FORT WALTON BEACH — The Great American Smokeout is Nov. 20. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and Tobacco Free Florida are encouraging tobacco users in Okaloosa County to quit on that day or to use the day to make a quit plan.
On Nov. 20, an Okaloosa County Tobacco Free Florida representative will be at Crestview Urgent Care, 2400-A South Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, to answer any questions related to tobacco cessation.
The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is currently in its 39th year. The observance raises awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit.
While quitting tobacco is difficult, it is not impossible. There are more former smokers in Florida than there are current smokers. Those who have tried to quit in the past but relapsed are encouraged to try again. Many former smokers made several attempts before quitting permanently.
“There are free, evidence-based resources readily available for Floridians to increase their chances of successfully quitting tobacco,” said Tobacco Free Florida Bureau Chief Shannon Hughes. “These resources can be the start of a healthier life for you, your family and your community. “
OTHER WAYS TO QUIT
Tobacco Free Florida offers three free, easy ways to quit year round:
•CALL the Florida Quitline, 1-877-U-CAN-NOW, to speak with a coach who will help assess a user’s addiction and create a personalized quit plan.
•ENROLL in the Web Coach program, which helps create a web-based quit plan unique to each individual user at https://www.quitnow.net/florida.
•SIGN UP for group classes at Area Health Education Center. Call 850-682-2552 or visit the AHEC office at 1455 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
Since 2007, more than 93,400 Floridians have successfully quit using one of these free services. For more information, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT: Want to quit? Double your chances by making a plan