The Great American Smokeout

Undertaking a path to quit smoking is a powerful and transformative choice, a decision that not only betters your physical health but also can elevate your overall well-being.




November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month. One of the leading causes of lung cancer is smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. During this month, the Great American Smokeout offers everyone who smokes or vapes a way to learn more about breaking free from tobacco. And it’s a great first step toward quitting with help from the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking class at St. Mary’s.

What is the great American Smokeout?


The Great American Smokeout is an event held on the third Thursday of November every year. On this day, thousands of people move closer to a life of wellness by taking the integral step of eliminating cigarettes from their life. What originally began in the 1970s, led by the American Cancer Society, has flourished into a nationwide initiative to bring attention and an end to smoking. The Great American Smokeout encourages individuals, communities, businesses, and individuals to work together by setting a date each year to unite and support an end to smoking.




This year, on Nov. 16, join thousands of people in taking the first steps toward quitting smoking to create a healthier life for yourself and those around you.




Benefits of Quitting Smoking


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimate that more than 480,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses each year. In fact, smoking causes about 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Quitting smoking, while obviously promoting a longer life, also has many other benefits. A few of these benefits include:

• Reduces adverse health effects.
• Eliminates an additional financial burden.
• Improves dental health and hygiene.
• Lowers the risk of numerous cancers, including lung cancers.
• Helps stabilize blood pressure.
• Makes skin and appearance healthier.

Tips to help in the process


While everyone's journey to a tobacco-free life will look different, there are many tips you can follow to aid in your individual process. Finding steps and a program tailored to meet your needs and promote your wellbeing is essential in this journey. Trying some of the following activities may help in your battle against tobacco.

1. Get active: Try running or walking! Getting physically active is a great way to suppress cravings and direct your attention to a fun and healthy activity.
2. Avoid environments with smoking: Staying away from peers or areas where people smoke is another great way to avoid cigarettes. Quitting smoking can be hard. Surrounding yourself with people on a similar mission will reduce your cravings, increase your community support, and act as a great reminder why you are quitting!
3. Throw your cigarettes away: This is often a difficult step but making it harder to get to your smokes is a key factor in your success. If you are ready, use Nov. 16 as your start date and throw away your cigarettes! If this step is too large right now, reach out to Todd Drake, St. Mary’s Freedom from Smoking coordinator, to start working toward your goal. You can find his contact information below.
4. Find a support group: Equally as important as avoiding environments with a heavy smoking population, it is also crucial to find a good support group. Finding friends and family to lean on during this difficult journey may just be the backbone to your recovery. After All, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on during a difficult challenge. This is one of the superpowers of Freedom from Smoking: you, your classmates and Todd provide mutual support on your journey.

This November, use The Great American Smokeout to start your journey toward freedom. Better yet, team up with a friend or loved one to stop smoking and enjoy a happier, healthier life together!

St. Mary’s can help in your journey:

• Healthy Heart Living – Free monthly class provides one-hour overviews of smoking cessation and other essential health topics, including diabetes, nutrition, and medications. For information, call Todd Drake, RRT, at 706.389-2915 or visit https://www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org/find-a-service-or-specialty/rehabilitation-services/respiratory-services
• Freedom from Smoking – For adults ready to quit smoking, St. Mary’s offers the American Lung Association’s highly successful Freedom from Smoking class twice a year. The next class series begins in early January 2024. For more information, call Todd at 706.389.2915.