GENESEO, N.Y., Nov. 17, 2022 – Today, Thursday, November 17, 2022, marks the Great American Smokeout – a campaign sponsored by the American Cancer Society intended to encourage Americans to quit tobacco smoking.
The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 34 million adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes. Smoking remains the largest preventable reason of death and illness in the world, causing an estimated 480,000 fatalities each year or about 1-in-5 deaths.
While the rates of cigarette smoking have seen a significant decrease in the last several decades and educational programming has helped to spread awareness of the dangers of cigarettes, there is still much work to be done. Some groups smoke more heavily than others including those in lower socioeconomic levels, those without college degrees and those with behavioral conditions among others.
The benefits associated with quitting smoking have been well documented as it is estimated that within minutes of quitting, one’s body begins to show signs of recovery. Within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and heart rates drop while carbon monoxide levels within the blood are reduced within the first few days of stopping smoking. Additionally, the risk for cancer, stroke, heart disease and other life-threatening conditions are cut in half in the following years while other senses including taste and smell begin to return to normal.
First celebrated over 40 years ago, the Great American Smokeout is held annually on the third Thursday of November. It provides an opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses both large and small, healthcare providers and others to help people quit smoking, make a plan to do so and serves as an educational tool to help prevent people from smoking.
Learn more about the Great American Smokeout and find resources to help you stop smoking by visiting the American Cancer Society’s website.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.