The Theme for the event is "Take a Bite Out of Smoking, Eat an Apple Instead." On November 15, 2007, the American Cancer Society marks the 31st annual Great American Smokeout, nationally recognized as a platform to educate the public on the dangers associated with tobacco use and to encourage smokers to quit for a lifetime by starting with just one day.

After you QUIT:

• 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal, body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.
• 8 hours: Carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in blood return to normal.
• 24 hours: Chance of heart attack decreases.
• 48 hours: Nerve endings start to regrow, ability to smell and taste improves.

• Don't quit quitting. If you slip up, try again and again until you are successful.
• Pick a date. Don't smoke on that day no matter what happens.
• Ask a family member or friend to help you through those moments when you feel like smoking.
• Be sure to get rid of all your smoking materials, such as cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters before your quit date.
• If you're making another attempt to quit smoking, think about what didn't work before. Develop a plan that will help you make your attempt more successful this time.
• Make a list of all your reasons for quitting. When you feel the urge to smoke, take out the list and read it.
• Put the money you would spend each day on cigarettes in a piggy bank. Use it to reward yourself for staying smoke-free.
• Go to places where you know you will not be allowed to smoke, like the mall, the movie theater or the library.
• Stay busy. Garden, write a letter or start that project you've been meaning to get to.
• Remember that the urge to smoke will go away in just a few minutes. You can make it through it!
• The Maine Tobacco Helpline: 1-800-207-1230