Atlantic General Hospital Urges Smokers to Join the Annual Great American Smokeout

It takes an average of three to five serious attempts to quit smoking before meeting with success. If you have tried to quit smoking in the past and have failed, this coming November 16 and the 20th Annual Great American Smokeout may be your opportunity to become a non-smoker for good.

Why not make a plan that begins with joining millions of other Americans in 24 hours of smoke-free living? This special day is a declaration that it is possible to quit smoking and that this goal is accomplished one day at a time.

Atlantic General Hospital, in conjunction with the Worcester County Health Department, would like to help smokers on their way by holding a number of Smoking Cessation Clinics on November 16. These clinics include blood pressure screenings; handouts of free “quit kits” that includes gum, stress clay and other tools to keep the mouth and hands busy when cravings hit; information about quitting smoking, available smoking cessation drugs, and smoking cessation classes provided in the area; the opportunity to sign a quit smoking pledge form; and a t-shirt.

Great American Smokeout Smoking Cessation Clinics
Happy Harry’s, Ocean Pines; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (pulmonary function screenings)
Apple Discount Drugs, Berlin; 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (pulmonary function screenings)
Snow Hill Pharmacy, Snow Hill; 12 p.m. – 2:00p.m. (carbon monoxide screenings)
City Discount Drugs, Pocomoke; 12 p.m. –2:00p.m. (carbon monoxide screenings)

“To increase your chances of quitting successfully, you need to plan ahead,” says Cathy Sanders, director of respiratory care at Atlantic General Hospital. “Studies have shown that choosing a quit date well in advance; deciding what, if any, medications to use during your journey toward being a non-smoker; and gathering adequate support, whether from friends, family or a support group, are crucial.”

Atlantic General Hospital will also be providing blood pressure screenings during the Smoke Free Me: Choosing Health Over Hazard Conference to be held at WorWic College on November 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. special guest Brenda Bell Caffee, creator of “Not in Mama’s Kitchen” secondhand smoke program, will speak.

For more information about any of these Great American Smokeout events, contact Dawn Denton, community education coordinator, at 410-641-9268.