November 13, 2002
Wednesday - 5:55 pm

Drawing by Ray Troll. Ketchikan artist Ray Troll allowed ADFY to use his drawing of the same title for the event's logo. For more information about Ray Troll, click on this link to visit his website.

Imagine a day when millions of people put their cigarettes out-many for the very last time. On Saturday, November 16th, Ketchikan smokers will be encouraged to quit smoking for a day or longer by joining in the Great American Smokeout. Alaskans for Drug Free Youth (ADFY) will hold a typically "Ketchikan" event entitled "If you must smoke, smoke salmon." Ray Troll, Ketchikan artist, allowed ADFY to use his drawing of the same title for the event's logo. On that day, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the public is invited to gather at the Holy Name Catholic Church Gym for free barbecue and smoked salmon, a salmon recipe contest, games and family activities, prizes, presentations on smoking and secondhand smoke, raffle drawings and Ray Troll "Smoke Salmon" t-shirt give-aways.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Great American Smokeout challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many ways to quit smoking. Participants give up smoking for at least one day, and many end up quitting for good. More people quit smoking on this day than on any other day of the year, reports the ACS. ADFY smoking cessation coaches give these tips for those trying to kick the habit:

• Avoid places where smokers gather.
• When the urge to smoke strikes, do something else.
• Contact a cessation program for help 1-800-888-QUIT or Tackle Tobacco, a Ketchikan General Hospital program, at 247-4330.
• Clear the places where you usually smoke of anything that reminds you of cigarettes.
• Calm the nervous energy you may feel with physical and mental activities.
• Consider using medication to help you quit
• Don't keep your intention to quit a secret.

An estimated 47 million U.S. adults smoke. Tobacco use can cause lung cancer, as well as other cancers, heart disease and respiratory disease. Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths each year, according to the ACS.

Quitting smoking is hard work. But if you're thinking about quitting, the Great American Smokeout offers public support and a feeling of camaraderie with others who choose to give up cigarettes for the day-or longer.

Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit for good when they have some means of support such as nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, guidebooks and the encouragement of family and friends.

Source of News Release & Graphic:

Alaskans For Drug Free Youth &
Ketchikan General Hospital
Web Site

 

Post a Comment           View Comments

Submit an Opinion - Letter

Sitnews
Stories In The News