Today is the Great American Smokeout. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of November.
Over the years, this event has prompted many smokers to take a break from taking a puff. Many of those have gone on to fully quit smoking and adopt a more healthy lifestyle.
The Smokeout has been a great American success story. It’s hard to believe the event got its start in 1977.
It’s amazing that we still need to have the GASO but, sadly we do. According to ACS statistics, nearly 1 in 5 adult Americans continue to smoke. That adds up to somewhere just shy of 42 million smokers.
Recently, I met two nice young guys, millennials. Smart. Witty. Talented. You just have to wonder how people of their generation could choose to begin smoking after our nation has officially known the dangers of smoking for 50 years.
And yet, they do.
Ed and I think back to our high school days and remember how smoking was permitted on the FHS campus during the early 80s. The designated smoking area - the pit - was outside the downstairs green wing (near the band hall) and there was another area upstairs behind the yellow wing.
Incredible to consider this was standard practice then…but it was.
I was also thinking about all those stylish French ladies I saw in Paris back in May; couples strolling up and down the street dressed so immaculately. So often, the woman was puffing away to ruin the effect.
This scene repeats itself in North American cities as well.
So as unthinkable as it might be, we still need the Great American Smokeout. There is still work to do to overcome some of the smoking cessation myths that persist.
If you’re a smoker, there are tons of great resources if you have decided this is your time to quit.
If you do take this courageous step, what a great way to herald the arrival of the holiday season; what a fantastic achievement to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day.
JG
Originally posted 11/20/2014
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