by Rachael Alaimo-Monson
Daily Lobo
Billboards, public service announcements and health educators across the country attempt to educate Americans every day about the dangers of smoking.
Smoking has decreased, thanks in part to these efforts and the results of research. But still, nearly 46.2 million American adults smoked in 2001, according to the American Cancer Society.
Since 1977, the society has sponsored a nationwide program each November called The Great American Smokeout, designed to encourage smokers to quit cigarettes for at least a day in hopes they will quit forever, according to the organization's Web site.
Malissa Bellamy, a UNM senior community health major, coordinated the effort to bring the smokeout program to campus this year.
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"This is the first year the event has been on campus and we are hopeful that we will increase awareness and help people to quit," Bellamy said.
The program was sponsored by the Student Health Center.
Booths were set-up on Smith Plaza Thursday by the American Cancer Society and various other organizations concerned with health and fitness, such as Whole Foods Market, one of Albuquerque's many health food stores.
Educational materials were available, as well as alternative methods and support resources.
"Sometimes when you don't have the perspective (of a smoker), you can't understand how hard it is to quit," Bellamy said. "Many people attempt to quit many times but just haven't found the right method. We want to make every approach available to them."
UNM Junior Ashley Adams, who has smoked since she was 14, is one of them.
"I have an addiction," she said. "I quit all the time. I quit this morning and I've quit for an extended period of time three or four times. I hate it, but I like it. When I don't smoke, I get cranky."
American Cancer Society research shows in cities where smoking is banned in restaurants and bars, the number of smokers goes down, which is something many people agree is a good thing for Americans who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Group A carcinogen because of the evidence that shows it causes cancer in those who don't smoke.
Silvina Farmin, a smokeout volunteer, is working for the continued support of the ban.
"Tobacco has big money, we don't," she said. "If we can get continued support for the ordinance, we can keep restaurants smoke-free."
Farmin said her daughter has asthma and the smoking ban in restaurants has given them the freedom to go out without the fear of cigarette smoke irritating her condition.
"I would like it to stay that way," she said.
