Interactive experience hope to stop residents from smoking

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA)- The El Centro Regional Medical Center and Imperial County Health Department are joining forces to help valley residents quit smoking. 

In association with the American Cancer Society, the health agencies held the "Great American Smokeout" event to show residents the consequences of smoking.

Sara Reza, the Community Outreach Specialist for El Centro Regional Medical Center said the interactive experience gives a chance for residents to see how smoking harms their lungs and how it could be hurting those around them.

"When you're a smoker, you can't take in that much breath. And visually seeing what's happening as a smoker, you're going to feel that when you're walking you know. And you're trying to be active and something that shouldn't be difficult. You can feel it. And being able to see it visually I think really drives it home. We're visual creatures."

You can here for more information on resources that are available to help you quit smoking.