2008 Woodie Awards
Put it out for 'Great American Smoke-Out'
'Quit-kits' available to those accepting the challenge
Jason Rose
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Front Page
- Page 1 of 1
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking-related illnesses claim more American lives than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide and illegal drugs combined.
The third Thursday in November annually marks a day of alliance between smokers and non-smokers who believe quitting is the ultimate answer. It serves as a day where people can say "no thanks" to tobacco products.
The 32nd annual Great American Smoke-Out is a specific day chosen to help smokers cope with their life-threatening addiction. This day has helped bring change in attitudes on smoking.
"It's a great motivational step toward success," Andrew Parr, Garden City, said. "If enough people quit together at the same time it will hopefully entice others to do the same"
When the Great American Smoke-Out began in 1974, it was a small event. An idea originated from a high school fund raiser and later put to better use when communities began to adopt it in 1976.
The day is intended for smokers to alleviate themselves of the toxins they inhale. Even if the habit is not given up permanently, the day can prove a smoker is ready to begin the first step toward quitting.
"The encouragement from others who are quitting will better the chances of those other people quitting too," Travis Hahn, Garden City, said. "Unfortunately, I think the problem will come right back to their physical addiction to the nicotine."
Student government members will be on campus today to share information and distribute 'quit-kits' provided through a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant, awarded to the Garden City Recreation Commission and administered by Donna Gerstner, GCRC assistant superintendent.
"We will be scattered across campus informing people on the dangers of smoking" Dionicio Rivera, Garden City, said. " We've designed 'quit-kits' which consist of stress balls, gum, and pamphlets that will help people cope with the nicotine-free day."
The third Thursday in November annually marks a day of alliance between smokers and non-smokers who believe quitting is the ultimate answer. It serves as a day where people can say "no thanks" to tobacco products.
The 32nd annual Great American Smoke-Out is a specific day chosen to help smokers cope with their life-threatening addiction. This day has helped bring change in attitudes on smoking.
"It's a great motivational step toward success," Andrew Parr, Garden City, said. "If enough people quit together at the same time it will hopefully entice others to do the same"
When the Great American Smoke-Out began in 1974, it was a small event. An idea originated from a high school fund raiser and later put to better use when communities began to adopt it in 1976.
The day is intended for smokers to alleviate themselves of the toxins they inhale. Even if the habit is not given up permanently, the day can prove a smoker is ready to begin the first step toward quitting.
"The encouragement from others who are quitting will better the chances of those other people quitting too," Travis Hahn, Garden City, said. "Unfortunately, I think the problem will come right back to their physical addiction to the nicotine."
Student government members will be on campus today to share information and distribute 'quit-kits' provided through a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant, awarded to the Garden City Recreation Commission and administered by Donna Gerstner, GCRC assistant superintendent.
"We will be scattered across campus informing people on the dangers of smoking" Dionicio Rivera, Garden City, said. " We've designed 'quit-kits' which consist of stress balls, gum, and pamphlets that will help people cope with the nicotine-free day."
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