The purpose of the Great American Smokeout, held each year on the third Thursday of November, is to motivate smokers with the concept, “If you can quit for a day, then you can quit for a lifetime.”

Dr. David Crimin, who specializes in Family Medicine at Sevier Valley Hospital, tells his patients, “Quitting is the single most important action that you can take for your health! You are never too old to quit.”  

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“Quitting is a long, hard process,” Dr. Crimin continues, “but each day that you don't smoke is a small victory. Celebrate those victories!”

Each day without smoking is a benefit to your overall health. In fact, some benefits come within minutes and hours of quitting.

According to Dr. Crimin, immediately after you quit, food starts to taste better; your sense of smell returns to normal; and your breath, hair, and clothes smell better. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop into a better range. And within 12 hours of quitting, carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal. 

Ready to quit?

Mark your calendar to join others across the country on November 17 for the Great American Smokeout and get going! Dr. Crimin recommends cleaning out the car and the ashtrays and asking family and friends to support your effort. 

“Change old habits by staying away from the places and people that tend to smoke and be sure to drink plenty of water and healthy drinks to flush out the toxins,” he says.