Why? How? Who should participate? Who's behind this?
Glad you asked. David Levine, American Cancer Society's Director of Media Relations, explains:
I've got your back, too. Cancer killed my father - who was a long term smoker - in September 2005. I was helpless to help him, but am lit up to help prevent and alleviate suffering associated with "death sticks" (a.k.a. "cowboy killers" and "cancer sticks") and secondhand smoke. And I'll be thankful - this week before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 364 days - for each individual who stops smoking and who helps create smoke-free environments.On November 16, Americans who smoke and want to quit
to[sic] are urged to call the American Cancer Society’s Quitline®, a clinically proven, free telephone-based counseling program, at 1-800-ACS-2345, or to log on to www.cancer.org/smokeout, to embark on a personal plan to quit. In addition, Americans are encouraged to work to protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke by supporting smoke-free workplace policies in their local communities and states.“The American Cancer Society is here to help smokers who want to quit. On the 30th anniversary of the Great American Smokeout, we urge smokers to learn more about quitting and make a plan to begin a smoke-free life by calling the Society’s Quitline® at 1-800-ACS-2345,” said Richard C. Wender, M.D., American Cancer Society president-elect. - ACS Press Release 11/13/2006
Let's band together to blow smoke - not out of butts - out of the environments we work, play and live in.
Get started. Check out ACS.org and MSN Health & Fitness: Special Guide: Stop Smoking.##
