Any day can be Day One to quit tobacco

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time and a plan. Let the Great American Smokeout on November 15^th be the beginning of a journey toward a smoke-free life!

“You don’t have to stop smoking in one day,” said Mike Wilburn, Cessation Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department, “but you do have to pick a day for your start date, or you will just keep putting it off.”

The 43rd Annual Great American Smokeout® is November 15, 2018, and the Garrett County Health Department is encouraging all smokers to commit or recommit to healthy, smoke-free lives by participating in the event.

The health department has a support group for tobacco users (cigarettes, smokeless, or e-cig) that begins on Wednesday, November 7, in the Garrett County Health Department conference room in Oakland at 5:30 p.m. Participants are welcome to join on the second day of class (November 14) if they are unable to make it to the first class. Sessions continue each Wednesday for ten weeks. Free cessation aids are available for group participants, including nicotine patches, nicotine gum or the prescription drug, Zyban.

“To give yourself the best chance of being successful, start by taking care of yourself,” Wilburn said. “Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and drink lots of water, which is great for overall health and has the added benefit of helping your body cleanse itself of nicotine.”

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. In fact, smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns, and illegal drugs combined. Smoking not only causes cancer; it damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones.

“Try to avoid alcohol, coffee, and any other drinks you link with smoking,” Wilburn added. “When the urge to smoke hits, take a deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds, then release it slowly. Always ask yourself if you really need the cigarette, or if it is a reflex.”

“We want to help the people in our community to be healthy and happy,” said Wilburn. “During this year’s Great American Smokeout® event, we hope everyone will join us – and encourage their friends, family, and colleagues to join us – in committing or recommitting to year-around, smoke-free lives.”

For help quitting for good, call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or the Maryland Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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