Check this out: Since the 1970s, people across the nation come together every year on the third Thursday in November to take part in the Great American Smokeout. While some may envision cities in flames in an attempt to literally smoke people out of buildings in protest, the reality is something much more positive. According to the American Cancer Society, the founders of the event, it’s a day for smokers “to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps people know about the many tools they can use to quit for good.” Through the years, this annual event has evolved to not only include quitting tobacco, but as a day to promote tobacco-free lifestyles through advocacy activities, increase the push for tobacco control and prevention laws and policies, and tobacco prevention efforts among our young people.
Do you or someone you know smoke? Because what we’re trying to say is… The Great American Smokeout is a great time to commit to quit. Tobacco takes the lives of 1/3 of its users, and nobody likes to lose a loved one like that. So, perhaps we can all work together to prevent those tobacco deaths. Research shows that tobacco users are most successful in quitting when they have support. Here are some of the most effective ways to kick the habit:
- Nicotine replacement products, like gum or the patch
- Counseling (which is free through Health & Wellness Services)
- Quit groups
- Telephone smoking cessation hotlines (call 1.800.227.2345 to find one in your area)
- Encouragement and support from friends and family (THIS. IS. HUGE.)
If you would like to schedule your free tobacco cessation consultation with us, call 801.957.4268. We’ve also got an event for the Great American Smokeout on the 20th in the Student Event Center from 11-1pm. We realize that that isn’t on the third Thursday, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Stop by for free food, prizes, and information!
We look forward to seeing you!