For more than two decades, this day has motivated smokers across the nation to quit for 24 hours in the hopes that it would lead to permanent cessation. Occurring every third Thursday of November since 1977, the event has drawn millions of participants.

In recent years, this has expanded beyond the concept of quitting smoking to include active campaigns to prevent teens and children from ever starting in the first place, and for good reason.

According to the American Cancer Society:

Every day more than 3,000 adolescents in the United States smoke their first cigarette. One-third of these new smokers will eventually die of tobacco-related diseases.

89 percent of all people who ever try a cigarette do so by age 18.

Very few individuals start smoking during adulthood.

Among addictive behaviors, cigarette smoking is the one most likely to take hold during adolescence. Recent data suggest that the prevalence of smoking is increasing among 8th- and 10th-grade students.

Even more sobering are the statistics for smokers in general:

Tobacco is responsible for nearly one in every five deaths in the United States.

Smoking claims more than 400,000 lives a year.

If you're ready to stop smoking, or to help someone else who is, the American Cancer Society offers these tips:

Spend your free time in places where smoking is prohibited -- libraries, museums, theaters, etc.

Avoid alcohol, coffee and other beverages that you associate with smoking.

Drink large quantities of water and fruit juice.

If you miss having something in your mouth, try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks or celery.

Keep your hands busy with a marble, pencil, paper clip -- anything you can fiddle with.

Avoid temptation by staying away from situations that you associate with smoking.

Brush your teeth.

Eat several small meals.

Exercise! A recent study conducted at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., found that women who exercised vigorously while trying to quit smoking were twice as likely to kick the habit. They also gained about half the weight of women who tried to quit without the benefit of regular exercise.

Dancing is an easy way to get some exercise. Grab some friends and music. Begin by crossing the right foot in front of the left, bring the left leg out beside the right, standing on the toes, continue to weave by crossing the right foot behind the left the next time. Continue to do this several times. Reverse the sequence by crossing the left foot in front first for a little more of a challenge. Have fun and keep moving!

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