Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”
The Student Health Advisory Committee at Salt Lake Community College wants to help all smokers break their bad habit by participating in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19.
“The more the merrier,” says SHAC president Merecedes Maetas. “We want everyone to come hang out and learn all of these really helpful tips and tricks to stay tobacco-free or quit like a champion.”
SHAC will host interactive presentations on the health and economic effects of smoking and suggestions to quit. These activities will give students a different perspective on smoking.
Maestas says that tobacco use can affect a student’s performance, both mentally and physically.
The American Cancer Society designates the third Thursday of November as a day to promote the cessation of tobacco use and resources to quit. The Great American Smokeout shares information with anyone who wants to learn more about the harmful effects of cigarettes or secondhand smoke.
Knowing the dangers may convince individuals to quit smoking — or never start at all.
The Great American Smokeout will be held in the Student Event Center on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and complimentary refreshments will be served.
SHAC is comprised of students who promote healthy lifestyles and education to other students on campus.
“We want [students] to make their health a priority,” Maestas says.
Students, faculty and staff can participate in a tobacco cessation wellness program. The eight-week program is $40 and facilitators meet with participants in a group setting.
For more information about the Great American Smokeout and other health initiatives on campus, visit the Center for Health and Counseling website.
