Benefits of quitting tobacco highlighted for Great American Smokeout

Published on November 13, 2023

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is recognizing The Great American Smokeout (GASO) on Nov. 16 as an opportunity for people who smoke, vape, or chew to take the important first step to live healthier, tobacco-free lives.

The GASO is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is held the third Thursday of November. This day can look like many things for many people. For some, it serves as the date they officially commit to quitting the use of tobacco-related products. For others, it is a day for reflection and contemplation on quitting. It can also be a day for non-users of tobacco products to encourage loved ones to consider quitting or to facilitate connections to cessation services.

According to the most recent Weld County Health Assessment (CHA), overall tobacco use (excluding e-cigarettes) has decreased by 27% since 2019 (from 15% in 2019 to 11% in 2022). However, the percentage of adult residents who reported vaping or using e-cigarettes has increased from 3.8% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2022. Vaping and tobacco use are highest among young adults aged 18 to 34 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and illness.

Nicotine, the chemical in commercial tobacco products, is one of the strongest addictive substances, making quitting tobacco very challenging but not impossible. The good news is that regardless of age or duration of smoking, vaping, or chewing, the health benefits of quitting occur both immediately and over the long term. Having a plan and receiving support greatly increases the chances of successfully quitting. The Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program is available to assist residents in their quitting journey, connecting individuals with cessation resources such as the Colorado Quitline, offering in-person Freedom From Smoking classes, providing one-on-one support, and guiding individuals toward other useful resources. For more information, please visit us at www.weld.gov/go/TobaccoControl.

A nicotine addiction cannot be kicked in one day, but it starts with one day. Make that day Nov. 16, 2023, and commit to quitting for a full 24 hours. Make this a day to remember!