The American Cancer Society is celebrating their 34th Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 19th.  This is a day that is designed to provide strength in numbers for smokers who are ready to quit smoking.  This is an opportunity for smokers to say “No Thanks!” to cigarettes for just 24 hours, and perhaps for good!  Smokers who use this date to make a plan of attack to break their smoking habit, or plan in advance and quit smoking this day will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing their risk of cancer and increasing their chance of more birthdays. Researchers say that quitting smoking at the age of 35 can gain an average of eight years life expectancy; those who quit at age 55 gain about five years; and even long term smokers who quit at 65 gain three years.  Some of the health effects of quitting are almost instant, too – heart rate and blood pressure drop 20 minutes after quitting – that’s amazing!

Besides the personal benefits one gains from stopping smoking, others benefit as well.  Secondhand smoke can be harmful too.  In the United States alone, each year secondhand smoke is responsible for:

• an estimated 35,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers 
• about 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults 
• other breathing problems in non-smokers, including coughing, mucus, chest discomfort, and reduced lung function 
• 150,000 to 300,000 lung infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) in children younger than 18 months of age, which result in 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations 
• increases in the number and severity of asthma attacks in about 200,000 to 1 million children who have asthma 
• more than 750,000 middle ear infections in children

Each year during the Great American Smokeout, local groups sponsor fun activities to promote the healthy benefits of not smoking.  In the Greater Houston area, the Jefferson County Tobacco Coalition will be hosting an event at the Port Arthur YMCA called CSI: Tobacco-Cigarette Smoke Investigation, from 5pm-8pm.  This free event will have an abundance of information about tobacco use and its effects available to all.

Houston Northwest Medical Center wants to make people aware of its online tools that provide tips on how to quit smoking.  There are various sections on the hospital’s website that offer help including “Facing Up to Smoking,” “Planning Your Quit Strategy,” “Taking the Big Step,” “Staying Smoke-Free,” “Teens and Smoking” and “Smoking During Pregnancy.”

The rules are simple: You just quit smoking for the 24 hours of the Smokeout. The wonderful thing is that you won't be alone; you can swap advice, jokes and groans with the other "quitters," nonsmokers and the American Cancer Society volunteers who will be cheering you on. Even if you don't go on to quit permanently, you will have learned that you can quit for a day and that many others around you are taking the step, too. Contact the American Cancer Society for information on how you can participate, either as a "quitter" or as a volunteer.

Smokers who want to quit can call the American Cancer Society Quit For Life® Program operated and managed by Free & Clear® at 1-800-227-2345 for tobacco cessation and coaching services that can help increase their chances of quitting for good.

Don and the Puryear Team advocate living a healthy and active lifestyle.  There is no place like Houston, TX to accomplish any goals to improve and enhance your life.  Visit our Health and Fitness page for more information on parks and other avenues to help you become active and healthy.