The Great American Smoke Out happens every year on the 3rd Thursday of November. This year it is on November 19, 2015. The 1st Smoke Out was in California in 1976. It became a national event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, in 1977. The Great American Smoke Out has helped to change laws related to smoking.
The Great American Smoke Out challenges smokers to stop using tobacco for one day. It also calls attention to the deaths and chronic illnesses that are caused by smoking.
Some facts about smoking:
- 1 in 5 Americans smoke. That’s more than 43 million people.
- Smoking kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns and illegal drugs combined.
- Smoking causes many kinds of cancers including lung, larynx, and mouth.
- Smoking causes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Smoking causes high blood pressure. It increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
For more information on how to quit contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
