Special to The Herald

A smoker has decided to kick the habit. Moral support and expert help can make the difference between success and failure. Every year on the third Thursday of November, the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline recognizes the Great American Smokeout as a day for smokers across the United States to kick the smoking habit for 24 hours in the hope they will consider quitting for good.
November 15 is the day when Mississippi smokers are encouraged to quit using tobacco as part of the American Cancer Society 2012 Great American Smokeout. Over the years, the Great American Smokeout has encouraged millions of Mississippians - and Americans - to put down their packs and cartons for one brief, breathable day.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Each year in Mississippi, smoking accounts for an estimated 4,700 premature deaths. Sixty-nine thousand Mississippi children now under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from smoking, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
“There is plenty of help available for Mississippians who want to stop smoking permanently,” said C. Rochelle Culp, director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Madison, Yazoo and Holmes Counties. “If you want to quit using tobacco, contact the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to receive free counseling and medications, such as nicotine patches or gum.”