Dozens of monuments will be illuminated purple this week, beginning November 20, as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, run by the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island (TACLI), along with other local and state tobacco prevention programs.
This initiative, known as “Illuminating 25 Years of Progress,” honors the program’s many accomplishments in saving lives and building healthier, tobacco-free communities statewide. The tribute coincides with the “Great American Smokeout” which encourages smokers to make a plan to kick this addiction.
Throughout the month of November, in commemoration TACLI is partnering with local youth and community groups on Long Island to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and provide resources to quit smoking.
In Levittown, TACLI collaborates with the Levittown Youth Coalition and the Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force Youth Committee. Young leaders are posting NYS Quitline’s “Drop The Vape” program posters in their school, offering support to those struggling with nicotine addiction.
Additionally, Glen Cove Safe hosts TACLI at Glen Cove High School to share educational materials and smoking cessation resources with students.
«The use of electronic cigarettes and nicotine pods, especially among young people, is worrying. Vaping exposes people to serious health problems, such as asthma attacks. “Nicotine is particularly harmful to the developing brain of adolescents and can make oral nicotine pouches highly addictive,” said Christine Fardellone, Ph.D., registered nurse at the Institute for Community Wellness at Northwell Health.
TACLI also demonstrated its continued support for Suffolk County Community College’s smoke-free campus policy by attending its GASO event to educate people about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing practices, as well as offering resources to quit smoking.
While youth tobacco use in New York has fallen to a record low of 17%, vaping and nicotine pods remain a concern. That’s why this year’s celebration also focuses on empowering people of all ages to quit and stay smoke-free.
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Tips to quit smoking
Whether you’re a teen or an adult, here are some expert tips to help you take the next step:
– It is never too late to quit smoking: The Great American Smokeout in the United States reminds us that quitting tobacco at any age improves health, saves money and can inspire others. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of going out into the cold to smoke or vape.
– Learn from past experiences: Most people who smoke, chew tobacco, or vape have tried to quit before. Don’t be discouraged: every attempt is a step towards success. Reflect on what helped you and what you could do differently next time.
– You don’t have to quit smoking alone: Enrolling in a proven program like the American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking,” and leaning on friends and family can double your chances of quitting for good.
– Talk to your doctor: There are 7 medications approved by the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) that can help you quit smoking. Used correctly and consistently, they can significantly increase your chances of success.
– Stop smoking. Don’t change. Electronic cigarettes are still tobacco products: The FDA has not approved any e-cigarettes as a safe or effective aid to quit smoking. Doing it for real means breaking your nicotine addiction, not replacing it.
It should be noted that for young people between 13 and 24 years old, the New York State Quitline (New York State Quitline) of the State of New York offers DROPTHEVAPE, a free and confidential service to stop this addiction. Visit nysmokefree.com/drop-the-vape or call 866-NY-QUITS to get started.
And for adults looking for support, the American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking” program is available statewide and has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking for good. The program combines expert guidance with support from other adults to increase your chances of quitting smoking and staying free of this addiction.
For more information about TACLI, visit BreatheFreely.org . And to get involved and support the mission of the American Lung Association you can register for an event near you, learn more at lung.org/events .
