Today, on the third Thursday in November, many across the U.S. take a moment to reflect toward quitting smoking. At University Medical Center of El Paso we want to give a spotlight to the Great American Smokeout, whether you’re thinking seriously about quitting or just curious, today can be a meaningful moment to take that step.
The Great American Smokeout is organized by the American Cancer Society (ACS), and it’s more than just a symbolic “quit for a day” event. It’s designed to encourage people who smoke to make a plan to quit for good.
Its roots go back decades, with the first versions of a “smoke-out” being commemorated in 1974. A local newspaper in Minnesota promoted it as a “Don’t Smoke Day,” and in 1976, the California division of the ACS got nearly a million smokers to quit just for that day. By 1977, it became a national event.
Why Does It Matters?
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke cause more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And smoking is linked to diseases in nearly every organ of the body: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.
And we know that quitting can be hard, and it doesn’t happen from one day to another. No matter how long or how much you’ve smoked, quitting improves your health immediately, and the benefits keep growing over time.
How to Quit (or Start Planning)
- Set “Day One.” Let today be the day you think about quitting. As the ACS puts it, “you don’t have to stop smoking in one day.”
- Make a plan. Think about when, where, and how you smoke. What situations trigger you? What could you do instead? Use these reflections to build a plan.
- Reach out for help. Use a quitline like 877-YES-QUIT (877-937-7848), sign up for “Empowered to Quit,” or find local support groups.
- Consider medications. Talk to your doctor about options: nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medicines, or other tools could make a big difference.
- Build your support network. Tell friends or family what you’re doing, and try asking for encouragement, or even just to check in.
- Be patient with yourself. It is a process, so if you slip, that doesn’t mean failure, it just means you’re human. Try again, and adjust your plan if needed.
Think of the Great American Smokeout as a chance to check in with yourself and maybe try something new. If quitting is on your mind, today can be a helpful nudge in a welcoming direction.
And remember, you’re not doing this alone, plenty of people and programs are ready to help whenever you decide to take that first step.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call 1-800-473-8440 or 915-479-3484 today to schedule an appointment, or visit www.umcelpaso.org to learn more.
