by Jaime Herndon

The third Thursday of November each year is the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. The event began in California on November18, 1976 and became a national program the following year. This year, the Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 20.

This is a day when smokers are encouraged to think about quitting, develop a quitting plan, or quit smoking – even for the day. The American Cancer Society states that tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S.. Talking with children about cigarettes and their harmful effects is a great way to reinforce healthy lifestyle choices and start preventative education.

Here are some ways to talk to nieces and nephews about smoking - or rather, not smoking.

Tell them why smoking can affect one's health - and appearance.

Ask them about any peer pressure they may feel to smoke.

If you smoke, make a plan with your niece or nephew to help you quit the habit. Talk to them about why it’s so difficult to quit once you start smoking.

If you smoke, never smoke in front of your nieces and nephews. Second-hand smoke affects their health, too. And your influence may have an effect on whether or not they choose to smoke.

If a parent smokes, help your niece or nephew write a letter to them or talk to them directly about why they'd like them to quit.

The best way to quit smoking is not to start, and the more information kids have about healthy choices and the benefits of not smoking, they’ll be less likely to pick up a cigarette for the first time.

For more tips on talking to kids about smoking, visit this page at Cancer.org.

Photo: gameanna
Published: November 19, 2014