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The American Cancer Society has been celebrating the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November for the past forty years. The Baraga County Cares coalition (funded by the Northcare Network) is proud to participate in the 2017 Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 16th.
The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for everyone in the County to commit to healthy, tobacco-free lives, not just for a day, but year round. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death; 1 out of every 5 U.S. deaths are tobacco related. According to the American Cancer Society, the most important thing smokers can do to improve their health is to quit cigarettes and other forms of combustible tobacco.
We are all aware of the strength of tobacco addiction and the devastating impact of continued use. Quitting tobacco use is a process which requires planning and support. It may take several attempts to maintain a tobacco-free lifestyle. In Michigan, 20.4% of Michigan adults smoke cigarettes. Of these adults, 58.8% reported attempting to quit in 2016. Tobacco products are highly addictive and most users must make several quit attempts before they are able to succeed. Quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends. With a comprehensive quit plan and support, everyone can work toward a tobacco-free lifestyle.
The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that approximately 65,000 Michigan youth used tobacco products during the past 30 days. When youth try tobacco, they are more likely to become addicted to the nicotine in tobacco products. Studies have shown that the earlier a person begins use, the higher the risk of lifetime addiction. To encourage youth to live tobacco free, encourage participation in activities which inhibit tobacco use, support spending free time in public places where smoking is not allowed, work together to make a list of reasons why to live tobacco-free, and provide clear standards through your own lifestyle.
We encourage you to demonstrate your commitment to healthy, tobacco-free living. For 24 hour support please contact the Michigan Tobacco Quitline (1-800-784-8669). For more information about the Great American Smokeout visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site at https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco.html Also additional resources can be found at http://smokefree.gov/ as a cessation resource.
