Nearly 19% of New York State adults age 18 and older smoke cigarettes with about 6.5% of people age 65 and older smoking. Approximately 25,000 deaths in New York State can be attributed to smoking every year (Center for Disease Control). November 18, 2008 is the 28th annual "Great American Smoke Out". On this day smokers are urged to quit for one day and hopefully will quit for longer and remain "smoke free" for life. Quitting smoking is not easy, NYS residents are encouraged to call the New York State Smokers Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for a free starter kit and coaching and support during the quitting process. In addition, Medicare covers up to eight, doctor ordered, face- to- face smoking cessation counseling sessions by a qualified doctor or Medicare-recognized practitioner. The cost for Medicare recipients is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the yearly Part B deductible.
The benefits of quitting smoking are extensive, regardless of your age or how long you have been smoking. After only 48 hours of being smoke-free, your nerve endings begin to regrow and your sense of taste and smell improve. After one to nine months symptoms such as wheezing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath have improved; and by one year your risk of having a heart attack has dropped by 50%! (NY Smoke Free).
The websites provided below have information on the benefits of quitting smoking and more specifically Great American Smoke Out day.
The "American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke Out Challenge
" homepage: includes tips and information, as well as printable materials and kits.
The Center for Disease control: provides promotional ideas and media kits, as well as facts and statistics on smoking and associated dangers.
