November 7, 2009 - 08:55 a.m. EST

The American Cancer Society will celebrate the 34th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19. For millions of American smokers, there’s never been a better time to make a plan to quit.

As of 2008, the adult smoking rate for the state of Michigan was 20.2%. As healthcare advocates, we’ve learned that living a healthy life means first and foremost living smoke-free. This is a message we share with others struggling to quit this deadly habit.

In addition to encouraging smokers to quit, the Great American Smokeout is about protecting all Americans from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema. In fact, secondhand smoke is responsible for 3,400 lung cancer deaths annually and another 46,000 deaths from heart disease in otherwise healthy nonsmokers. Approximately 32.2% of Tuscola County’s smoking-related healthcare costs are paid by Medicaid.

Elected officials have the power to protect the patrons and workers of Michigan by passing a comprehensive smoke-free law so that we all can breathe smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws not only help protect workers and patrons from being exposed to deadly secondhand smoke, but they also help smokers quit.

We encourage everyone to take action now or forever hold your breath. Call 888-NOW-I-CAN and tell your State Representative or Senator to protect you from the deadly impact of secondhand smoke and to protect our workers’ health. Ask that they make the smoke-free legislation the top priority. Michigan is just one of 13 states that still does not protect its residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Let’s stop wasting time and pass a law to protect everyone from this serious health hazard.

Sincerely,

Tuscola County

Healthy Communities Coalition