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If you are a smoker, today is the day to quit!

Today is the Great American Smokeout, launched in 1977 by the American Cancer Society.  Occurring on the 3rd Thursday in November, this day was designed to give those wanting to put down the pack some support.

On this day each year, smokers attempt what may seem to them as impossible - quit.  The challenge is to give up smoking for at least 24 hours in an attempt to quit for good.

The concept of quitting nationwide came 22 years following the U.S. Surgeon General’s report that presented a link between tobacco use and lung cancer, low birth weight, and heart disease.  Originally thought up by Lynn Smith, an editor from MN and former smoker.  He wrote articles in the 70s urging others to stop smoking.  He also organized a local event labeled, “D-Day,” or “Don’t Smoke Day” in 1976.  A year later the California section of the American Cancer Society organized The Great American Smokeout.
 In subsequent years, the Smokeout has encouraged millions of Americans to set aside their packs and cartons, if only for one, brief breathable day.  By the 4th year about 16.5 million people were participating, leading to about a million people quitting for good.

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