Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 15

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Mark your calendars! The American Cancer Society's 37th annual Great American Smokeout is coming up Thursday, November 15. Encourage friends and family to quit smoking – or set a date to quit, even if it's for just one day. Chances are pretty good that you know at least one smoker.

Smoking among American Indians and Alaska Natives at 32.4 percent is the highest, by far, among any racial and ethnic group, making it a problem of epidemic proportions in that community.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Among youths, American Indians and Alaska Natives had the greatest cigarette smoking prevalence with 23.1 percent who smoke, followed by non-Hispanic whites with 14.9 percent, Hispanics with 9.3 percent, non-Hispanic blacks (6.5%), and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with 4.3 percent.

There are many smoking cessation programs and tools that can help you stop smoking. Many insurance plans, including Medicare or Medicaid, may pay for assistance.

BecomeAnEX.org is a free, interactive website that shows smokers how to re-learn life without cigarettes. The site offers free, personalized quit plans and online support.

The American Cancer Society has tools to help kick the habit. Call 800.227.2345 for details.

posted November 10, 2012 6:20 am est