Health organizations rally for next week's Smokeout

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Anti-smoking forces are gearing up for next week’s Great American Smokeout on November 21.

     The American Cancer Society estimates about 94,000 South Dakotans smoke.

     Doctor Fady Jamous, pulmonary specialist with Avera, says quitting smoking has immediate effects on the body.  Jamous says 20 minutes after quitting, the heart rate and blood presure drop to healthier rates.  He says 12 hours after quitting carbon monoxide levels return to normal.  And in the long term, 5 years after quitting, the risk for heart attack and many cancers is reduced by half.         

     South Dakota’s smoking cessation hotline is 1-866-S-D-QUITS.

     Quit Kits are also available from the American Cancer Society, the Sioux Empire Tobacco-Free Coalition and the Falls Community Health Center.

     Dr. Steve McGraw,  says "smoking is responsible for nearly one in three cancer deaths and one in five deaths from all causes."