The Marion County Health Department is promoting the Great American Smokeout today!

Department Health Educator Tara DeWitt says the goal of the smokeout is simple. "It's a chance to challenge people to stop using tobacco and to raise awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good." MCHD has visited eleven grade schools this year and six high school classes. DeWitt says some schools are dooing door decorating contests, assemblies, t-shirt contests, and other educational activities. "We challenge students to sign a pledge wall and say they will 'get the smoke out,' either for that day or stay smoke free," she says. "When we say 'smoke free' we're actually talking about tobacco accross the board."

She also says the bulk of smokers want to quit, but it's no easy task. Tabacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death in the U.S., killing some 438-thousand people prematurely including 38-thousand from second-hand smoke. Dewitt says there are five keys to quitting. "One is to get ready and set a quit date, two is get support and encouragement, three is learn new skills and behaviors, four is to get medication and ask your doctor and five is to prepare for a relapse," she says. "Just because you relapse doesn't mean you fail."

Dewitt encourages all smokers to kick the habit for their health and for the health of those around them. She also says smoking costs you more than your health. Cigarette prices have risen sharply over the years and the recession is causing some to rethink their habit.