It’s The Great American Smokeout

Hey Gang,

You've might have heard that today is the Great American Smokeout.  Ever wonder how this all got started?

First off, it's not a real holiday.  The American Cancer Society promotes it as an "informal" holiday.  I have no idea what that means, and really, who cares.  If you think about it for too long, odds are you'll want to smoke a cigarette, and well, that sort of defeats the purpose of the day doesn't it.

This "informal" invasion into your choices began in 1970 in Massachusetts, (a Yankee? what are the odds.)  Anyway, he asked people to give up the habit for a day and to donate the money saved to a local high school scholarship fund.

It was a nice gesture, but, if memory serves, a pack cost around 30 to 40 cents, depending on where you lived.  It would be a little bigger donation these days.  In 2012 a pack of smokes in Yankeeville would set you back $8.77.  Butt hell, as long as you pay the hefty tax to Uncle Sam, you can put out a product that's addictive and deadly.  Makes you wonder which branch of the government has your back, and which one, or ones, are sticking the cancer stick in you?

Speaking of death.  Smoking is responsible for 1 in 3 cancer-related deaths.  Globally, according to the CDC, tobacco use knocks off 5 million a year.  So, you can look at it like a form of population control.  Guess it's better than a slaughter lottery.

Other fun facts from the CDC on smoking

- Smokers live 10 years less than non-smokers.

- Middle age male smokers triples his risk of dying from some type of heart disease.

If you really want to try to quit for a day, or more.  Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for support.