NORWALK, CT - Join Norwalk Mayor Richard A. Moccia, Norwalk Health Department officials, and the American Cancer Society on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Atrium at City Hall (125 East Avenue) to acknowledge the Great American Smokeout and encourage Norwalk residents to kick the habit. The American Cancer Society urges Americans to plan in advance and quit smoking on Thursday for the Great American Smokeout or to use this day to make a quit plan.
After Mayor Moccia’s remarks at 10 a.m., representatives from the American Cancer Society will be available to answer questions and provide information about cancer prevention and tips to quit.
Quitting smoking is hard, but there are proven tools and strategies to help improve your chances for success, and the health benefits of quitting are undeniable. Smoking is linked to many serious illnesses, from bronchitis to cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States, and about 8.6 million people suffer from lung or heart diseases caused by smoking.
Quitting can help reduce your long-term risk of many serious diseases, but you do not have to wait long to experience many other benefits. For example, just 12 hours after quitting, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. Also, your lung function can improve within just a few weeks after quitting.
When quitting, it is important to choose a quit date in the future and make a plan to quit, including deciding on your approach (for example, whether to use nicotine replacement therapy), letting the people around you know your plans, and asking for support. Once your quit date arrives, try to stay active and avoid people who are smoking and situations when the urge to smoke is strong. Prepare to deal with withdrawal and temptation, and make sure you celebrate your successes.
For more tips and information about the benefits of quitting, visit the American Cancer Society.
