An Opinion Editorial

Since the 1970’s, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out has taken place on the third Thursday of November.  This tradition has encouraged millions of individuals to trade in their smoking rituals for a healthier life.  This observance has also dramatically increased awareness to the dangers of smoking, helping to bring about a cultural revolution in society’s attitudes towards smoking.  Today, nearly all workplaces are smoke free, and we have data that reveals nonsmokers are also reaping huge health benefits from the lack of second hand smoke in their environment.

While the last 25 years has yielded stunning successes, there are plenty of reasons and opportunities for each of us to continue the efforts.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of adults in the U.S. are still regular smokers and the rate of adult smokers successfully quitting has hit a plateau.   

Smokers are more successful at quitting when they have at least two means of support including nicotine replacement products, counseling, telephone smoking cessation hotlines and encouragement and support from friends and family members.

If you smoke, seek the support you need or if you know of someone struggling to quit, provide the support and encouragement that they need.

Familiarize yourself with new tobacco trends and take a stand against their growing popularity.  While these trends are thought to be less harmful, they in fact are quite harmful.

One trend is smokeless tobaco products.  According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, smokeless tobacco use among boys 12-17 is increasing.  Orbs and Sticks are alarming new products that are flavored and look like gum or candy.

Another growing trend especially on college campuses is hookah smoking or waterpipes.  Existing evidence shows it has many of the same health risks as traditional smoking.

Additionally, electronic cigarettes have just been introduced and hyped as safer, cheaper, and cleaner and sometimes even, “dentist recommended.”  These devices carry many risks especially for youth.

Finally, the Great American Smoke Out reminds us to advocate for sound public policy.
Responsible public policy does make a difference.  States with strong tobacco control laws experience increasingly lower smoking rates and fewer people dying of lung cancer.  Take the time to learn what is happening in state and federal legislation and add your voice to support prudent policy decisions.

While much has been gained, much is yet to be done.  Drug-Free Action Alliance encourages all citizens to make the Great American Smoke Out a day to prompt change for a healthier Ohio .

Patricia Harmon
Executive Director
Drug-Free Action Alliance