43rd American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout

“The most important thing smokers can do to improve their health is to quit smoking cigarettes and other forms of combustible tobacco,” said Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Sonia Young. “We are showing our support for people who take those first steps toward making a plan to quit.”

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. In fact, smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns, and illegal drugs combined. Smoking not only causes cancer. It damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones.

Addiction to nicotine in cigarettes is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions one can have. While cigarette smoking rates have dropped (from 42% in 1965 to 15.5% in 2016), about 37.8 million Americans smoke cigarettes. Each year, approximately 20 million American smokers try to quit, representing more than half of the 37.8 million smokers in the U.S. Only about 1.4 million (7%) succeed. An even greater percentage of smokers (68%) report being interested in quitting.

Quitting is hard. It takes commitment and starts with a plan, often takes more than one quit attempt, and requires a lot of support. Getting help through counseling and/or prescription medications can double or triple your chances of quitting successfully. Support is also important. Smoking cessation programs, like the free Montana Tobacco Quit Line, the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart program, Nicotine Anonymous meetings, self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, and smoking counselors or coaches can be a great help.

Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices is partnering with the American Cancer Society, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide support as people make their plan to quit. More information is available at cancer.org/smokeout or by calling 1-800-227-2345. The free Montana Quit Line is 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go online today at http://www.quitnowmontana.com

“Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices wants to help the people in our community to be healthy and happy,” said Young. “During this year’s Great American Smokeout® event, we hope everyone will join us – and encourage their friends, family, and colleagues to join us – in committing or recommitting to year-around, smoke-free lives.” “Join us this Thursday, November 15th, as we promote “Quitting Smoking!” during our annual Turkey Bowling Family Fun Night & Potluck Dinner beginning at 6 p.m., in the Malta High School Cafeteria with Turkey Bowling to follow in the North Balcony of the MHS Gym. Five age categories will have a chance to win a Thanksgiving Turkey for their family. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free to the public.