Today is the Great American Smokeout, a day when smokers across the nation quit smoking or make a plan to quit.  “Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S.,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.  Smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 3 cancer deaths and 1 in 5 deaths from all causes.  Another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking.  Within 20 minutes of the last cigarette, a person’s blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal and body temperature in hands and feet increase.  Within nine hours of the last cigarette, the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal and the oxygen level increases to normal.  After going just one day with smoking, a person’s chance of a heart attack decreases.  Quitting tobacco use is hard, but people don’t have to do it alone.  The Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES, has counselors to provide expert advice, addiction assessment, customized quit plans, quit kits, craving support and follow up.  It is available anytime between 7 AM and 11 PM, every day.  The website is www.quityes.org.