Great AmericanSmokeoutto enrollsmokersto put out cigarettes

The health services department will help sponsor the Great American Smokeout to inform students on campus of the consequences of smoking and help give ways that a smoker can slowly stop their habit. The smokeout will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19 outside the food court and dining hall.

by Aimee Somers staff writer

Leave the pack behind today and enroll yourself or a friend in the Great American Smokeout tield by the American Cancer So:iety on the third Thursday of ~ovember of every year.

Cabrini College's health services department is helping to ;ponsor the smokeout in order to 1elp students quit the habit be'ore it causes any long-term ef'ects on their health.

"Students can adopt a smoker ·or a day, whether it be a room1ate or a professor, and help .hem make it through the day without picking up a cigarette,"

Lisa Meade, health services coordinator, said.

"We will also be teaching smokers some survival techniques and how their friends can help them survive the day by doing things such as supplying them with gum or candy, being calm and reassuring, and hiding their cigarettes and matches," Meade continued.

The American Cancer Society recommends the four "D"s-delaying, deep breathing, drinking water and doing something else-in order to help smokers kick the habit for the day and, ideally, for life.

Every year, about 400,000 people die from a smoking-related disease, such as lung diseases, cancers and heart disease, partly due to the 43 chemicals contained in one cigarette.

Also, people who live with others who smoke are more likely to catch colds.

They also have more ear infections, allergies and diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia, according to the American Cancer Society.

"Smokers, especially young people such as college students, should know that cigarettes kill more Americans than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, fires, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined," said Meade. "It is a more severe problem in America than most people realize and we need to encourage people to stop now because there isn't always time. Besides, when you stop smoking you feel better."

If you do decide to stop smoking, you will see some immediate changes, according to the American Cancer Society.

The temperature of your hands and feet, as well as the level of oxygen in your blood, will return back to normal.

Also, you'll be able to smell and taste your food better and you will notice that you have more energy.

Most importantly, your lungs will start to repair themselves.

If you want to participate in the

Great American Smokeout, tables will be set up all day outside of the dining hall and the food court on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Survival kits will be given out by health services and participants will be asked to sign a pledge form, promising to try to lead a smoke-free life and pledging to not use tobacco during the Great American Smokeout.

If you want to learn more about how to stop smoking information is available in the Rooyman's Center or you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

You can also contact them online at http://www.cancer.org.