It’s shocking how many Americans still smoke cigarettes. We’ve all seen family members and other loved ones pass away from smoking-related illnesses. That’s why the American Cancer Society will mark its 36th Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 17.  Will you use the occasion as a reason to quit?

According to Above the Influence, “Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Between 1964 and 2004, cigarette smoking caused an estimated 12 million deaths, including 4.1 million deaths from cancer, and 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular diseases.”  These scary statistics should be reason enough to stop smoking.  But often times people need that little extra nudge.

The Great American Smokeout encourages current smokers to “use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day.” Through quitting smoking, people will reduce their risk for cancer.  Quitting is never easy, but there are ways to help your friends and family members succeed.

Organizing a Great American Smokeout event at your workplace or in your community can help motivate the people you care about to stop smoking. Try also handing out logo Great American Smokeout products, which will serve as lasting reminders to stay on track. When smokers glance at your giveaway, the hope is that they will remember the promise they made to themselves, and not pick up another cigarette.