By: Erin Moore for Body1Today, November 15th, is the 31st annual Great American Smokeout, an event started by the American Cancer Society. The goal is to get people to refrain from smoking for 24 hours, hopefully instigating a longer commitment to be smoke-free. Ever since 1976, every third Thursday in November has marked this motivational day.
Unfortunately, the smoking rate has stayed stable over the last few years, hovering around 21 percent of the U.S. population or 45 million people. Researchers believe this may have to do with a decrease in state and federal funding for anti-smoking efforts as well as continued marketing of “light” cigarettes that in fact, are not any better for you.
It is well documented that smoking is extremely harmful to health – it damages all organs in the body and is linked to nine cancers. There are countless other negative effects too, such as odor and yellowing of the teeth.
Read more about smoking and health effects:
The Toxins – How Tobacco and Alcohol Affect Our Bodies
Business Owner Says Quit Smoking or Quit Job
Teens, Diets, and Smoking
Smoking Can Harm The Long Term Effects of Some Oral Surgery Procedures
