Smokers urged to kick the habit
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The smokeout is aimed at getting smokers across the country to take at least a 24-hour break from using tobacco. But members of the high school’s Teen Health Council took the commitment a step further. They asked fellow students and teachers to sign a pledge indicating they will stay tobacco free for life.
“It’s hard to say how seriously they will take the pledge,” said student Ashli Wanamaker. “But maybe they’ll think about it the next time they try and smoke.”
School nurse Lisa Patton was a 12-year smoker before finally kicking the habit for good years ago. She said every little bit of support helps when trying to break a serious addiction such as nicotine.
“The figure I’ve heard is the average person who quits has made seven prior attempts that were unsuccessful,” Patton said. “Even if they don’t quit this time, it brings it to the forefront and it increases the likelihood they will quit later.”
The American Cancer Society offers tips to quit smoking such as hiding lighters, drinking plenty of liquids, exercising to relieve tension, and asking a friend to quit too. The American Cancer Society says the best way to quit smoking is to never start in the first place.