DHS: Smokers urged to quit on Great American Smokeout Day on November 17

Contact: Beth Kaplan,  (608) 266-1683

Smokers in Wisconsin and nationwide are urged to take steps to kick the habit tomorrow, November 17, during the 36th annual Great American Smokeout, a national event organized by the American Cancer Society. Officials say the day provides the perfect opportunity to quit smoking, or to make a plan to quit smoking.

“This event gives smokers a chance to start fresh and leave their tobacco addiction behind,” said Dr. Mark Wegner, Chronic Disease Medical Director for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.  “While quitting has clear long-term health benefits, smokers may be surprised to hear that positive effects start almost immediately after quitting.  For instance, your heart attack risk begins to decrease just 24 hours after you quit.”

Smoking significantly increases the risk of several serious health problems including cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and accounts for nearly one out of five deaths each year in the United States.  Smoking costs the state $4.5 billion annually in health care expenditures, with nearly 8,000 Wisconsinites dying each year due to smoking.

“Smoking’s impact is felt by families all over Wisconsin who’ve seen loved ones get sick or have lost loved ones,” Wegner said. “The good news is that it’s never too late to quit.  On this 36th Great American Smokeout, we urge our state’s smokers to join thousands nationwide in taking the first step to a healthier life for both themselves and those they love.”

To get free help to quit, call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW.  The Quit Line is funded by the DHS Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program and administered by the UW-Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.