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November 17, 1999                                                Contact Mary Landrigan

Great American Smokeout                                         (914) 637-4715

The Westchester County Department of Health will join the American Cancer Society in celebrating November 18, 1999 as their "Great American Smokeout" Day. The "Great American Smokeout" is an upbeat, good-natured effort to encourage smokers to give up cigarettes for 24 hours.

Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County, encourages all smokers to participate in the "Great American Smokeout," saying that, "Over 48 million Americans have quit smoking. 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. Even one nonsmoking day is a break for your heart and lungs."

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.

Get rid of your cigarette lighters and ashtrays.

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.

For additional information on smoking cessation programs or the "Great American Smokeout," call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit the Westchester County Department of Health website at www.co.westchester.ny.us/health.