The American Cancer Society knows that quitting smoking isn’t easy, which is why they hold the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in November to help start people’s journeys toward a smoke free life.

American Cancer Society Senior Community Development Manager Kim Durst says smoking causes about 480,000 deaths every year, equaling about one in five deaths, and it remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Durst cautions that the Great American Smokeout isn’t exactly the day that tobacco users are expected to quit smoking, “This is where the community can come together to show support for those who are trying to quit smoking but, you know, we all know you need that day one to get started and this is just truly an opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses, healthcare providers, and others to encourage people to use this date – Thursday, November 19th – to help their friends who are trying to quit smoking, their loved ones to plan to quit or to plan in advance and initiate a smoking cessation plan through this.”

Durst also gives some advice for those trying to help a loved one quit smoking. Some “do’s” include respecting that the quitter is in charge and that this is their lifestyle change and challenge, and to ask the person whether they want you to ask regularly how they’re doing. Some “don’ts” include doubting the smoker’s ability to quit; judging, nagging, preaching, teasing, or scolding; and taking the quitter’s grumpiness personally during their nicotine withdrawal. You can hear more from Durst during a two-part Let’s Talk Guthrie County program airing today and tomorrow on air and at raccoonvalleyradio.com.