World No Tobacco Day Op-Ed: Making It a Smokefree Summer

American Lung Association & Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

LOUISVILLE KY (05/12/2014)(readMedia)-- May 31 is World No Tobacco Today

We hope you are able to use this op-ed authored by

Divya Cantor MD, Senior Clinical Medical Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in Kentucky

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer to most people. As people slow down a bit and vacation plans get made, this could be the perfect time for smokers to break their addiction and begin new, smokefree lives.

The American Lung Association in Kentucky and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have joined together on "Quitter in You," a program to support all smokers in their efforts to quit smoking. It's important for smokers to understand that past attempts at quitting are not failures, but normal and necessary steps to quitting for good. Now is a great time to try again, and the American Lung Association is standing by ready to help.

Many folks try quitting smoking around New Year's and that's a great time to make a new start. For smokers who didn't quit back in January, summer is a great time to try again and take advantage of some expert help. May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. Make today your no tobacco day and tomorrow and the next.

Quitters do best when they make a plan and set a date. They also need support and love from family and friends. Health care providers, trained cessation counselors and peers who are going through the quitting process are also important. Through the Quitter in You campaign, you can call or chat with a friendly, supportive cessation counselor or join the Freedom From Smoking® Online program.

In addition to quitting, there are other steps you can take to support stopping smoking and improve you and your family's health.

1. Make your home smokefree. Secondhand smoke is lethal. Do not smoke in your home and do not permit anyone else to smoke inside either.

2. Eat healthier. Fruits and vegetables are great healthy snacks. Grab an apple or a carrot instead of a cigarette.

3. Increase your physical activity level. Enjoy the outdoors. Going for a walk or riding your bike instead of taking a smoking break is a win-win.

The American Lung Association in Kentucky and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield firmly believe that every smoker can quit as long as they keep trying. Because every person is different, each smoker must find the right combination of techniques to help them quit. By looking back at previous times they've tried to quit, smokers can figure out what helped them stay away from cigarettes and what they might want to do differently next time. If they keep trying and stay motivated, all smokers will be able to end their addiction and begin a new, healthier phase of their life.

We know that quitting smoking is hard work. That's why quitterinyou.org offers support through a wealth of resources including individual counseling, online programs, group classes and written materials. Additional help is available from the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® Lung Helpline (1-800-LUNG-USA), Freedom From Smoking® Online, and Freedom From Smoking® in-person clinics.

As you spend more time outside enjoying the fresh air this summer, use this opportunity to find the "Quitter in You" and fill your lungs with healthy air all year long.