BARSTOW, Calif. - Smoking claims the lives of millions each year; the American Cancer Society created a day for willing smokers to help them break their addicting habit.
In the 1970s, the Great American Smoke-out was created as a day when smokers can receive information about smoking and how it can affect their bodies in the long-run. Also, it encourages tobacco users to quit for the day. The GASO today continues annually on the third Thursday of November.
“The day is to encourage smokers to quit smoking for just a day and give them an opportunity to quit forever,” said Manny Llanura, substance abuse officer with Marine Corps Family Services on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. “It’s also for people who are seeking guidance or tips on quitting smoking.”
Some smokers have the desire to quit, but due to the addictive chemicals in tobacco, it is hard for them to stick to quitting.
“I have tried quitting on multiple occasions, but somehow I always fall back into smoking a cigarette,” said Lance Cpl. William Kirk, data clerk with Headquarters Battalion on MCLB Barstow. “My would-have-been mother-in-law died from lung cancer due to her smoking addiction. My fiancée and I do not want that to happen to me, so I keep trying.”
The GASO is a great way for people to start quitting, explained Kirk. It’s easier to break a promise someone has made to themselves than a promise that someone has made to another person.
“This way people are quitting together instead of at different times,” said Kirk. “When you think about it, if everyone around you quits smoking it will be easier because you are no longer around the smell or the temptation of having one. Granted, there still will be an urge however, it won’t be as significant as if you were surrounded by smokers.”
He further explained having the set date makes it easier to quit because people now have a set goal that they want to meet.
Although people always have the opportunity to quit, members from MCFS will have a table set up at the Marine Corps Exchange on base giving people information and tips on how to quit smoking, said Llanrua.
“We will be handing out pamphlets and numbers to call if you or a loved one is struggling with quitting smoking,” said Llanrua.
Start your change with the Great American Smoke-out, smoking can kill and strikes at any moment so make a change; don’t be another statistic.
To receive more information on how to make the quitting process easier, go to youcanquit2.com, call (888) -713-4597, or call (760) -577-6533.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2013 17:02 |
| Story ID: | 116674 |
| Location: | BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Need a start date to quit your smoking habit?, by LCpl Norman Eckles, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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