Celebrate 35th Great American Smokeout by quitting tobacco

The American Cancer Society marks the 35th Great American Smokeout Nov. 18 by encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit or quit smoking that day. According to an American Cancer Society report, smokers who quit can expect to live as many as ten years longer (that's ten more birthdays) than those who continue to smoke.

Research shows much of the risk of premature death from smoking could be prevented by quitting. Smokers who quit, regardless of age, live longer than people who continue to smoke. Smokers who quit reduce their risk of lung cancer - ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate for a quitter is about half that of a continuing smokers'. Quitting also lowers the risk for other major diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

"Quitting smoking is an important step toward staying well and creating a world with more birthdays," said Rebecca Rhodes, Health and Wellness Center flight chief. "The Great American Smokeout is a great first step toward quitting or making a plan to quit, and the HAWC can help smokers through a variety of resources including coaching by certified tobacco specialists."

Important facts about tobacco use:
o Tobacco use remains the world's most preventable cause of death.
o Cigarette smoking accounts for about 443,000 premature deaths - including 49,400 nonsmokers.
o 30 percent of cancer deaths, including 87 percent of lung cancer deaths, can be attributed to smoking.
o Smoking accounts for more than $193 billion in health care expenditures and productivity losses annually.

According to a HAWC staff, "If you use tobacco, there is no time like the present to start a tobacco-free lifestyle. If you know someone who uses tobacco, we want you to support those individuals along the readiness to change continuum and encourage them to attend a class at the HAWC when they are ready to quit."

This year the HAWC will sponsor the following events in recognition of the Great American Smokeout:

· "Trade-in" your cigarette packs/smokeless tobacco at the HAWC on Nov. 18 for a free Quit Kit.