Thursday, November 20, 2008 will be the 33rd Annual Great American Smokeout.  Three area organizations, the American Cancer Society, the Partnership for a Tobacco Free Cerro Gordo County, and North Iowa Area Community College will be holding a day-long event at the Activity Center at NIACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many activities are scheduled for the event including several educational displays about the dangers of tobacco use, and a “wish wall” where individuals can sign their wish for Great American Smokeout day. Individuals will be able to turn in tobacco products for a “goodie bag” of healthier products.

“A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that social networks are helpful in quitting smoking,” said Heather Englin, (American Cancer Society title). “Friends and family can help the most by being aware and supportive of the struggle to quit, and the American Cancer Society has resources to help them show support for their loved one who is trying to quit.”

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States and Iowa. Each year in the US, smoking accounts for an estimated 438,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. In Iowa approximately 4,500 adults will die each year from their own smoking, and approximately 400 nonsmoking Iowa adults will die from exposure to secondhand smoke.
For more information about this event, please contact the American Cancer Society office in Mason City at 641-422-9055.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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