By Sharon Biggers, director of DHEC’s Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control

Get ready to lose the habit, and become victorious over tobacco.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reminds smokers and tobacco users that the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19, is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of resources available through the S.C. Tobacco Quitline.

About 42 million Americans still smoke, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout  encourages smokers to quit that day or to make a plan for quitting.

The health benefits begin the moment you stop smoking.  Quitting at any age can give you back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.

Ready to Quit?

The S.C. Tobacco Quitline is a free counseling service that helps South Carolina smokers and tobacco users quit.  Whether you smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or use smokeless tobacco products (dip or chew), the professionals at the S.C. Tobacco Quitline can help you deal with cravings, identify triggers, develop your quit plan, and connect you with local resources to help you quit. Services are free and are available from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week. Services include:

• One-on-one coaching with phone or web-based counseling and support
• Development of a personalized quit plan
• Free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges for eligible South Carolinians

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or click to call.

For more information on the health benefits of staying away from tobacco and tips to quit, click here.