November 17th is the 36th annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Great American Smokeout, and the Shelby Health Department urges smokers to quit.

The Great American Smokeout is an annual event, encouraging smokers to quit for a day in the hope they may quit for good.  Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, including 38,000 deaths among as a result of secondhand smoke.

Tennessee offers a FREE Tobacco QuitLine program.  The program is a toll-free telephone service that provides personalized support for Tennesseans who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.  Caller to the QuitLine are assigned a personal coach who can help callers understand how to quit tobacco use.  The program is free to all Tennessee residents who want to quit smoking.  The QuitLine number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

The DEA has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., you'll be able to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs safely.

Find a location near you here:  http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Wondering how your blood pressure or cholesterol levels look? You can get $100 worth of health screenings free when the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour bus comes to town.

The free tests, which include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index, are available to anyone 18 years of age and older. No AARP membership or reservation is required. However, all participants do get a free one year AARP membership or extension.