cause of premature disease and death in the United States, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer Society challenges all people who smoke to give up tobacco for 24 hours on Thursday, November 15 in hopes that they will stop smoking forever. According to the American Cancer Society, a smoker who quits reduces his or her risk of developing smoking-related heart disease, stroke, many cancers and emphysema. An estimated 15% of Californians are current smokers -- most smokers have thought about quitting at some point in their lives.

Taking part in the Great American Smokeout is a good starting point for smokers who want to quit.  The following “5-D” techniques can help with quitting: Deep Breathing - Take a few deep breaths by inhaling and exhaling slowly to help the body relax and relieve stress. Drink Water - Drink eight glasses of water every day to help rid the body of harmful cigarette toxins. Do Something Else - Distract yourself by taking a walk, reading a book or chewing on sugarless gum, cinnamon sticks or a straw. Delay - Wait!  The urge to smoke will pass within 5-10 minutes and will become weaker over time. Discuss - Talk to a friend to get support and encouragement.

A number of resources are available to assist people who want to quit tobacco. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County (TRAC) offers free adult and youth tobacco cessation classes, self-help materials and individual counseling. 223-6638. The California Smokers’ Helpline, 1-800-NO-BUTTS, offers free, over-the-phone counseling. The Great American Smokeout Web site (www.cancer.org/greatamericans) features a Quit Clock and a Craving Stopper --  these are tools that can be downloaded to a computer desktop to help smokers pick a quit day, prepare for quitting, and offer support during and after quitting.