Savannah Kids Celebrate Great American Smokeout

SAVANNAH, Ga.—Thirty percent of all cancer deaths can be traced to tobacco. Smokers are being urged to kick the habit for the 34th Great American Smokeout. Officials with the Coastal Health District are getting the message out to kids that you can have fun without smoking.

Kids at the West Broad Street YMCA enjoyed a smoke-free birthday bash, complete with balloons and cake in honor of living another smoke-free year.

“I think it’s really important for the kids to see that they can live many more years and have many more fun birthday parties if they don’t smoke in the first place,“ said Christina Bolton, Adolescent Health and Youth Development Coordinator for the Coastal Health District.

“I’m trying to tell them that smoking’s not the way to go. there’s other choices to make. you can get involved in sports and

Research shows people who stop smoking at age 35 live an average of eight years longer. Those who quit at age 55 gain about five years.