American Cancer Society Reaches Out to Smokers with Annual Event
On Nov. 15, 2007, the American Cancer Society will hold its 31st annual Great American Smokeout, an event designed to encourage cigarette smokers to quit smoking for at least one day so that they might quit permanently.
Taking data from several U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, ACS says smoking cessation has substantial and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages. Furthermore, smokers who use effective cessation aids such as clinician assistance, pharmacotherapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and behavioral counseling can increase their likelihood of quitting permanently. In addition, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and certain U.S. territories have "quitlines" that can be reached at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).
For more information on the Great American Smokeout, go to www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/ped_10_4.asp. For advice on how to quit smoking, go to www.smokefree.gov.