Today is "The Great American Smokeout", sponsored by the American Cancer Society. If you're a smoker, why wait until New Year's Day when you can start today? I quit smoking 19 years ago, and I'm so glad I did.

cigarette butt on ground
Scott Barbour, Getty Images News
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Here's more about The Great American Smokeout according to the American Cancer Society:

"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.

Why Quit?

The health benefits of quitting start immediately from the moment of smoking cessation. Quitting while you are younger will reduce your health risks more, but quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.

Get tips on how to kick your smoking habit during the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21st from 1-2pm ET during Everyday Health’s #HealthTalk: http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthtalk/great-american-smokeout.aspx"

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