Kick the habit for good: Join the Great American Smokeout

Each November, the American Cancer Society hosts the Great American Smokeout®. The event encourages smokers to make a healthy choice to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is hard, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your health. Aetna Better Health® of Illinois offers support and tools to help you take this important step.

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death, according to the CDC. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, affecting your overall health and quality of life. But when you quit smoking, your health can improve. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure go down. After a few weeks, your lungs start to work better. Long-term, your chances of heart disease, cancer and lung problems are much lower, adding years to your life.

The Great American Smokeout® is held on the third Thursday of November. On that day, thousands of people come together to quit smoking. Some people take their first step to quit, while others use it to recommit to their goals. By choosing this day, smokers can take a real step toward a healthier, smoke-free life.

Maybe you or someone you know already tried to quit but didn’t have much luck. That’s okay. Everyone’s journey is different. If you need help to kick the habit, we’ve got your back. Here are three ways to find support:

• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can offer resources and medicine to help you quit. There are several types of medicine. Your doctor can help you choose what’s right for you. Be sure to take them as directed.
• Join a support group. You’ll meet other people who want to stop smoking. It’s a chance to share encouragement and tips. Your doctor or hospital can help you find a support group that meets in person or online.
• Call a free quit line. You can talk to experts on quitting smoking. They can help you plan to quit. Call 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937) TTY 1-800-501-1068 for for resources on how to quit using tobacco or e-cigarettes.

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried to quit. Don’t get discouraged. There’s no better time than now. Let the Great American Smokeout® be the start of a healthier, smoke-free future. Together, we can work toward a healthier Illinois. Call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) for help finding a case manager who can help you navigate your health care.