Students across campus participated in the 30th annual Great American Smokeout Thursday - a national movement headed by the American Cancer Association that is geared towards helping people quit smoking.
By quitting for 24 hours, the goal is that many smokers will find the inspiration to quit for good. The day also recognizes those who have successfully quit smoking, and attempts to educate the non-smoking community on the dangers and health risks associated with cigarette smoke.
Dr. Frank Carnevale, director of health services and the student wellness team coordinator at UB initiated the efforts to make the national day a success on campus with advertisements and posters providing useful information.
While smoking rates nationwide have recently decreased according to Carnevale, there is still a trend of university students experimenting with smoking and becoming addicted to cigarettes once they hit college. Carnevale attributes this trend to the newfound freedoms that college brings, which sometimes leads students to experiment.
"For some, it is a time of experimentation. For others, it is a rite of passage," Carnevale said. "Still others do it because of peer pressure - as a 'social lubricant' like alcohol - so they can feel part of the group."
Carnevale believes this trend can be combated through education.
"(Smoking) is still the single most important preventable cause of disease in this country," Carnevale said. "I often tell my patients who smoke, there is not a single more important choice you can make for your health than to quit smoking. Nothing else comes close to that."
UB offers a variety of programs and health resources to help students who are looking to kick the habit. Carnevale recommends the Web site http://doingyoudamage.com and the New York State Smoker's Quit Line, toll free, at 1-866-NY-QUITS. In addition, the medical staff at Health Services can also provide prescriptions for medications that have proven to help people quit smoking.
Ivette Villalobos, a junior communications major who has been smoking for the past two years, feels a national quit smoking day may motivate those who need support.
"A lot of people like to be a part of something that's big and recognized nationally, so I think it might be effective for a few people who already want to quit smoking," she said.
For Nicole DeNardin, a junior philosophy major who has been smoke free for four months, the day is a reminder to quit and do something good for her body. But in the end, the Great American Smokeout is only one day among many.
"I want to quit for myself, not because of a national event," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
