Dear Editor,

For just this one day, May 31, World No Tobacco Day, smokers are asked to abstain from tobacco.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in our state and in the nation. If you smoke, consider quitting for your family and for yourself. Studies show more than 70 percent of smokers want to quit.

Put tobacco away for this one day. And then another. And another one after that.  If you need help to quit, call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-Quit Now. Callers receive free counseling and two weeks of nicotine replacement therapy patches if in counseling. Call 1-800-784-8669 or visit www.alabamaquitnow.com for more information.

Niko Phillips

Tobacco Prevention & Control