Thursday marks the 41st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout. It is always on the Thursday before Thanksgiving and this year it is November 18th. Thousands of people across the country will join together in taking this step toward a healthier life.
Erin Smith is with the American Lung Association of Nebraska and says the Great American Smokeout resulted in some strong policies in place today. They include banning smoking in the work place, restaurants and other public places. That combined with the higher price of tobacco products resulted in less tobacco use.
In 1965, 42% of all adult Americans smoked. That number is now at 15%. In Nebraska, the rate of cigarette smoking declined to 14.7% in 2019.
Smith says help is available. She says, “They (American Lung Association) offer their Freedom from Smoking program, their resource for those would like to quit. It is offered through an in-person group type setting or it is also offered in an online platform for those who would like to quit by themselves. We also offer a lung help line, tobacco quit line staffed by smoking cessation experts that creates a quit plan that is tailored to the person.”
The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is also available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a free resource for residents to help kick the habit. Tips are also available at QuitNow.lne.gov.
Quitting isn’t easy but having a plan and the right tools can help. Getting help through counseling and FDA approved medications can increase chances of quitting successfully. Other tips include:
Stay active by walking, exercising or by doing other activities
Drink lots of water and limit alcohol
Talk to your healthcare provider and let them know you want to quit
Change your routine by driving different routes to work, switching your coffee to tea and eat different foods.