Trade your cigarettes

Thinking about quitting smoking? “Quitters” who come to Library Mall on Thursday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. are encouraged to trade in their cigarettes for condoms or pizza and destroy cigarettes in creative and fun ways at an event sponsored by University Health Services.

UHS offers year-round help to smokers who want to quit. Services include providing medications such as Zyban and nicotine products, behavior management, counseling and hypnosis. Call (608) 265-5600 to make an appointment. A free, four-session group is also offered to students. Call (608) 262-8268.

The Great American Smokeout Thursday, Nov. 15, started in Minnesota in the early 1970s and went nationwide in 1977 under the sponsorship of the American Cancer Society.

A spring 2000 UHS survey shows that among UW–Madison students, 56 percent had never smoked; 19 percent were former smokers; and 25 percent smoked at least once in the past 30 days. Seven percent of the student body smoked daily.

“We hope that our participation in the smokeout will help students quit,” says Susan Crowley, UHS director for prevention services. “Tobacco is responsible for many health problems and second-hand smoke damages non-smokers’ health. Cigarettes also cost a lot and affect smokers’ financial health. This is a great opportunity to quit and make a big difference in your life.”