There's another Thursday in November you might remember besides Thanksgiving, if the American Cancer Society has its way.
Since the 1970s, The Great American Smoke Out has encouraged Americans who smoke to give it up. In downtown Tampa on Thursday, health advocates aimed to get smokers to take the pledge to give up cigarettes for the day.
Jared White, with the Lung Institute in Tampa, worked with other volunteers in Lykes Gaslight Square to get locals to sign the pledge to take the day off of cigarette smoking.
He pointed out that many people are taking up e-cigarettes, also known as "vaping," in an effort to quit but more study is needed.
"The research is still needed to kind of validate where that is going. So, with the vaping on the rise, there will be a need to stop with not only e-cigarettes but with cigarettes in general."
White also points out that the American Cancer Society and other groups have plenty of programs and support available for those who want to try to give up smoking, today or anytime soon.
The Florida Department of Health offers resources at its websit: TobaccoFreeFlorida.com
More than 2 and a half million Floridians still smoke, despite the well known health risks associated with the habit.
