Encouraging smokers to quit

Despite widespread awareness of the negative health consequences of tobacco use, approximately 20 percent of adults nationwide still smoke cigarettes. Leading authorities agree that tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in the U.S. Approximately 443,000 deaths each year can be attributed to direct tobacco use or secondhand smoke exposure.

Many programs and policies are in place to help reduce smoking rates.  Smoking cessation programs typically provide counseling and/or medication to help people break the physical and psychological addiction to nicotine. Broader approaches, such as smoke-free laws or cigarette tax increases, have also been successful in motivating people to quit smoking and preventing the initiation of new smokers. 

To learn more about strategies and resources for quitting smoking, or other issues related to tobacco use, contact Mamta Gakhar:
Email Mamta
(312) 229-6186