If you are looking for a good date to quit smoking; the obvious answer would be now. But incase that's not a good time for you and choosing that as your New Year's Resolution is so passe, here are a few dates given by TobaccoFree.com to try as a memorable time; written in leu of the upcoming Great American SmokeOut Day, Friday, November 28, 2008 and to me kicking the habit, which I am going to TRY to do for Friday, November 28, 2008 - Great American Smokeout Day.
- Red Ribbon Week October 23 - 31 (Same dates every year)National Family
- PartnershipSmokeout Day November 20, 2008 (Always the Thursday before Thanksgiving)
- American Cancer SocietyKick Butts Day March 25, 2009 Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
- World No Tobacco Day May 31 (Always May 31) World Health Organization
The Great American Smokeout is an annual event in the United States to encourage Americans (of whom 45.8 million smoke) to quit tobacco smoking. The American Cancer Society held it's first Smokeout in 1977. The event challenges people not to smoke cigarettes for 24 hours, hoping their decision to quit will last forever.
It is held annually on the third Thursday in November.
The event evolved from a series of events.
In 1971, in Randolph, Massachusetts, Arthur P. Mullaney suggested people give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money to a local high school.
In 1974, a "Don't Smoke Day" (or "D-Day") was promoted by Lynn R. Smith of the Monticello Times in Monticello, Minnesota.
On November 18, 1976, the California Division of the American Cancer Society successfully prompted nearly one million smokers to quit for the day. That California event marked the first Smokeout.
Could This Be the First Day of a Life Without Tobacco?
Are you thinking about quitting smoking but not sure you're ready to take the plunge? Maybe the Great American Smokeout is for you. It's an opportunity to join with literally millions of other smokers in saying "no thanks" to cigarettes for 24 hours.
A Day to "Butt Out"
The Great American Smokeout traditionally takes place on the third Thursday in November. The concept dates from the early '70s when Lynn Smith, publisher of the Monticello Times of Minnesota, announced the first observance and called it "D Day." The idea caught on in state after state until in 1977, it went nationwide under the sponsorship of the American Cancer Society. If past Smokeouts are any indication, as many as one-third of the nation's 46 million smokers could be taking the day off from smoking.
Joining the Fun
Each year during the Great American Smokeout, the American Cancer Society promotes local and nationwide activities that focus in a light-hearted way on the benefits of not smoking. Here are some previous years' activities:
A national sandwich shop company gave out free "cold turkey" sandwiches and cookies to smokers who turned in at least a half pack of cigarettes.
Newborn babies at Washington's Columbia Hospital received T-shirts that said "I'm a Born Nonsmoker."
"Don't Let Smoking Be an Obstacle" was the slogan for a Houston activity in which smokers ran an obstacle course consisting of oversized cigarette packs, matches and ashtrays.
Preschoolers in Texas played "Gonesmoke, a Tale of the New West," wearing red bandannas and Smokeout deputy badges.
Other events include public appearances by celebrities who have quit, parades, rallies, athletic events and ceremonial cigarette burials and bonfires.
Making It Work
Behind the festivities of the Great American Smokeout are the serious efforts of thousands of hard-working American Cancer Society volunteers who visit schools, malls and workplaces to publicize the events and distribute information about quitting. They also enlist nonsmokers to "adopt" smokers for the day, supporting them with advice and snacks. The support continues for those who decide not to return to smoking after the Great American Smokeout is over.
The Rules of the Game
The rules are simple: You just quit smoking for the 24 hours of the Smokeout. The wonderful thing is that you won't be alone; you can swap advice, jokes and groans with the other "quitters," nonsmokers and the American Cancer Society volunteers who will be cheering you on. Even if you don't go on to quit permanently, you will have learned that you can quit for a day and that many others around you are taking the step, too. Contact the American Cancer Society for information on how you can participate, either as a "quitter" or as a volunteer.
Accept the Great American Smokeout Challenge @ cancer.org
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Americans will quit smoking on the Great American Smokeout this Thursday. But it's important to remember that the average smoker quits 7-10 times, so the struggle is not just in quitting originally, but in making sure that you continue to live smoke-free. This year there’s a new idea to help smokers stay quit after the official Smokeout on Thursday. Its called Quit and Stay Quit Monday - smokers who make the decision to quit smoking on the Great American Smokeout can reaffirm their commitment to staying tobacco free on the following Monday and each Monday after that to ensure that they are still tobacco-free. Each week is an opportunity for you to celebrate your progress or recommit to improving your health and well-being. Check out www.healthymonday.org/stayquit for more info.
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