News

Support available to quit smoking

Boscobel Area Health Care is offering a "Freedom from Smoking" clinic, beginning Tuesday, January 27, 2009. The seven-week cessation program provides the education, counseling, and support needed to break the nicotine addiction.

"Most smokers want to quit, and have made several attempts. This program individualizes a person's cessation plan to meet their specific needs, while providing group support to help remain nicotine free," says Nora Munson, facilitator for the program.

Smoking has been synonymous with lung cancer for decades. But every day it seems to be linked to more health threats, from serious killers like heart disease and stroke, to mild but annoying illnesses like the common cold.

"Tobacco smoke has been classified as a carcinogen, which means it damages cells and causes cancer. That damage is not limited to the lungs," says Nora Munson, Cardiac Rehab, Boscobel Area Health Care. Munson facilitates the "Freedom from Smoking" program.

But while the reasons to stop smoking keep coming, quitting the deadly and addictive habit has not become easier. That is why the first four sessions of the program focus on understanding nicotine addiction and building an individual quit plan.

Munson says most people can identify when they will crave cigarettes, whether it is a night out with friends or at home after a meal. "Understanding your routine and how tobacco plays a role in that routine helps you better develop your quit plan."

There is a $50 fee for the program. For more information or to register, contact Boscobel Area Health Care's Cardiac Rehab program at 608-375-6221.

Do's and Don'ts to help a smoker quit

Has a friend or family member finally made the decision to break free of nicotine? You can help. Here are some do's and don'ts for helping a smoker quit successfully.

  • Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is his or her lifestyle change challenge, not yours.
  • Do ask the person whether he or she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he or she is doing. Let the person know that it's okay to call you whenever he or she needs to hear encouraging words.
  • Do help the quitter get what she or he needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, and fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator.
  • Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his or her mind off smoking -- go to the movies, take a walk to get past a craving (what many call a "nicotine fit"), or take a bike ride together.
  • Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking -- whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.
  • Do celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL!
  • Don't take the quitter's grumpiness personally during his or her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms usually pass in about 2 weeks.
  • Don't offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the plan or program he or she is using.