Great American Smokeout Marked Today

The Great American Smokeout is being held today. This is one day of the year when all people are urged to stop smoking.

Photo: Great American Smokeout Marked Today

The awareness day is held on the third Thursday of November, and is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death in America, thus the Great American Smokeout is the one day when all you smokers should take a good look at your life and decide whether or not you want to continue putting yourself at risk of cancer.

Not only does smoking put your health at risk, but the health of those around you is also compromised due to the harmful effects of second hand smoke, dBTechno reports.

News agencies also report, the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19, is a national anti-tobacco movement begun by the American Cancer Society in 1977.

The annual event takes place on the third Thursday of November. People who smoke are encouraged to give up smoking for a day. According to the American Cancer Society website, the smokeouts have led to smoke-free laws, community programs, and have saved or prolonged lives.

The Abilene High School drama team performs skits at the local schools to educate children about the dangers of smoking.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the drama team was traveling to the local schools and performing skits. At Garfield Elementary, the high school students performed themed skits based on Scooby Doo, High School Musical, and others, Abilene Recorder Chronicle reports.

In the meantime, just a week ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 26.1 percent of Indiana adults smoked in 2008, making the state's smoking rate the second highest in the nation. Indiana was sixth in 2007.

Free cessation counseling, a hotline, as well as discounts on cessation products are available to Delaware County residents who want to quit, said Cecilia Williams, program coordinator of Tobacco-Free Coalition of Delaware County.

Smokers who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and enroll in the cessation program can receive two weeks worth of free cessation products, Muncie Star Press reports.