What is the Great American Smoke Out?
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, The Great American Smoke Out is a powerful movement that’s all about kicking tobacco and smoking habits to the curb. Imagine a day when millions of people across the nation come together with a common goal: to say “no more” to smoking and start embracing healthier lives.
Every third Thursday of November, this event rolls around, encouraging smokers to take a 24-hour break from cigarettes and for non-smokers to celebrate being tobacco-free and raise awareness about the risks of tobacco. But it’s not just about one day – it’s about planting the seeds for a smoke-free future. Whether you’re ready to quit cold turkey, take a step toward quitting, or just raise awareness about the risks of smoking, the Great American Smoke Out is your chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Smoke-Free Happiness
Whether you are already tobacco-free or considering cutting back, here are some AWESOME perks listed by the CDC!
- Breathe Easy: Feel the difference as your lungs revel in fresh, clean air, making every breath a rejuvenating experience.
- Hello Energy: Say goodbye to that sluggish feeling! Without tobacco, your energy levels soar, allowing you to seize the day with vigor.
- Healthy Heartbeats: With each beat, your heart will thank you for the reduced risk of heart disease and improved circulation.
- Flavor Explosion: Rediscover the true joy of taste and smell as your senses come alive with newfound vibrancy.
- Save Those Bucks: Watch your wallet thank you as you save hard-earned cash that used to go up in smoke.
- Confidence Boost: Stand tall and proud, knowing that you’re taking charge of your health and well-being.
- No Smoke Smell: Bid adieu to the lingering scent of smoke on your clothes, hair, and everything around you.
- Clear Complexion: Experience skin that radiates with a healthy glow, thanks to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery.
- Embrace Activity: Dive into physical activities with gusto, as your stamina and endurance soar to new heights.
- Live Longer: Celebrate the potential for a longer, happier life with reduced risks of various health complications.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping Myths
Are e-cigarettes and vapes safe? Buckle up, because we’re about to tackle those misconceptions head-on and shed light on the real deal as reported by the Atlantic Health System.
- Myth: “It’s Just Water Vapor”: Nope, not quite! E-cigarette aerosol might look harmless, but it’s far from plain water. It’s a cocktail of chemicals that are not regulated by the FDA and can have effects we’re only beginning to understand.
- Myth: “Less Harmful Than Smoking”: While some believe e-cigarettes are a safer alternative, the truth is, they’re not risk-free. They can still deliver nicotine and other harmful substances to your body.
- Myth: “They’re Odorless”: Sorry, but that sweet scent could be misleading. E-cigarette aerosol can have a variety of odors and chemicals, and some of them might not be as pleasant as they seem. Second-hand smoke is still a risk with E-cigarettes.
- Myth: “A Safer Way to Quit”: E-cigarettes might be marketed as quitting aids, but the evidence is mixed. They can lead to dual use – using both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes or even just as addictive in as themselves.
- Myth: “Just for Adults”: While they’re meant for adults, e-cigarettes have made their way into the hands of young people, leading to a concerning rise in youth vaping on the rise in schools especially.
- Myth: “No Long-Term Effects”: Since e-cigarettes are relatively new, the long-term impacts are still a mystery due to the lack of regulations, but early research suggests potential risks to your heart, lungs, and overall health.
- Myth: “No Nicotine, No Problem”: Don’t be fooled by nicotine-free options. The flavorings and other chemicals in e-cigarettes can still pose lasting health risks.
- Myth: “Safe for Lungs”: Vaping can irritate your lungs and cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath – not a walk in the park for your respiratory system.
