Pocono News Section

A "Great" Day to Kick the Habit

A "Great" Day to Kick the Habit - Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 04:56AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 @ 04:56am EST
The American Cancer Society wants Thursday, November 19th, to be the day for smokers to kick the habit.
It's the 33rd anniversary of the "Great American Smokeout".
The American Cancer Society holds the Great American Smokeout on the Thursday before each Thanksgiving hoping that smokers who make the effort to quit for 24-hours can permanently kick the habit.
Smoking is considered the major cause of preventable death.
It claims more than 400-thousand American lives each year.
Half of all smokers who keep smoking will end up dying from a smoking-related illness.
The U. S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that smoking costs men an average of 13.2 years of life while it shortens women's lifespans on average by 14.5 years.
Despite all the grim statistics, the ACS has some encouraging numbers, too.
The percentage of u-s adults who smoke cigarettes has significantly dropped through the years.
In 1965, 42-percent of americans smoked.
It's now just half that -- or about 21-percent.
The American Cancer Society urges smokers to follow these tips to kick the habit:
1) Do not smoke, today. Not even a puff.
2) Keep active. Try walking, exercising or doing other activities or hobbies.
3) Drink lots of water and juices.
4) Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong.
5) Change your routine. Use a different route to go to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place or eat different foods.
The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association and even your own health care provider are available to help.
You can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or online at www. cancer. org/greatamericans