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Great American Smokeout --- November 16, 2006
Since 1977, the American Cancer Society has sponsored the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in
November to encourage smokers to quit. Approximately 45.1 million (20.9%) U.S. adults were current smokers in 2005
(1). Smokers can improve their chances of quitting by using proven cessation aids such as physician assistance, medications approved by
the Food and Drug Administration, and behavioral counseling, including telephone quitlines
(2). All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and
certain U.S. territories now have quitlines, which can be reached by telephone: 800-QUIT-NOW
(800-784-8669).
Other interventions that increase cessation include
increasing the price of tobacco products, implementing sustained
media campaigns, and reducing out-of-pocket treatment costs
(3). Growing evidence indicates that, in addition to
protecting nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke, smoke-free workplace policies and smoke-free home rules help smokers
quit (4). Comprehensive approaches are most
effective in prompting smokers to make quit
attempts and helping them to succeed (3).
Fiore MC, Bailey WC, Cohen SJ, et al. Treating tobacco use and dependence: clinical practice guidelines. Rockville, MD: US
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service; 2000. AHQR publication 00-0032.
Task Force on Community Preventive Services. The guide to
community preventive services: what works to promote health? New York, NY:
Oxford University Press; 2005.
CDC. The health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: CDC; 2006.
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