Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society holds the Great American Smokeout event (Nov. 19, 2020). This is a time when respiratory therapists, health care providers, family and friends can encourage others to quit smoking and provide them with the support and tools they need to succeed.
According to the American Cancer Society, “by quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.”
The AARC has a variety of tobacco resources designed to help you with your patients. From e-cigs to tobacco cessation and more, these tools will help your patients become more knowledgeable and aware of tobacco-related issues.
Tobacco Resources Page
Quit Smoking Health Tip Sheets
Clinician’s Guide to Treating Tobacco Dependence
Smoking Cessation Course
The American Cancer Society’s website reports that about 36.5 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. Furthermore, while cigarette smoking rates have dropped, cigar, pipe, and hookah are on the rise.
In addition to AARC resources, the American Cancer Society offers a number of tools to help smokers quit:
- Benefits of Quitting Smoking Over Time
- How to Quit Smoking or Smokeless Tobacco
- Smoking Habits Quiz
- Helping a Smoker Quit – Do’s and Don’ts
- More resources can be found on their Great American Smokeout page
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
