Celebrate the Great American Smokeout!

Smokers are urged to take that "leap" in becoming smoke free

The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 19, 2009. This is a national campaign that increases awareness of the dangers of tobacco use as well as secondhand smoke. The Great American Smokeout is a good day for smokers to challenge themselves in quitting for at least one day, or reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. It is also a day to educate tobacco users on the health dangers of tobacco use and effective ways of quitting smoking.

According to the Washtenaw County Health Improvement Plan 2000 (HIP), our current rate of smokers is at sixteen percent (16%). This places our county lower than the state rate of current smokers, which is twenty-one percent (21%). This indicates that county residents are continuously becoming aware of the importance of a smoke free lifestyle. Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death. Secondhand smoke is not only an annoyance but a major contributor to serious health issues; some of those include respiratory problems, increased ear infections and higher episodes of coughing and wheezing. It has also been linked to low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. Deciding to quit smoking can be a difficult choice for some. Sixty one percent of smokers reported trying to quit at some point and time. This is why increasing awareness about tobacco use and the benefits of quitting is an ongoing process. There are many smoking cessation resources and programs available to help smokers begin that journey to becoming smoke free:

Smoking cessation resources to assist tobacco users:

Michigan Quit Kits at www.healthy,ichigan.com

American Lung association of Michigan www.ALAM.org

American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

American Heart Association www.heart.org

Boston University Online Smoking Cessation Website www.quitnet.com

Here are some quit tips to think about in helping you to quit:

• Remove ashtrays and matches.
• Drink lots of water.
• Break the smoking cycle get a new routine.
• After eating, brush your teeth immediately.
• Find a quitting partner.
• Begin a new hobby.
• Substitute with sugar free gum, hard candy; raw vegetables.
• Buy yourself a gift with the money you save.

For more information about tobacco related information or smoking cessation resources visit the Washtenaw County Tobacco Reduction Coalition website at public.health@ewashtenaw.org. You may also contact DeBorah Borden at (734)544-6874 or bordend@ewashtenaw.org.