The DeKalb County Health Department observes the 38th annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21, according to Jane Lux, Public Health Administrator at the DeKalb County Health Department. The Great American Smokeout is recognized as an annual day to spotlight the benefits of quitting smoking and to encourage current smokers to kick the habit permanently or at least quit for the day. Great American Smokeout is always on the third Thursday before Thanksgiving.
“The Great American Smokeout is a great starting point to quit or at least cut back on the number of cigarettes smoked,” said Lux. Quitting is difficult, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The Health Department recommends that smokers call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline (1-866-784-8937). The Quitline is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the American Lung Association. The Quitline offers free, convenient, and confidential counseling throughout the quitting process by Mayo Clinic trained respiratory therapists and nurses. Eligible DeKalb County residents may alsobe able to take advantage of the Illinois Nicotine Replacement Therapy Distribution program and receive 8 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) at no cost. NRT products available include patches, gum and P. 2 Great American Smokeout – November 21, 2013 lozenges. The program is for residents who have no insurance coverage for over-the-counter nicotine replacement products and is made possible by funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“This is an excellent opportunity for those residents who wish to try nicotine replacement products as a supplement to their efforts to quit smoking.” said Lux. “The American Heart Association (AHA) promotes nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a safe and effective way to help people stop using cigarettes when used as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program.” Call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-Quit Yes (784-8937) for more information. Counselors are available from 7 am to 11pm (Central Time) seven days a week.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. A smoker who quits reduces the risk of developing smoking-related heart disease, stroke, cancer, and emphysema. Make the Great American Smokeout the first day of your smoke-free life. For more information on quitting, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES.
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