NORWICH – Even though this marks the 38th year of the Great American Smokeout, tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable disease and death, killing more than 25,000 New Yorkers every year.
Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to reduce your risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests that 60 percent of cancers could be avoided if people stopped using tobacco. Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer which is responsible for more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colon, breast, and prostate).
The New York State Tobacco Control Program effectively reduces tobacco use, saves lives and saves money. The Department of Health estimates that approximately 35 percent of the total decline in adult smoking is attributable to youth prevention strategies. The significant reduction in smoking among young adults will reduce future health care costs by approximately $5 billion.
“Efforts to help smokers quit and keep kids from starting to smoke will continue to have a major impact on the health of New York State now and in the future,” said James Mutabiilwa, Tobacco Free Chenango program coordinator. “We hope smokers take advantage of all the resources available today for the Great American Smokeout and give quitting a chance.”
“After 17 years of smoking, on May 4, 2008, I smoked my last cigarette. I took the 2 week cessation class offered at Golden Artists Colors where I work,” said Jonie Bassett, a Chenango County resident, remembering her journey to a smoke free life. “The class taught me valuable tools to utilize during my transition into a smoke free life. Those tools are the reason I have been successful in remaining smoke free for over 5 years. I know I will never start again because it would ruin all that I have accomplished in the time I have been smoke free. Now, every morning, I go for a mile plus run first thing. I used to get up and smoke 5 cigarettes while drinking three cups of coffee. I have more energy then I did ten years ago. I smell better. My teeth feel better, look brighter. My skin is healthier.”
