Cigarette prices are high & public places have gone smoke-free. If you need another reason to quit smoking then how about considering your own health?

The Great American Smokeout is this Thursday, November 20th. The American Cancer Society’s annual effort is being joined by several Nebraska health advocates: The Nebraska’s Tobacco Quitline, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and The Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Free Nebraska program.

The toll-free Quitline is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). It is available 24 hours a day, providing smokers access to tobacco cessation counseling and support services.

The American Cancer Society reminds smokers that they will receive health benefits almost immediately once they quit smoking.

Your blood pressure and pulse rate drops to normal within 20 minutes of your last cigarette. Breathing becomes easier within 3 days. Circulation improves, walking becomes easier, and lung function increases up to 30% within 2-3 months. Your risk of coronary heart disease will be cut in half within a year.

2008 marks the 33rd anniversary of the Great American Smokeout. It began in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for just one day – hopefully longer.