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Events draw attention to Montana Shared Quit Date, the Great American Smokeout

| November 14, 2012 10:50 AM

SUPERIOR – The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP), a statewide program of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services,

is joining forces with the American Cancer Society for this year’s Great American Smokeout. This annual event challenges smokers to quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes that they will quit for good. It is held around the country and helps raise awareness about tobacco use and encourages tobacco users to quit, providing them with helpful cessation information and resources.

Mineral County Tobacco Coalition will host the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 15, at the Mineral County Health Department, 1203 5th Ave East. The Mineral County Tobacco Coalition is encouraging people to Quit Cold Turkey by calling the QuitLine. Once you call the QuitLine, please register at the Health Department to be entered in a contest to receive a certificate for a FREE TURKEY!

The Great American Smokeout raises awareness about the deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking. One thousand four hundred (1,400) Montanans die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. Tobacco Prevention Specialist Shirley Iwata said, "We’re challenging smokers to stop tobacco use for the day and will provide information on effective ways to quit permanently, including information on the Montana Tobacco Quit Line."

According to the American Lung Association, quitting smoking has proven health benefits, even at a late age. When an older person quits smoking, circulation improves immediately, and the lungs begin to repair damage. In one year, the added risk of heart disease is cut almost in half, and risk of stroke, lung disease, and cancer diminish. Among smokers who quit at age 65, men gained 1.4 to 2.0 years of life and women gained 2.7 to 3.4 years.

Tobacco product users who call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line are 7 to 10 times more likely to quit. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free help to Montanans who want to quit using tobacco. Currently, the Quit Line offers the latest therapies, including new combinations of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, lozenges and gum, and free or low-cost medications. This extended benefit is available for a short time only, so callers are encouraged to take advantage soon.