Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Current Date:  November 19, 2008 

Release Date:  Immediate Release                          Kill Date:  November 21, 2008 

Contact Person:  Ann Goldon                                   Phone:  (810) 341-5898

RE:  Genesee County Celebrates the Great American Smokeout November 20, 2008 

The Great American Smokeout is held annually by the American Cancer Society (ACS) on the third Thursday of November.  The day is set aside to help people quit using tobacco products for at least one day in the hope that they will be successful in quitting for good. 

According to Dr. Gary Johnson, Medical Director at the Genesee County Health Department, “the physical benefits of quitting tobacco use are immediate.  Within twenty-four hours blood pressure decreases and within one week the risk of heart attack is greatly reduced.  It’s never too late to quit smoking.”

Research shows that quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends.

For free quit smoking telephone counseling, contact the Michigan Department of Community Health Tobacco Quit line at 1-800-480-QUIT.  Free nicotine replacement therapy is available for uninsured Michigan residents.  For a list of local resources, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 257-3612.

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