Great American Smokeout
Each year on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout.
This is an annual social engineering event to encourage Americans to stop tobacco smoking. The Great American Smokeout challenges smokers to quit cigarettes for 24 hours with the hopes that this decision will continue forever.
There are benefits to 1 day without cigarettes. After just 20 minutes without a cigarette, the heart rate drops. So does the blood pressure. Twelve hours later, the body will cleanse the carbon monoxide from the last cigarette from the body.
That’s a great start. If you make it past 1 day, your risk of heart attack begins to decrease along with heart disease and stroke. After just 1 day – keep it up.
After 2 days, things start tasting and smelling better. That’s because your nerves are healing from the smoke damage.
Day 3 may be tough. The nicotine is leaving your body and symptoms of withdrawal may occur. But you can do it.
By 1 month, you may notice you can breathe better. The coughing is less. Your lungs may be clearer.
Do you want to find out more? Visit the American Cancer Society to learn more.
HOW TO OBSERVE #GreatAmericanSmokeout
Join millions of other smokers and do not smoke for the day. Support your friends and family who are trying to quit smoking. Find tips and support at the American Cancer Society. Use #GreatAmericanSmokeout to post on social media.
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT HISTORY
Evolving from a series of small-scale initiatives, the first Great American Smokeout was held on November 16, 1977, in San Francisco’s Union Square.
1970 – Randolph, Massachusetts – Arthur P. Mullaney suggested people give up cigarettes for a day donating the money to a local high school.
1974 – Monticello, Minnesota – Lynn R. Smith of the Monticello Times promoted a “Don’t Smoke Day”.
1976 – November 18, The California Division of the American Cancer Society successfully prompted nearly one million smokers to quit for the day.