CMH promotes "Great American Smokeout" on Nov. 19

Thursday, November 19, is the American Cancer Society annual Great American Smokeout®. CMH Regional Health System (CMH) is encouraging smokers to quit for one day with a "Going Cold Turkey" campaign. CMH will be hosting a table just outside of Reflections Cafeteria, located on the first floor in Clinton Memorial Hospital from 7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Those who stop by during those time slots and sign a pledge form stating they will quit for one day, will be entered into a drawing for a free frozen turkey. There will also be information about smoking cessation classes and free literature that helps smokers in their efforts to quit. This isn't the first time CMH has focused on smoking cessation. For many years the use of tobacco has been prohibited inside all CMH health care facilities. In July 2007 CMH took it a step further and banned the use of any tobacco products outside on their properties. Tobacco-free policies provide a healthy environment for everyone involved with hospital care. Studies show that it is also more likely that a person will have a successful quit attempt if their employer enacts a tobacco-free policy. A tobacco-free workplace is consistent with the mission of all healthcare institutions in that it works to improve the overall health of the community that it serves. The Great American Smokeout® was inaugurated in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. Now, 39.8 percent of the 43.4 million Americans who smoke have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year, and the Great American Smokeout® remains a great opportunity to encourage people to commit to making a long-term plan to quit for good. With all the resources available to help smokers quit, there has never been a better time to quit smoking, and CMH along with the American Cancer Society can help. If you smoke, make a plan and set the Great American Smokeout®, November 19 as your quit date. The American Cancer Society Quitline® is available and can be reached by calling 1-800-227-2345. People who plan to quit will be able to speak with a trained counselor and receive free, confidential counseling. To learn more about this national event log on to www.cancer.org or locally call Chris Stromberg at (937) 382-1585.[[In-content Ad]]