Press Release -Great American Smokeout Encourages Smokefree Lifestyle

County of Orange
Health Care Agency

Public Health Services
Press Release

Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN
Director

Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH
Deputy Agency Director/Health Officer
Public Health Services

Mailing Address:
405 W. 5th Street
Santa Ana, Ca 92701

E-Mail: PublicInfo@ochca.com


For Immediate Release November 19, 2002		Contact: Herm Perlmutter (714) 834-2904

Great American Smokeout Encourages Smokefree Lifestyle

(Santa Ana) – Smoking is the number one preventable cause of premature disease and death in the United States, killing 434,000 smokers and 53,000 non-smokers a year. The Great American Smokeout, an annual nationwide celebration occurring on Thursday, November 21 along with the Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) aims to help all smokers and non-smokers take a healthy approach on life.

People are encouraged to stop smoking or to support someone to be smokefree on November 21 to help curb these alarming statistics. Addiction to smoking is caused by nicotine, one of the 4,000 chemicals contained in a single cigarette along with 43 other cancer causing chemicals.

Once addiction sets in, physical dependence on cigarettes becomes an increasingly part of everyday activities and leads people on a road of unhealthy living. Following the “4 D’s” or healthy lifestyle tips will help in the process of becoming smokefree:

Distract Yourself: Exercise is the best substitute for smoking and helps keep people relaxed and maintains weight. Chewing on items such as carrots, sugarless gum, celery sticks, toothpicks or breath mints will help suppress cigarette cravings. Reading, writing and keeping a journal are other suggestions. Spend time in a restaurant, theatre or library where smoking is prohibited.
Drink Water: Drinking eight glasses of water every day will help flush harmful cigarette chemicals out of the body.
Deep Breathing: Taking a few deep breaths by inhaling and exhaling slowly helps the body relax and release stress.
Delay: Wait! The urge to smoke passes within 5-10 minutes and will become weaker over time. Taking a walk, calling a person for support or reminding yourself of why you are trying to quit will help pass the time.

When smokers begin to take the first steps in the quitting process, the positive benefits gained will help lead them on a road of healthy living free of chemical dependency. The following positive effects from smoking cessation occur during the listed lengths of time:

After 8 hours: Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal; oxygen level in blood increases to normal.
After 48 hours: Nerve endings start regrouping; ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
After 72 hours: Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier.
After 2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves; walking becomes easier; lung function increases.
After 1 to 9 months: Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; body’s overall energy level increases.
After 5 years: Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half; risk of heart disease decreases.
After 10 Years: Precancerous cells are replaced by new cells; lung cancer death rate has decreased to nearly that of non-smokers; risk of cancer of the mouth decreases.

Participating in the “4 D’s” will aid in the process of becoming smokefree and prevent life threatening illnesses caused by smoking and second-hand smoke. For additional information, contact the Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program information line at 1-866-NEW-LUNG. Trained counselors are available to provide free self-help quit tips, one-on-one telephone counseling and other services in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

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