NORWICH – The Great American Smokeout is an annual intervention by the American Cancer Society. It takes place on the third Thursday in November. It is time to join thousands of smokers across the country in taking an important step to lead a healthier life. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do in your life. Most people know that smoking or vaping is bad for us, but why don’t they quit? Nicotine is very addictive, and quitting isn’t easy. It takes a plan. People with a plan are more likely to succeed and more likely to reach their goals.

Smoking and vaping are becoming more expensive. Paying $20 a day for a pack of cigarettes costs $7,300 per year. An average vaping device costs $30. That is a lot of money for the average family to afford. Consider planning to quit now so you can save that money in 2027.

Start the conversation. How willing are you to quit? Are you thinking about quitting smoking or using other forms of tobacco? Are you tired of buying vapes or nicotine pouches? There is help for you if you are ready. Sometimes it takes several attempts to be successful. Don’t give up! It is never too late to try. Here is how to begin.

Talk to your doctor about the best ways to help you quit, including the use of medications or nicotine replacements such as patches or lozenges.

Call the New York State Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for counseling and support from a trained quit coach. By phone, text or website, clients can request a variety of resources, including free nicotine replacement therapy (the nicotine patch) and fact sheets. Check out their updated website at nysmokefree.com. Pick a quit date that will work for you.

Get support from your family and friends. Let them know that you want to quit and may need their help and encouragement.

Quitting is important. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States and worldwide. Smoking and secondhand smoke cause more than 480,000 deaths in the United States every year, accounting for roughly 1 out of every 5 deaths. Do you want to quit smoking? Don’t be discouraged if you have tried before. Let the Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 19 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of smokers across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life.

Additional New York state text programs and contact options

Call the Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. to speak with a trained quit coach.

Visit nysmokefree.com for an online chat, self-help materials and to order nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications. Nearly all New York state residents age 18 and older can receive a free starter supply of NRT in the form of patches, gum or lozenges.

Register for free and confidential texting programs, including Learn2QuitNY by texting QUITNOW to 333888, and DropTheVape by visiting DropTheVape.org.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1660.

– Information from the Chenango County Health Department