An annual tradition by the American Cancer Society continues to look at putting out the flames of individuals that use cigarettes.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Great American Smokeout event is geared at being a starting-point for individuals to stop smoking, according to local ACS representative Amy Hopson.
“It’s a huge event,” she said. “Smoking is still a really huge problem to this day. This event allows someone to take the day to make the pledge to stop smoking and hopefully make that choice to stop for the rest of their lives.”
According to the ACS, approximately 40 million American adults still smoke, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the country.
The organization issued a statement adding, “quitting is a process that starts one day at a time. And every day you stay quit is also another step closer toward a healthier life. That’s not just great for you, but also something all of your family, friends, and other loved ones truly appreciate.”
Approved medications, behavioral therapies, and counseling – including telephone counseling – can help smokers to quit and increase their chances of not relapsing.
Hopson added that locally, the steps are being put into place to help combat the issue. The rep added that NCI Building Systems in Stoney Creek is using today as the start of their work environment to help address the issues of smoking.
“We’ve seen a lot of businesses and organizations respond to the issue of smoking,” she added.
Joining the cause from the youth’s standpoint are the FACT Summit children from Carter County. Comprised of students from around the area, the youth have been on the forefront of encouraging their peers to steer clear from smoking during their time in school – whether it smoking or the use of other smokeless products.
The Carter County Health Department has also been on the forefront of helping to combat smoking countywide. Along with setting up shop Tuesday inside Ingles to receive signatures of individuals pledging to stop smoking on Nov. 17, Freedom From Smoking Classes are also on the horizon to start the new year.
Each Monday throughout January and February classes will be held at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library. Classes are free and attendees are encouraged to attend each class to receive the full impact. Classes will start at 5 p.m. each day.
The classes provide a perfect opportunity to residents to begin the stages of quitting cigarettes, according to Jilian Reece, Tobacco Settlement Health Educator.
For more information, contact Reece at Jilian.Reece@tn.gov or (423) 543-2521 ext. 312. Classes are sponsored by the tobacco programs of Carter County Health Department.