Great American Smokeout: Nov. 16

It's never too late to quit.

Millions of Americans will quit smoking on Nov. 16, the American Cancer Society's 24th Annual Great American Smokeout. Smokers are encouraged to quit at least one day, in hopes they quit forever.

"The American Cancer Society is committed to educating people about the dangers of smoking so that they never start, and helping those who do smoke to quit," said John Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society. "In 1999, more than 10.5 million people participated in the Great American Smokeout and took the first step to becoming smoke-free. Our goal is to increase that number this year, and every year after that."

Approximately 22.3 million adult women and at least 1.5 million adolescent girls currently smoke cigarettes. The use of tobacco among women and girls has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart and lung diseases, as well as reproductive disorders. More than 140,000 women die each year from smoking-related diseases — the most preventable cause of premature death in this country.

Despite the knowledge about the death, disease and addiction caused by smoking, in 1998, 22 percent of US women 18 years of age and older were cigarette smokers. Female smokers typically begin to smoke during adolescence — usually before high school graduation.

Recent reports show that of high school students surveyed in 1999, 25 percent had smoked at least one cigarette before age 13. Among girls in middle school and high school, tobacco use has increased in recent years. About 30 percent of girls in 9th grade, almost 40 percent in grades 10 and 11, and more than 40 percent of 12th graders smoke some. The earlier a young woman begins to use tobacco, the more heavily she is likely to use it as an adult.

Health Notes

Family | Career | Art of Juggling | Single Moms | Health
Dad's Voice | Bookshelf | News | Recipes | Sports Mom | Discussion Lists
Business Directory | The Boards | Wisdom of Mothers | Postcards | Resources
Search | About Us | Contact Us |Advertising on the Refuge | Home

Copyright © 2000   Working Moms Refuge.