RENO, Nev. -- Quit smoking for just one day, that's the goal of the Great American Smokeout. This is the 37th year for this event.
In Washoe County, nearly 20% of adults smoke and 23% of Washoe County high school students do as well.
Almost 60% of adult smokers in Washoe County tried to quit at least once this past year.
"Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States," said Dr. Joe Iser, District Health Officer. "Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health and the Great American Smokeout is a great way to start."
Iser says it just takes 20 minutes of not smoking for the heart rate and blood pressure drop, and in about 1 to 9 months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
There are many resources for individuals looking to quit, including 1-800-Quit-Now, a free telephone based cessation assistance program. Additional resources provided by local hospitals and non-profits can be found at the website link below.
