Great American Smoke-Out Encourages Smokers to Quit

The Great American Smoke-Out is Thursday, November 21st. Annually this event serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of quitting smoking for good health. It offers individuals the opportunity to take the first step towards a tobacco-free life- whether by creating a plan to quit, or by starting their cessation journey on the event day.

Every year in the U.S., more than 480,000 people die from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, making it the leading cause of preventable death in this country. “Over the past few decades smoking rates have declined, but the gains have been inconsistent,” said P.J. Tedeschi, Director, Tobacco Action Coalition of L.I.

Quitting smoking is not easy. It takes time, commitment and a solid plan. “More than 70% of tobacco users do report wanting to quit tobacco but do not know how to begin. Talk to your health care provider today! When health care professionals treat nicotine addiction with medication and counseling the chance of success is much higher,” said Christine Fardellone DNP, RN. Helping to reduce the number of people who smoke will lower health care costs from tobacco related illness and save lives.

Positive changes, clear goals and dedication can help you achieve your dream of living a tobacco-free life. Many community members have shared inspiring testimonials about the transformative benefits of a tobacco-free life. Here are a few:

• Since I quit smoking, I feel like I am in control. Cigarettes controlled me. It is a positive feeling that I have, and it is reinforced now when I go hiking, exercising, and enjoy life. I am genuinely a non-smoker. (female age 54)
• I was a menthol smoker. I went on vacation to Spain, and I could not find menthol cigarettes. I spent my vacation thinking about how I would have “my brand” when I came back to the USA. When I returned, I had my menthol and thought it was not even that good. This controlled my thoughts on vacation. I decided I would be in control and quit tobacco use. I feel so much better, my breathing has improved, and I have so much extra money. This decision to quit is the best thing I did for myself (female age 62).
• I honestly believed I was going to die with a cigarette in my hand…how things change (male 58).
• Cigarettes were my friend all the time. I even smoked during my pregnancies. I was a closet smoker; I would sneak to smoke. Now that I have quit my skin feels better, I am glowing, I feel better. I would not go back because the hardest thing is I would have to quit again. (female age 66)
• Since I have quit smoking, I have noticed that I have much more energy and patience, and my sense of smell/taste improved greatly (male, age 33)

These stories serve as a source of encouragement and offer practical insights into overcoming challenges and achieving cessation success.

The Great American Smoke-Out is also an ideal time for businesses to take steps toward promoting a healthy environment by adopting tobacco-free grounds policy. As part of a comprehensive worksite wellness plan, these policies benefit employees and reinforce a culture of health. The Tobacco Action Coalition of L.I. provides expert assistance to help employers implement effective tobacco-free policies at no cost, such as:

• Technical assistance, including presentations or informational sessions.
• Sample policies, sample employee outreach materials, FAQs, timelines, etc.
• Help in planning a policy kick-off event or press conference, including issuing a press release or launch communication.
• Assistance identifying and accessing cessation services for employees who use tobacco; and
• No-cost tobacco-free signage for your property.

Let the Great American Smoke-Out be the beginning of a tobacco-free life. The American Lung Association, Suffolk County Department of Health, Northwell Health and the NYS Quitline all have resources that can help.