Great Reasons to Stop Smoking

Nov. 17 marked the 36th annual American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. This event grew out of one day in a Massachusetts town when residents were asked to not smoke and to donate the money they would have spent on smoking to a scholarship. Since that time, the Smokeout has grown into a nationwide event that highlights the dangers of tobacco use and promotes and supports smoking cessation.

West Virginia, including the Eastern Panhandle, bears a heavy burden of smoking-related illness, and the Great American Smokeout presents a great opportunity for smokers to take a first step toward quitting and to learn about the tools and resources available to help them.

Why quit? Most of us, smokers and nonsmokers alike, have heard the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting, but some of the numbers are startling:

Even with these powerful reasons to quit, quitting is not easy. Most people who quit smoking have tried several times before they are successful. But there are many resources to help smokers quit and to help people support their family and friends who are trying to quit.

The West Virginia Quitline (877-966-8784) provides coaching, pharmaceutical support and information and materials. Helpful information and strategies for smoking cessation also can be found at www.smokefree.gov and the American Cancer Society's webpage, www.cancer.org, (search quit smoking) or phone number 800-227-2345.

Locally, smoking cessation programs are offered through the Berkeley County Health Department (call Denise Ryan at 304-267 7130) and Shenandoah Community Health Center (call Vicky Rockwell at 304-263-4999, ext. 1024).

If you smoke or have a loved one who smokes, we urge you to take your first step toward a longer, healthier life.