November 14, 2007

For more information contact:
Carrie Neff Andrews, M.S., C.H.E.S
Director of Health Education and Promotion
Public Information Officer
309-344-2224

Galesburg, IL- Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout by smoking less or quitting for the day.  The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good.  Created in the 1970’s, the Great American Smokeout is meant to raise awareness about smoking and the harmful effects of second hand smoke.
Each year, the Great American Smokeout also draws attention to the deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking.  According to the 2004 Behavior Risk Factor Survey, 18% of all Illinois deaths are directly related to the use of tobacco products. Additionally, nearly 25% of Knox County residents smoke with over half of those people starting before the age of 18.  Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for Knox County residents and this is directly related to tobacco use.
The Knox County Health Department offers a variety of programming regarding tobacco prevention and cessation. “Educational programming is offered within schools and community organizations free of charge,” states Carrie Neff Andrews, Director of Health Education and Promotion at the Knox County Health Department. “Smoking Cessation classes are also available and can be brought “onsite” to local businesses and community centers free of charge.” The benefits of quitting include:

• Within 20 minutes of quitting heart rate and blood pressure drop
• 12 hours after quitting the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal.
• In 1 to 9 months time coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
• At 1 year of being smoke free the risk of coronary heart death in half that of a smoker’s.
• After 5 years the risk of stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker who quit 5 to 15 years ago.
• 10 years later lung cancer death rate is half that of a continuing smoker, also risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas are decreased.
• Finally after 15 years the risk for heart disease is the same as someone who has never smoked.

For more information on the Great American Smokeout, tobacco prevention or cessation programming, please contact the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224.