Quit Sucking: Great American Smoke Out is Back

Quit sucking on that butt, if only for a day. The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout happens each year on the third Thursday of November, which is today. So, put down the smokey treat and give your lungs, and the rest of us, a break.

The origins of the GAS tee hee can be traced back to near 1971. The first official event was held in California on November 18, 1976 when nearly 1,000,000 smokers quit for the day. If those bicentennial disco kids could quit then, you can definitely quit smoking today.

Just in case you still think smoking makes you look hot, consider this tidbit from the ACS:

Tobacco use can cause lung cancer, as well as other cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. Smoking is responsible for 1 in 3 cancer deaths, and 1 in 5 deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people are living with serious illnesses caused by smoking.

So, get a jump on a smoking ban and put that pack of coffin nails in the back of your desk drawer next to the bourbon. Now, step outside and breathe in some nice, rich smog. Your lungs will think you're sniffing a tulip. Who knows? You just might like it.

Great American Smokeout 30th Anniversary Celebration
McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science
1515 Hermann Drive
Today from 2 PM to 5 PM

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Photo: flickr user LeoL30.