The 2016 Great American Smokeout is Nov. 17

Need help quitting smoking?  The Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to set a goal and a quit date.  There are many resources available to help:

  • Decide on a quit date. Choose the Great American Smokout date or another day within the following two weeks.
  • Enlist the help of family and friends. Share your quit date and ask for support.  A daily email, text or phone call can help you stay on course.  Plan a smoke-free lunch date or grame night to distract yourself.  Or gather your family to cook a special meal together.
  • Expect challenges. Each urge to smoke is short – usually lasting only 3 to 5 minutes.  But these moments can feel intense.  Before your quit day, write down health ways to cope:  drinking water, taking a walk, listening to a favorite song, playing a game or calling a friend.
  • Remove temptation. Throw away cigarettes, matches, lighters and ashtrays.  Clean your car, home and workplace.  Old cigarette odors can cause cravings.
  • Talk to your pharmacist, doctor or quit-line coach (at 800-QUIT-NOW) about quitting options. Nicotine patches, gum or other approved medicines may help with cravings.

–Sources:  American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention