Great American Smokeout Today!

 Hi, if you're a smoker or know people are and would like some help quitting, today, Thursday, November 15th is the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout, a day sponsored by the American Cancer Society to help people stop using tobacco.  If you smoke and want help quitting, there is a toll-free number you can call to help get started, The Washington State Department of Health Tobacco Quit Line. Just call at 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669), to talk with a trained "Quit Coach" who will give you tips and techniques to help you quit smoking, and send you materials in the mail if you provide a mailing address.  This service is completely confidential.  Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.  

Save Money! Save your Life! Did you know?  If you’ve smoked 1 pack a day for the last 10 years…

*  You’ve spent $31,536 on cigarettes

*  You’ve cut 3 years from your life span

Here are some keys to Help You Quit:

* Get Medication - nicotine replacement gums, inhalers, lozenges, sprays, or patches

* Get Support & Encouragement - tell others that you are quitting

* Get active with your hands - Exercise or do something that keeps your hands busy

* Choose other things for your mouth - Use substitutes you can put in your mouth such as sugarless gum or hard candy. Some people chew on a coffee stirrer or a straw

* Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and the benefits you’ll gain as an ex-smoker.

* Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations - avoid alcohol, drink lots of water & stay active

* Delay - If you are about to light up, hold off. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes

* Breathe deeply - picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air.

* Reward yourself - What you’re doing is not easy, so you deserve a reward. Put the money you   would have spent on tobacco in a jar every day and then buy yourself a weekly treat.
* Visit the Great American Smokeout website:

Call the  Tobacco Quit Line. Their number again 1-800-784-8669. If you've been thinking about quitting, we hope you give this number a call.  The Quit Lines are available year-round. Thanks and stay healthy.