Today is the Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — Nearly 1 in every 5 adults. As of 2010, there were also 13.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco. It also remains as one of the most expensive habits not only to the smoker but to society as well.

Youth Leadership Council members in Van Buren County will be holding a variety of activities both in their school and in the community that bring awareness to the dangers of tobacco. They will have sidewalk chalk art on Main Street in Keosauqua that will encourage smokers to quit on the Great American Smokeout. There will be a memorial event at the Van Buren Jr. High Basketball game to bring awareness to the deadly dangers of tobacco use. These along with all of the other activities that will be happening in the school are in an effort to further reduce youth tobacco use in our community.

For more information on the YLC organization or any of their activities you may contact them at info@vbsafecoalition.com or 319-293-6412. You may also find out more information the website: www.ylc/vbsafecoalition.com or look them up on Facebook!