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More than 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. And more than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.

While the cigarette smoking rate has dropped significantly, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2017, the gains have been inconsistent.

Quitting smoking improves health immediately and over the long term – at any age. Stopping smoking is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully.

The Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21 can be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life.

You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society and many other resources can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one.

The American Cancer Society provides smokers with resources for quitting. Information can be found at https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html.

There, you can learn about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide quit-smoking programs, resources, and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, you can also call 1-800-227-2345.

Our beautiful state also has a free program to help those who want to quit – the Montana Quit Line, at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Free telephone or online coaching, and free nicotine replacement (gum, patches or lozenges) can really help. The Montana Quit Line is one of the most successful in the U.S.

Especially for the Great American Smokeout, free “quit kits” have been prepared. To help smokers get ready, the kits containing information, tips and goodies will be available Monday through Friday, Nov. 18-22, in front of Room 102, lower level of the Sanders County Courthouse in Thompson Falls.

Cessation is an important goal for any time of year. For more information, call Sandra Gubel, Sanders County Tobacco Prevention Specialist, 827-6901.