Declare Your Independence from Cigarettes
July 01, 2011
Fireworks can be transformed from a patriotic tradition into a personal celebration of freedom from nicotine for smokers who take steps to quit or get the support they need to break free of cigarettes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says quitting is harder for some people than others. Despite this challenge, more than half of all adults who ever smoked have succeeded in quitting.
So if you are trying to quit or considering it, keep at it. Encourage and support loved ones who are trying to break free from tobacco and its toll of disease and death. Smokers can receive free resources and assistance by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by visiting SmokeFree.gov.
Though the United States has made tremendous progress, 46.6 million American adults still smoke and tobacco use causes 400,000 preventable deaths each year. The nation spends $96 billion annually to treat diseases caused by tobacco, with $67.9 billion of that paid directly by federal and state taxpayers through Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs.
Revolt against preventable death and excess health spending: Make this a tobacco-free Fourth!