Fewer wrinkles. Better-smelling breath, hair, and clothing. Healthier teeth and gums. More money in your pocket. An improved sense of taste and smell. A reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and cancer of the lungs, cervix, pancreas, throat, intestine, kidneys, and bladder. Most important, up to 10 years added to your life span. Despite these convincing reasons to quit smoking, Americans are not getting the message that smoking can not only shorten your life, but also increase the risk of death in those who come into contact with your secondhand smoke—including your children.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of U.S. smokers in 2008 (20.6 percent) has remained virtually unchanged since 2004, when 20.9 adults reported being smokers. And 20.6 percent translates to 46 million U.S. smokers, 443,000 preventable deaths each year, and $96 billion in annual health-care costs. Hardest hit by the tobacco epidemic are vulnerable populations, including people with lower levels of education.

If you smoke cigarettes, choose to quit today as part of the 34th Great American Smokeout. It’s true that quitting is no simple task—and you may have made several honest attempts before. But considering the damage cigarette smoke does to your looks, on top of your health and the health of those around you, it’s worth another try. Consider these practical ways to help you get started: