The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 17
Health District offers smoking cessation resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 15, 2022
LAS VEGAS – Thursday, November 17 is the Great American Smokeout, an opportunity for smokers to take the first step to quit the habit. It is estimated that eight out of 10 smokers would like to quit smoking, which remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has cessation resources and tools as well as information about alternative tobacco products and smoke-free living on its GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website.
Nevadans can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text QUITNOW to 333888 to access a free, phone-based service for anyone age 13 or older. The Quitline can also assist people who want to quit using vaping products. The Quitline is available in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Other free cessation assistance is also available in languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and more by calling 1-800-838-8917. Callers can access services Monday through Sunday, from 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. (PT). Callers will work with a ‘coach’ who can provide quitting assistance and some people might be eligible to receive free supplies of nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges. Coaches can also provide information about dealing with stress and nicotine cravings as well as coping with weight gain and other issues that can occur for people who are trying to quit smoking.
SNHD Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “We know that quitting smoking isn’t easy and takes time. But the Great American Smokeout is the perfect ‘quit date’ to commit to leading a healthier lifestyle by kicking the habit for at least one day, with the hope that it leads to a permanent change.” Leguen noted that three months after quitting, the risk of a heart attack drops; in one year, the added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s; in five to 15 years, the risk of a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s; and 15 years after quitting, the risk of dying from lung cancer or bladder cancer is reduced to half of a smoker’s risk, and the risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.
Quitting smoking might take more than one attempt. The American Cancer Society offers several tips to assist on its How To Quit Using Tobacco web page.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.