It’s a new year and there is no better time to quit tobacco.
Quitting tobacco will not only help cut your risk for diseases caused by smoking, dipping or chewing, it can leave you feeling healthier and stronger. Most tobacco users who want to quit try several times before succeeding, but there are steps you can take that will improve your chances of quitting for good. If you or someone you know is ready to make a fresh start and quit tobacco, Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well offers free tobacco cessation classes.
Freshstart, a program designed by the American Cancer Society, supports participants through the first few days when quitting is the hardest and then teaches them how to master obstacles that may come later. The program is designed to help participants develop coping skills for the physical and psychological side effects that come with going tobacco-free.
Classes meet one hour a week for four weeks and all materials are provided. The group sessions provide former tobacco users with education on approaches to quitting, skills for coping with cravings and motivational support. Those who attend the classes learn the lifelong benefits of quitting tobacco and how to avoid a relapse.
An important part of the program is making an individualized plan to quit. To help fight the urge to start using tobacco again, participants are asked to make a list of things they could do instead. The program also offers a free two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum or patches.
Interested smokers, dippers and chewers are encouraged to attend the next session of Freshstart, which will begin Jan. 9. Classes will be held Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in Classroom C.
Visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org to register online for a free Freshstart class now or call 770.214.CARE (2273).
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