The Great American Smokeout – Make A Plan to Quit Smoking
The Great American Smokeout is an event that takes place on the third Thursday of November each year. Founded by the American Cancer Society over 40 years ago, the Great American Smokeout aims to help people quit smoking – even if it is just for one day. The event offers resources for those who are considering quitting smoking and urges smokers to “make a plan” to quit by speaking with community groups and health care providers. Studies have shown that those who wish to quit smoking have found success when they’ve felt the supported in their decision and throughout the process. The American Cancer Society encourages using following resources for anyone who wishes to take the next step and kick the habit.
- Telephone quit lines
- American Cancer Society Freshstart Program
- Nicotine Anonymous meetings
- Self-help books and materials
- Smoking counselors or coaches
- Encouragement and support from friends and family members
Today, there are 32.4 million adult smokers in the United States. While that number has significantly decreased throughout the years, smoking still causes over 480,000 deaths each year and remains the single largest preventable cause of illness and death in the world. Quitting smoking takes commitment and often, a lot of support. However, the positive effects of quitting smoking are noticed almost immediately. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your blood pressure and body temperature return to normal. In just eight hours after quitting smoking, carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop and oxygen levels normalize. By the end of day one after your last cigarette, chances of a heart attack have decreased.
Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a known carcinogen. For decades asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon and colorectal cancer, and throat cancer. Smoking on the other hand, is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. Alone, either cigarette smoking or asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer. In combination, asbestos and smoking have a synergistic effect, meaning asbestos and smoking together cause lung cancer at a rate that neither could produce independently. An individual who smokes a pack a day for over 20 years has a 10-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer than a non-smoker. An individual who smokes a pack a day for 20 years and was exposed to asbestos has a 50 to 90-fold increase of developing lung cancer than a non-smoking, non-asbestos-exposed person.
Many suffering from lung cancer or mesothelioma believe that because they were smokers, their asbestos exposure does not matter. However, that is not the case. Since asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking are a lethal combination, smoking does not prohibit lung cancer or mesothelioma patients from receiving compensation. At Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C., we urge those suffering from lung cancer and mesothelioma to file a claim as soon as you are made aware of your condition. Contact us today by filling out our web form, calling 412- 471-3980, or sending us an email at info@gpawlaw.com. One of our experienced asbestos attorneys is standing by to hear your claim.
