While people smoke less than they used to, there are still approximately 40 million Americans smoking cigarettes today. According to the American Cancer Society, that makes tobacco use the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death around the world.

To combat this, the Kona Community Hospital Respiratory Therapy Department in Kealakekua, HI, is participating in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17. This American Cancer Society event is held on the third Thursday of November every year to encourage smokers to make a plan for quitting, and the local hospital is proud to be a part of it.

Benefits Of Quitting Smoking

In as little as 20 minutes of smoking your final cigarette, your body will begin making positive changes. For instance, your blood pressure and heart rate will both drop, and after 12 hours the carbon monoxide level in your blood will return to normal. You will also start to see an improvement in your blood circulation anywhere from two weeks to three months after quitting. After one year, your risk of developing coronary disease will be 50% less than when you were smoking.

Tips To Help You Quit Smoking

Nicotine addiction is one of the hardest substances to give up; however, if you stay positive and stick to your commitment every day, it can be done. Just remember to take it one day at a time. To make it a little easier, make a plan of what you can do to deal with stressful situations instead of smoking. This could be things like taking a walk, engaging in a fun conversation, exercising, or practicing mindful techniques like deep breathing or yoga.

Resources To Help You In Tough Times

No one has ever claimed quitting cigarettes was easy, but when you have a plan that consists of support teams and resources, it will be easier. Kona Community Hospital recommends calling the Hawaii Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW) when you need someone to help you stay strong. Other organizations that could offer help and point you in the direction of support groups include:

• American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-2345
• American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNGUSA
• National Cancer Institute: 1-877-44U-QUIT
• National Institutes of Health: 1-800-QUITNOW

Visit the Kona Community Hospital website online to learn more about their Respiratory Therapy Department and other health care services they provide, and connect with them on Facebook.