On Thursday, Nov. 17, the American Cancer Society celebrated their 29th annual Great American Smoke Out. Georgia has done a great job for Smoke-Free Air by passing the Georgia Smoke-Free Act 2005.

One of the strengths of the Smoke-Free Air Law is that it does not contain preemption. Local counties and municipalities have the legislative authority to customize and tailor their smoke-free ordinances to make them consistent with their community and public health standards. Twenty-four counties and areas have stronger smoke-free ordinances than the state law.

I encourage persons to quit smoking and encourage those they love to quit. The percentage of smokers has declined.

I quit 37 years ago, and I did not have a “nicotine fit.” I have not had one cigarette since.

If you want to do something that will make a difference to your health, do it and encourage young people that this is not the direction to move into.

Lung cancer remains the top cancer killer with 87 percent of lung cancer directly linked to cigarette smoke. As a former nurse, I witnessed an autopsy of a heavy smoker and his lungs were black as coal. Smokers are exposed to 60 known probable carcinogens and 4,000 chemicals contained in secondhand smoke.

Celebrate your life and quit smoking today. Thank an eating establishment for “no smoking”; thank a legislator and other elected officials for ordinances; and then forever adopt a smoke-free life.

Barbara Scruggs, advocate
American Cancer Society
Grantville, Ga.

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