KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — With the Great American Smokeout taking place Thursday, the American Cancer Society says its noticing more southwest Michigan residents trying to quit smoking.
Mike Megyesi with the group’s Portage branch says the trend follows a national decline.
“In 1965, 42 percent of the population in the United States were smokers,” Megyesi said. “Smoking is now down to 17 percent.”
He attributes the drop to the 1964 Surgeon General’s report, which publicized the risks associated with smoking, but also says education and changes in culture are playing a role.
“A lot of employers have gone smoke-free, as far as their campuses are concerned,” Megyesi said. “Western Michigan University just went smoke-free.”
Megyesi says those interested in kicking the habit can call their local American Cancer Society office for help. The number for the Portage office is (269) 381-3171.
– Anthony Pollreisz
