Nov 19 2008
Great American Smokeout November 20th
Great American Smokeout is November 20th
Thirty-three years ago I participated in my first Smokeout.
That was only the beginning, as I then participated for the next THIRTEEN years, FINALLY conquering the tobacco habit in 1989. Perhaps I should NOT say “conquer,” because the craving, believe it or not, still emerges from time to time.
How did I “quit”? Staying out of the bar scene helped a lot. Dating non-smokers helped a lot too. Thinking about living long enough to see grandchildren (and actually draw Social Security) was a big factor. So I quit every year for 13 years.
In the end…if this is the end…I am pretty proud of myself for quitting smoking on July 4, 1989. I still only dare say: “it has been “nineteen years since my last cigarette,” because nicotine is so addictive, I know that I could fail again.
Amongst all the ”national days” for such and such “national months” to commemorate virtually everything, the Great American Smokeout stands out as perhaps the single most effective campaign to improve our health in my lifetime.
The Great American Smokeout was inaugurated in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. There are still over 45 million Americans who smoke. Statistics show that about 40 percent of smokers have tried to quit (for at least one day) during this past year alone.
The success rate is frustratingly low. (How well I know and remember my own struggles.) The American Cancer Society has a “Quitline” where quitters can talk to a trained professional and receive some confidential counseling too. The “Quitline” is said to DOUBLE the success rate. Wow. Perhaps it will only take you seven years to quit! Here is the number: 1-800-227-2345.
It may be the most important battle you ever fight. Good Luck.
I quit almost 2 years ago,mainly due to the expense of maintaining the habit.There are days when Iwould love a cigarette,but remind myself of the $$$$ thus saved.