The Standard of Health: What Can The Great American Smokeout do to help?

Everyone knows the dangers of smoking at this point, yet so many people continue to smoke. I could sit here and write all the statistics that are meant to scare people from smoking, but at the end of the day those tactics failed 11.6% of people. Of the American population, 11.6% of those over 18 smoke. The leading cause of cancer deaths in America is smoking. Not cases of cancer, but deaths because of cancer are credited to smoking. Again though, you probably knew that. What's more important than education on something that nearly every 6th grader sitting in a health class will learn is what you can do to change that.

The Great American Smokeout is meant to inspire smokers to quit by raising awareness and connecting them with the resources they need to break this addictive habit. This event is organized by the American Cancer Society and takes place on the third Thursday of each November. This year, it will be November 21st. Yes, that is one week before Thanksgiving. 

The goal of dedicating one day to quitting smoking is more than raising general awareness; it is also to build a sense of community for those who quit. If you know any smokers who have been trying to quit but fear a lack of community or support, tell them about this day. Tell them that on November 21st, they could possibly join so many others on the journey to returning to a healthy lifestyle.

For people you love who still smoke, you can use the material the American Cancer Society provides to encourage them to make smarter choices. Now, I understand that that may be no easy task. If quitting smoking were easy, every smoker might quit. Taking this time to start discussions on the impact smoking has on a person's life and the impact it has on the people they care about just plants a seed that will hopefully grow enough to sponsor change. The initial goal of The Great American Smoke Out was to get smokers to quit for just one day. One day to be unaligned from what is probably their normal. For them to get a clear sight of the light at the end of the tunnel that always seemed blocked.

We want to encourage change and come together to bring awareness and resources to those who may need it. On November 21st a community will be built, and that does not only include those quitting. Share the risks I’m sure you already know. Share the stories of loved ones you may have lost because of smoking. Share the guides people can use to help stop, like those on the American Cancer Society website. Create a world where each life can be lived to its fullest. Everything you do has an impact, so make your voice heard and help those who need it.

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For more resources and ideas on building your Great American Smokeout event, visit their site, or explore other areas of substance prevention programming at sadd.org/programs.