Governor Ernie Fletcher's Get Healthy Kentucky program and the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation in the Department for public health are gearing up to encourage smokers to take part in the Great American Smokeout, a nationally recognized event that challenges people to stop using tobacco products for a day.
The Great American Smokeout raises public awareness of the benefits of becoming a nonsmoker and how to get help to stop smoking. The event, which is observed around the country, has proven to be highly successful in influencing numerous people to kick the smoking habit.
“Encouraging more people to quit smoking is one of the core pieces of the Get Healthy Kentucky program,” said Governor Fletcher. “Through the program, we stress the importance of prevention and awareness. Avoiding the use of tobacco products is one of the most important preventive steps a person can take to ensure a healthy lifestyle.”
Historically, Americans try to quit smoking during the Great American Smokeout more than any other day of the year, including New Year's Day. Those who are considering quitting smoking are encouraged to take advantages of resources offered through the Department for Public Health (DPH).
Stop smoking programs such as the Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking combined nicotine replacement therapy with behavioral modification over a 12-week period are highly recommended for people who are trying to quit smoking.
Kentucky , at 28.7 percent, leads the nation in the number of adults who smoke, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The percentage of women who smoke during their pregnancy is nearly 27 percent, which is more than double the national average of 11 percent.
Similarly, secondhand smoke has become a grave threat to the health and welfare of Kentuckians, according to data from DPH. Reportedly, Kentucky has the nation's lowest percentage of smokefree home at 63.6 percent and the state's annual health care costs attributed to smoking is $1.17 billion.
Kentucky 's Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT NOW, is a statewide telephone cessation service that provides counseling and support for people who want to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. Callers, both smokers and nonsmokers, can receive information about tobacco dependence and treatment options.
Tobacco cessation counselors are available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m (EST) Monday through Friday at.1-800-QUIT NOW, which is available in English and Spanish. Interpreters are available for additional language needs. TDD is available for the deaf and hard of hearing at 1-800-969-1393.