Today Was The Great American Smokeout

Submitted by Morgan Mobley, Tobacco Education Specialist

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is a day for people to create a plan to quit tobacco. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about 30% of all cancer deaths. Almost all organs within the human body can be damaged by sustained tobacco use. Still, over 1,600 youths try their first cigarette, vape, or chew every day, many of whom develop an addiction to nicotine and eventually become young adults who want to quit smoking, vaping or chewing struggling with their addiction.

On Nov. 17, people across the country will celebrate the Great American Smokeout, an annual event that promotes a tobacco-free lifestyle for all. The event encourages tobacco users to spend one full day smoke-free with the hopes that this will lead to a long, tobacco-free life. The Great American Smokeout has contributed to the creation of many laws across the country, greatly preventing tobacco use. The event’s success in limiting tobacco use continues to this day, so mark your calendars for Nov. 17, the first day of the rest of your tobacco-free life!

My Life, My Quit, combines best practices for youth tobacco cessation adapted to include vaping and new ways to reach a coach using live text messaging and online chat.

The My Life, My Quit program provides youth access to free, tailored resources for quitting, including: five coaching sessions, a dedicated toll-free number (1-855-891-9989) for real-time coaching, confidential enrollment and coaching, additional text messages for support to quit, and a website (mylifemyquit.com) with online enrollment and live chatting with a coach.

Quitting tobacco can be hard but it’s the most important thing youth can do for their health. My Life, My Quit is here to help teens and youth successfully quit tobacco. To get started, text or call 1-855-891-9989 or visit the website at http://www.mylifemyquit.com to connect with a live coach. If you’re an adult who wants to know more about My Life, My Quit please call 1-855-891-9989 and let them know you are looking for information about the program.