While the numbers of people still smoking has dropped below one in five adults, smoking continues to contribute in a major way to health-related concerns for U.S. health. Thursday(11/15/18) is the 43rd annual Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
The idea is if you can quit for today, you might continue to stop smoking altogether.
Rhinelander native Kim Kinner is a spokesperson for the Wisconsin chapter. She says each year the event raises awareness to a smoke-free and healthier lifestyle...
"...Quitting isn't that easy. It does take time and it takes a plan. But if you take it one day at a time and have the Great American Smokeout perhaps be the impetus for you to stop smoking and start your journey to a smoke-free life, that is what we're hoping...."
Lung cancer continues to be a leading cause of death for both men and women. Overall, lung cancer accounts for one in four cancer deaths...
"...In Wisconsin alone this year in Wisconsin there will be 4,000 new cases of lung cancer and about 3,000 deaths from lung cancer are expected. We have an opportunity to put a stop to that and that's really through continuing that lifestyle of not smoking...."
Nearly 38 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.
The cigarette smoking rate has dropped significantly, from 42 percent in 1965 to about 15 percent now.
