HDNW can support your smoke-free journey, starting today
Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) and the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA) are joining together to promote the Great American Smokeout by encouraging residents who are thinking about quitting to start their smoke-free journey today.
Each year, on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society marks the day as the Great American Smokeout. This year the national effort is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21. HDNW and NMPHA are joining the American Cancer Society to encourage tobacco users to quit smoking and offering various tools to help.
“It’s never too late to start quitting,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “All you need to do is start with day one and move forward from there. The Great American Smoke out is a powerful reminder that tobacco users have access to resources and support in their efforts to stop smoking, nationally and locally.”
Immediate Effects of Quitting
Within minutes of smoking your last tobacco product your body begins to recover:
- 20 minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop
- 12 hours: the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal
- 2 weeks to 3 months: your circulation improves and your lung function increases; risks of a heart attack start to decrease.
- 1 to 9 months: coughing and shortness of breath decrease
To find out more health benefits of quitting smoking after one year click here.
Resources to Help You Quit
Let’s be honest, quitting is never easy. With help and encouragement, you can be empowered to quit smoking for good. The best way to start quitting is to pick a Quit Day and Quit Plan. The American Cancer Society can help you personalize a Quit Day and Plan by clicking here.
HDNW offers support for residents to aid in their quitting efforts by offering a free program called Community Connections (CC). A Certified Community Health Worker, supported by a Registered Nurse and/or Social Worker, can help you personalize a Quit Day and Quit Plan in-person or over the phone. To get started, call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website: www.nwhealth.org.
To learn more about the Great American Smoke Out click here. To support a friend or family member in starting their smoke-free journey read this article provided by the American Cancer Society: How to Help Someone Quit Smoking.
