Great American Smokeout is Thursday, Nov. 19

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.

The Rules of the Game

The rules are simple: You just quit smoking for the 24 hours of the Smokeout. 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.

The Bee-Fit Wellness Program offers smoking cessation classes. Please contact Matt Meyers at meyersm@stlouiscity.com or 622-4849 for more information.

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