The Great American Smokeout, Nov. 20

Quit for 1 day, then 2 . . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 18, 2014

LAS VEGAS – The Great American Smokeout debuted in 1976 as an opportunity for smokers to give up the habit for just one day with hope the decision would lead to a permanent change. This year, the American Cancer Society has designated Thursday, Nov. 20 as the Great American Smokeout. The Southern Nevada Health District encourages smokers in the community to participate and to commit to a long-term plan to quit for good. For information about tobacco products, secondhand smoke, or to access downloadable No Smoking signs, contact the health district’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, (702) 759-1270 or visit www.SNHD.info. or www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org.

Nevada smokers can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (800- 784-8669) to access a free phone-based service for anyone age 18 plus; callers will be able to speak with a ‘coach’ who can offer quitting assistance. Quitline counselors are available in English and Spanish. The Quitline is available Monday – Sunday, 4 a.m. – 10 p.m., (PT). Through the Quitline program, people can receive a free supply of nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges. Coaches will determine eligibility to receive the free therapy. In addition, the Nevada Tobacco Quitline offers a free, online service to assist smokers who enroll in the program where they can access research-based information, coaches, and a community of individuals who are in the process of quitting. Coaches can provide information about dealing with stress and fighting cravings, as well as coping with weight gain and other issues that occur when people attempt to quit smoking.

Twenty minutes after squashing out a final cigarette, a former smoker reaps the benefits of quitting when the heart rate drops to a normal level. In three months, the risk of a heart attack drops; in one year, the added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s; in five to 15 years, the risk of a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker; and 15 years after quitting, the risk of dying from lung cancer or bladder cancer is reduced to half of smoker’s risk and the risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.

In Clark County, nearly eight of 10 residents are non-smokers. Each year, approximately 2,000 Nevadans under age 18 become daily smokers. About 80 percent of adult smokers became regular smokers before the age of 18. Healthcare costs are about $1.08 billion for smoking-related illnesses and 4,100 Nevadans die from smoking-related illnesses each year. The average smoker will spend approximately $1,000 annually on cigarettes.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.