Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 14:51
Quit tobacco with us during the Great American Smokeout
Quit tobacco with us during the Great American Smokeout
November 20, 2024
Categories: Healthy People and Prevention
If you're ready to live tobacco free, there is no better time to start than the Great American Smokeout - Thursday, Nov. 21.
The ANTHC Tobacco Prevention Program is available with resources and expertise to help guide you on your quit plan. Contact the ANTHC Tobacco Cessation program at (907) 729-4343 to start your tobacco-free journey.
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Mayo Clinic are partnering on the Aniqsaaq research study for Alaska Native adults who want to breathe freely without cigarettes. The objective of the study is to evaluate a family-based financial incentives intervention. Learn more about the study here.
The State of Alaska can help you quitting smoking, vaping and other tobacco product use. Call the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to learn more about free services for quitting tobacco, including over the phone and virtual consultation.
If you use tobacco products, considerations the following:
- Smoking and vaping increase the risk for respiratory infections and is a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and diabetes.
- Smoking and vaping may lead to preexisting but undiagnosed lung conditions, that can make recovery from respiratory illnesses more difficult.
- Good news - once you quit using tobacco products, your lungs and other organs can begin to heal themselves. There has never been a better time for smokers to quit and for individuals to protect their health by avoiding use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
Since the 1970s, the American Cancer Society has inspired people to quit tobacco through the Great American Smokeout (GASO). Every year, GASO is celebrated on the third Thursday of November. Quitting tobacco whatever it may be, smoking, chew or iqmik is hard. For some, even thinking about quitting is far from the top of the priority list. Research has shown that 70% of people who smoke want to quit and that people who try to quit are more successful when they have support. Thousands of people across the country take part in GASO every year and the American Cancer Society provides the support and resources to help those who are ready to quit. Click here for additional information on the Great American Smokeout.