UCI, cancer society to help students quit smoking

Did you know that since 1965 the number of smokers in the nation has dropped by nearly half? The American Cancer Society wants more smokers to kick the habit.

That’s the point behind the annual Great American Smokeout Thursday, a nationwide effort to encourage smokers to quit smoking for 24 hours.

Local American Cancer Society branches are partnering with UCI to help local students jump on the wagon.

About 90% of all smokers begin before their 18th birthday, which is about 3,000 new smokers every day, according to the cancer society.

That’s more than 1 million each year and, of that number, about one-third will die from a tobacco-related illness.

To play on the expression “quitting cold turkey,” UC campus groups, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will hand out cold turkey sandwiches from Quiznos, and all it will cost smokers is three unused cigarettes. Lunch will be served at the flagpoles in Anteater Plaza at UCI.

Also “Quit Kits” with helpful tips and techniques will be handed out.

The American Cancer Society has also made a tip-filled website and a Quitline for those who want to make the change but don’t know what to do.

Sign up for Quitline services at www.cancer.org/greatamericans.

— Kelly Strodl