Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County, encourages all smokers to participate in the "Great American Smokeout," saying that "public health surveys reveal that more than 39 million American smokers have successfully quit, and nearly 90 percent of the nation's remaining 54 million smokers would like to join the swelling ranks of former smokers." "Taking part in the "Great American Smokeout" is a good starting point for smokers who want to quit, because it allows them to prove to themselves that they can do it for 24 hours," he continued.

The first step to giving up cigarettes is a genuine desire to quit. Start by listing reasons for not smoking and set a date to have your last cigarette. Bolster your willpower by reading facts about smoking. Next, choose a smoking cessation program that you are likely to stick with. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that almost 90 percent of successful quitters go "cold turkey." Heavy smokers, however, are more likely to achieve their goal by joining a structured program.

The Westchester County Department of Health recommends the following techniques for quitting:

-When you feel like having a cigarette, delay lighting up. Let the urge      subside.

-Cut back on the amount of coffee and alcohol that you drink. For many  smokers, these beverages trigger an urge for a cigarette.

-Find a friend to quit with you and offer each other moral support.

While quitting, a smoker may experience coughing, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, lack of concentration and depression. These symptoms are to be expected and will pass in a short time.