What about a New Year’s resolution to quit using tobacco?
Many people are making resolutions to improve their lives during the upcoming year.
One of the most important changes people can make to improve their health is quitting tobacco use.
The Clean Air Cowley County Coalition is encouraging tobacco users to make a New Year’s resolution to quit and to call the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free help and support.
Tobacco use remains the most preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. and in Kansas.
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It is estimated that 3,900 Kansans die every year from smoking-related diseases. Quitting smoking will reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis and oral cancer.
Quitting smoking will also improve people’s health in ways they will notice everyday. Quitting will lower heart rate, reduce shortness of breath, reduce coughing, and improve the taste of food.
To help area residents become tobacco free, the Clean Air Cowley County Coalition and the City-Cowley County Health Department will be distributing quit kits to anyone who is ready to kick the habit and needs a little boost.
The quit kits will be available at both Cowley County Health Department locations 115 E Radio Lane in Arkansas City and 320 E 9th Suite B in Winfield.
The kits are free of charge and loaded with information and resources (one per tobacco user please).
We know the addiction to nicotine is powerful and quitting tobacco often takes several tries.
That’s why we offer free help and support through the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Call the Quitline today to create your plan to quit. When you look at the benefits, quitting is certainly worth another try and you’re more likely to be successful if you get help.”
When Kansans are ready to quit tobacco, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) will provide support and work with the caller to develop a plan to quit.
Counselors will provide information and guidance during one-on-one telephone sessions. Kansans can call the Quitline anytime day or night to start the process.
Once enrolled in the free service, callers will work with one counselor who will set up sessions that fit the caller’s schedule. During these sessions, callers will discuss the reasons they want to quit and find ways to handle any barriers.
Studies have found that using a tobacco Quitline can more than double a person’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco.
Clean Air Cowley County is a coalition based in Cowley County that is working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly effects.
Clean Air Cowley County has information on how to help reduce tobacco use and help people who use tobacco quit. Visit www.cleanairkansas.org or e-mail the coalition at cleanaircowleycounty@yahoo.com.
ou can also contact the health education department of the City-Cowley County Health Department at (620) 221-0143, extension 5583, or via the Web site at www.cowleycounty.org/health.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Tobacco Use Prevention Program provides resources and technical assistance to community coalitions for development of local tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.
For additional information about the Kansas Tobacco Use Prevention Program, visit www.kdheks.gov/tobacco.
By Jennifer Love
December 15, 2009
