The Great American Smokeout Is Today

I can't help but share this with you. I grew up with both my parents being heavy smokers, and I hated every moment of it.

While it wasn't the heavy smoking that ultimately caused my parent's deaths, I know it certainly contributed to it. I grew up hating the smell of cigarette smoke. Until smoking was banned in places like music venues, clubs, and bars, I would take a shower before going to bed after being out. The smell would keep me awake if I didn't.

So this is my plea on this Thursday before Thanksgiving. Please don't light up today, at all, refrain for 24 hours.

Today is the  American Cancer Society's annual Great American Smokeout, held each year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. It's hoped that if smokers can quit for one day, they can quit for good. But the American Cancer Society knows it's tough to go it alone. You can call 1 - 800 - 227 - 2345 for more information about stop smoking programs.

The idea for the Great American Smokeout grew from a 1970 event in Randolph, Massachusetts. High school guidance counselor Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a high school scholarship fund. The movement has grown ever since. We've seen major strides in the U.S. but we're not out of the woods by any means.

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single-largest preventable cause of death in the world. While the smoking rate is going down in the U.S., about 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes.

Please make today the day you add your name to the list of people who have quit.

Listen to Pam Brooks weekdays from 10-3PM on 95.1 FM, online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.