CDC Reports Smoking Down but Only Slightly

The CDC reports smoking down for 2008 but only slightly according to the Nov. 19 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

20.6 percent of Americans were current smokers in 2008 compared to 20.9 percent in 2004.

“It’s too soon to say whether we’re going in the wrong direction or not, but we’re not making the progress we could and should,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He added that progress would be made if more states took steps like imposing public smoking bans and providing smoking cessation services.

Thursday, Nov. 19, marks the 34th annual Great American Smokeout. Even though the CDC reports smoking down, all smokers are encouraged to butt out at least for one day.