(Radio Iowa) – Iowans are being encouraged to put down the cigarettes today (Thursday) and take part in the 48th annual Great American Smokeout. Emily Myatt, at the American Cancer Society, says it’s a push to get people to kick the habit. “This is a day for people who use commercial tobacco to create a plan to quit,” Myatt says. “We know quitting tobacco is so hard. So it’s a red-circle day on the calendar to say, ‘You know what, I’m going to quit today or I’m going to think about it or I’m going to make a plan to quit.'”

State health officials say about 17-percent of Iowa adults smoke and 10-percent of high school students. Surveys also find about five-percent of Iowa adults use e-cigarettes, while up to 22-percent of Iowa 11th graders vape.