Kick Tobacco Use During the Great American Smokeout
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS – The Marion County Public Health Department encourages smokers to participate in the Great American Smokout on Thursday, Nov. 21. The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to either make a plan to quit, or plan in advance to quit smoking on this day.
By quitting for just one day, smokers take an important step towards a healthier life, one that can lead to reducing the risk for cancer.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., yet 44 million Americans – nearly 1 in 5 adults – still smoke cigarettes. As of 2010, there were 13 million cigar smokers in the U.S. and two million who smoke tobacco in pipes and use other dangerous, addictive forms of tobacco.
In Indiana, tobacco users can call the Indiana Tobacco Quitline for help, 800-QuitNow (800-784-8669). The Indiana Tobacco Quitline is a free cessation program which is available over the telephone. Quit coaches help the smoker develop a quit plan which involves identifying events or situations that create the strongest urges to smoke and offering a plan to deal with them.
A quit plan is very similar to playing defense in almost any sport: identify the strongest players and then strategize about how to block them. Since each person who smokes or uses tobacco is different, an individual quit plan is developed.
In addition to the phone number, the Indiana Tobacco Quitline has a web-based program, eQuitNow.com. Both programs can be used by anyone 13 years and older. Plus, Text2Quit may be used by those who are 18 years and older.
A special program for pregnant women works with them during pregnancy and after delivery. All programs are available by calling the Indiana Tobacco Quitline, 800-QuitNow (800-784-8669).
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Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Media/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)
