As Mark Twain famously said, “It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times.” Generations of smokers trying to kick the habit have discovered how true that is. Here are the numbers on that and more:

8 to 11 The number of attempts it takes most American smokers to quit, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

$900 The difference in in-patient hospital bills for smokers versus nonsmokers undergoing general surgery, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. (Smokers pay more because they have more post-op complications.)

8 The number of weeks you can receive encouraging text messages from the U.S. government’s new SmokefreeTXT campaign designed to help you fight cravings and stay motivated to quit smoking. To sign up, text the word QUIT to IQUIT. To sign up on computer or for more information: smokefree.gov/smokefreetxt/FAQs.aspx.

Being smokefree means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?

People have said that being smokefree means you’re in control of your life. It means you and your whānau are able to enjoy life to its fullest and will be around a lot longer to share the fun and knowledge.

If you are already smokefree be proud of it. A lot of people find it hard to be smokefree, even though they want to be. If you know people who smoke, support them when they need it. Talk to your kids about being smokefree.

What being smokefree might mean to you

  You are part of the more than 80% of people that are smokefree.
  You don’t have to worry about the impact smoking will have on your health.
  Your knowledge will be able to be shared with the next generations.
  There’s less chance that your kids will smoke.
  Your whānau can live a healthier life.
  Tobacco and the tobacco industry don’t control your life.
  You can get active and/or play sport for longer.
  You are supporting someone you love to be smokefree.
  You don’t have to worry about where the money’s coming from for the next packet of cigarettes.
  You are part of the move to make world smokefree by 2025.
  You were born smokefree and want to stay that way.
  Your car is smokefree because you’re trying to quit.
  You’re on the journey to quitting and have been smokefree for two days, three weeks, or three years.
  You want to be smokefree but are finding it really hard.
  And there’s lots more…

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Kathryn Roethel

San Francisco Chronicle